Conveyor Dishwasher Camera Detection for Reusable Plastic Tableware
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial transport dishwashers lack the ability to automatically differentiate and optimize washing and drying parameters for reusable plastic tableware, leading to suboptimal cleaning and drying results, and require manual adjustment by staff, which is impractical.
Innovation Solution
A transport dishwasher equipped with a camera system and evaluation device for detecting reusable plastic tableware, allowing for automatic selection of optimized treatment programs and parameters, including washing liquid flow, nozzle pressure, rinse aid usage, and drying conditions, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional conveyor dishwashers use standard washing programs, then they can handle multiple types of items, but they cannot optimally clean or dry reusable plastic dishes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of washing parameters with an automated optical detection system. A camera captures images of items on the conveyor, and an evaluation device automatically identifies plastic tableware and triggers appropriate washing program selection, eliminating the need for manual intervention while optimizing cleaning quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The dishwasher system performs self-identification and self-adjustment of washing parameters. The camera and evaluation device enable the system to automatically detect plastic items and select appropriate washing programs without external human input, making the system self-adapting to different item types.
2Manufacturing precision
If dishwashing staff manually adjust the dishwasher program for plastic dishes, then optimal cleaning can be achieved, but this requires continuous intervention and training
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects plastic tableware using a camera and evaluation device, then self-adjusts washing parameters without requiring staff intervention. This eliminates the need for continuous manual program adjustment and reduces training requirements for dishwashing staff.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system provides continuous visual feedback about items on the conveyor, and the evaluation device processes this information to automatically adjust washing parameters in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing item types without human input.
3Productivity
If conveyor dishwashers operate continuously with mixed loads, then productivity is maintained, but optimal treatment for specific item classes cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system periodically captures images of items on the conveyor at defined times or events, enabling the system to detect plastic tableware in continuous operation and adjust parameters accordingly. This allows optimal treatment to be applied periodically to specific item types within the continuous washing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated optical detection system replaces manual load separation or program adjustment, enabling continuous operation with mixed loads while automatically identifying and optimizing treatment for plastic tableware segments within the conveyor stream.
4Extent of automation
If a camera system is added to detect plastic tableware, then automatic program selection is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves multiple functions: it monitors the conveyor for quality control, detects item types for automatic program selection, and can potentially track washing progress. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing multiple benefits from a single added component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical copying (imaging) of the physical items to identify them without physical contact or complex mechanical sensors. The camera creates a visual copy of the items, which the evaluation device analyzes to determine item type, replacing what would otherwise require complex physical detection mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a transport dishwasher (1) for cleaning items to be washed, wherein the transport dishwasher (1) has at least one washing zone (6, 7, 8, 9) and at least one rinsing zone (10) as well as a transport device (2) for transporting items to be washed through the at least one washing zone (6, 7, 8, 9) and the at least one rinsing zone (10).According to the invention, the transport dishwasher (1) has a camera system (34) which is arranged above or below or to the side of the transport device (2) and is designed to preferably continuously or at predetermined or definable times and/or events take at least one picture of an area of the transport device (2), wherein an evaluation device is further provided which is designed to evaluate the at least one picture and to determine whether, at the time of the picture taking, items of the following class of items were present in the area of the transport device (2): - Reusable plastic tableware, in particular in the form of plastic trays, plastic cups, plastic bowls, plastic covers for plastic bowls and/or plastic plates.