Dishwasher, in particular in the form of a counter module for a counter system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers and counter systems are not configured to ensure the presentation, preparation, and sale of foodstuffs in an environmentally friendly manner while complying with hygiene regulations, particularly in self-service coffee shops where space is limited, and there is a need to reduce disposable dish usage without disrupting the ordering process or increasing personnel effort.
Innovation Solution
A compact dishwasher configured as a counter module with a treatment zone accessible from the customer side for soiled items and only from the counter personnel side for cleaned items, featuring a bracket for secure positioning of washware, an air-blowing system for drying, and integrated technology in an under-table area to minimize space usage and ensure hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conveyor dishwasher is used to clean washware items continuously, then cleaning productivity is improved, but the space requirement in the installation room increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The dishwasher is segmented into distinct functional zones (preclearing zone, wash zone, rinse zones) arranged in series, allowing continuous processing while maintaining a compact footprint. Each zone performs a specific cleaning function, enabling efficient space utilization while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dishwasher transitions from a horizontal conveyor layout to a vertical arrangement where washware moves through treatment zones in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change allows continuous cleaning operation while significantly reducing the horizontal space requirement in the installation room.
2Reliability
If disposable dishes are used to serve foodstuffs, then hygiene requirements are met and ordering process efficiency is maintained, but environmental friendliness deteriorates due to increased waste
Solution Approach 1:
Customers place their own reusable containers into the dishwasher through the placement area, and cleaned containers are made available for reuse. This self-service approach enables the system to maintain hygiene standards through proper cleaning while eliminating the need for disposable dishes, thereby reducing environmental impact.
3Area of stationary object
If a compact dishwasher design is implemented to reduce space usage, then ease of installation in limited spaces is improved, but device complexity increases due to integrated components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (washing and rinsing pumps, wash tank, rinse aid dosing system, cleaner dosing system, heating element) are merged and integrated into a single compact dishwasher unit. This consolidation reduces the overall space requirement while managing device complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The dishwasher is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines preclearing, washing, rinsing, drying, and disinfecting capabilities in a single device. This universality allows the compact dishwasher to perform multiple cleaning functions simultaneously, reducing the need for separate equipment and optimizing space utilization.
4Loss of substance
If customer-owned reusable containers are cleaned in the counter system, then resource conservation is improved and disposable dish usage is reduced, but contamination risks increase if hygiene protocols are not strictly followed
Solution Approach 1:
The dishwasher performs preliminary cleaning actions (preclearing, washing, rinsing) on customer-owned containers before they are reused. This preliminary action removes contaminants and reduces contamination risks, enabling safe reuse of reusable containers while conserving resources by eliminating disposable dishes.
Solution Approach 2:
The dishwasher employs disinfecting phases that utilize strong oxidizing agents or high-temperature treatment to eliminate contaminants and pathogens on customer-owned containers. This accelerated oxidation or thermal disinfection ensures thorough sanitization, reducing contamination risks while maintaining resource conservation benefits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for the reliable cleaning of customer-owned reusable containers within the counter system, reducing contamination risks, conserving resources, and maintaining the efficiency of the ordering process without additional personnel, while promoting the use of reusable dishes and adhering to hygiene regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a first air-blowing system integrated into the over table area of the dishwasher, which is configured and oriented with respect to the placement surface such that water can be blown off the washware item with the air-blowing system
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher (1) for cleaning washware items (2) in the form of drinking vessels is configured as a counter module of a counter system and includes at least one treatment zone (3) having a placement area (4) associated with the treatment zone (3) and a removal area (5) associated with the treatment zone (3), wherein the washware item (2) can be placed into the treatment zone (3) via the placement area (4) and the cleaned washware item (2) can be removed from the treatment zone (3) via the removal area (5), wherein the placement area (4) and the removal area (5) are disposed opposite one another with the interposition of the treatment zone (3). At least one bracket (15) is provided in the treatment zone (3) for in releasably securing and/or positioning the washware item (2) placed onto a placement surface (20) in the treatment zone (3).