Cyclonic Basket Assembly for Efficient Crawfish Cleaning and Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning seafood and crustacea, particularly crawfish, are inefficient and labor-intensive, requiring manual handling and multiple washing cycles, which can lead to loss of seafood and increased manual effort.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a container with a tapered wall, a basket with a slotted configuration, and a pipe with apertures that create a cyclonic water flow, allowing for efficient cleaning and pressure washing of seafood or crustacea, and facilitating easy transfer from the cleaning container to a boiling pot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cleaning methods are used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but productivity and cleaning efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is divided into distinct functional components: a container for holding seafood, a separate cleaning assembly with spray nozzles, and a draining assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning apparatus serves multiple functions within a single integrated structure: it cleans seafood surfaces through spray nozzles, drains water and debris through controlled openings, and can be easily disassembled for cleaning or storage. The container and assembly work together to provide both cleaning and draining operations.
2Loss of substance
If traditional bucket cleaning is used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but loss of seafood and manual effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus enables seafood to be cleaned and drained automatically through the integrated system. The spray nozzles automatically spray cleaning solution, and the draining assembly automatically allows water and debris to escape, reducing the need for manual tipping and handling that causes seafood loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled draining assembly acts as an intermediary between the cleaning process and waste removal. It provides a structured pathway for water and debris to exit while keeping seafood contained, preventing the seafood loss that occurs during manual bucket tipping operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple washing cycles are performed, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but time consumption and manual effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus enables continuous cleaning operation where spray nozzles continuously spray cleaning solution and the draining assembly continuously removes contaminated water. This continuous action achieves thorough cleaning in a single operation rather than requiring multiple discrete washing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is pre-configured with spray nozzles positioned to optimally cover the seafood surface and draining openings positioned to efficiently remove debris. This preliminary arrangement of components ensures that thorough cleaning is achieved from the first use without requiring repeated manual intervention.
4Productivity
If seafood is cleaned in open containers, then accessibility is improved, but debris removal efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container and assembly incorporate localized features specifically designed for debris removal: draining openings positioned at strategic locations, spray nozzles directed at specific areas, and surface textures that facilitate debris separation. These localized qualities enhance debris removal efficiency without compromising overall accessibility.
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 apparatus significantly reduces manual effort and time required for cleaning, ensures thorough removal of debris, prevents loss of seafood, and allows for convenient transfer to a boiling pot, enhancing the efficiency and speed of the cooking process.
Implementation Method 1
a pipe with a plurality of apertures adapted to direct the flow of water toward a portion of the wall spaced from the pipe so as to create a cyclonic path in the container
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for cleaning and cooking seafood or crustacea has a container with an interior volume defined by a wall, a basket removably received in the interior volume of the container, a pipe positioned adjacent to the wall and having a plurality of apertures adapted to direct the flow of water into an interior of the basket, a connector fluidically connected to the pipe, and a pot spaced from the container. The container has a bottom and an upper edge. The basket has a plurality of openings through a wall thereof. The connector has a portion extending outwardly of the wall of the container. The basket is removably received in the pot.