Cyclonic Meat Washing Apparatus with Debris Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning meat and produce are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often damage the products due to the complexity and expense of existing cleaning machines, which fail to effectively remove debris such as feathers, blood, scales, and dirt, leading to potential toxicity and compromised taste.
Innovation Solution
A compact, blow-molded or injection-molded container with a pipe system that directs water flow in a cyclonic pattern to separate debris from meat and produce, utilizing a combination of cyclonic flow and pressure washing to efficiently remove contaminants without damaging the products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing cleaning machines are used, then cleaning capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into three functional zones within a single container: a debris collection zone at the bottom, a washing zone in the middle, and an overflow drainage zone at the top. This segmentation allows complex cleaning functions to be achieved through simple spatial division rather than complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic principles by introducing water flow to create a washing action that separates debris from meat/produce. The water flow carries debris to the collection zone and allows clean water to overflow, eliminating the need for mechanical scrubbing components.
2Device complexity
If manual cleaning is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary separation action by design - debris naturally settles to the bottom collection zone while clean water overflows from the top, automatically separating contaminants from food items without requiring manual intervention during the washing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by using water flow to automatically carry debris to the collection zone and allow clean water to drain through overflow. The design eliminates the need for manual scrubbing, rinsing, and debris removal operations.
3Productivity
If aggressive cleaning methods are used, then debris removal is improved, but product damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different zones within the container provide different cleaning intensities: the bottom collection zone handles heavy debris accumulation, the middle washing zone provides gentle agitation, and the top overflow zone ensures thorough rinsing. This local differentiation allows effective cleaning without excessive force on the product.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic washing action uses water flow rather than mechanical force to remove debris. The water carries contaminants away gently, avoiding the physical damage that would result from mechanical scrubbing or high-pressure jetting while still achieving effective cleaning.
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 enables rapid and efficient cleaning of meat and produce, reducing the time and effort required while effectively removing debris, ensuring the quality and safety of the cleaned products.
Implementation Method 1
A compact, blow-molded or injection-molded container with a pipe system that directs water flow in a cyclonic pattern to separate debris from meat and produce
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a combination of cyclonic flow and pressure washing to efficiently remove contaminants
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a combination of cyclonic flow and pressure washing to efficiently remove contaminants without damaging the products
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for washing meat or produce includes a container having an interior volume defined by wall and a base, and a pipe having an outlet opening to the interior volume of the container and an inlet at an exterior of the container. The container has an opening at an upper end thereof. The outlet opens adjacent to the base such that a flow of the fluid through the pipe is directed toward or adjacent to the base. The flow of water is directed through the container so as to create a circular flow pattern that causes the debris separate from the meat or produce within the container. A handle is affixed to or formed with the container on one of the end walls of the container.