Method and cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial dishwashing technologies require high energy consumption and chemical additives to achieve adequate hygiene, leading to increased operational costs and environmental impact, while lacking precise control over hygiene effects.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that specify a target hygiene value, detect influencing variables such as temperature, disinfectant concentration, and mechanical effects, and adjust these variables in real-time to achieve the desired hygiene level, allowing for operation at lower temperatures and reduced chemical usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple fluid tanks and cleaning zones are used to increase throughput, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts cleaning parameters (temperature, chemical concentration, mechanical action intensity) based on detected dirt levels and hygiene requirements. This allows effective cleaning with reduced energy input compared to conventional systems that maintain high parameters throughout. The controller modifies parameters in real-time to match actual cleaning needs rather than applying maximum settings continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device transitions from static, fixed-parameter operation to dynamic, adaptive operation. Sensors continuously monitor cleaning effectiveness and hygiene status, feeding back to the controller which adjusts tank temperatures, chemical dosing rates, and transport speeds. This dynamic adaptation optimizes energy usage while maintaining productivity and hygiene standards.
2Productivity
If multiple fluid tanks and cleaning zones are used to increase throughput, then productivity is improved, but the requirement for cleaning solution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect dirt residues, hygiene levels, and cleaning effectiveness in real-time. This feedback is processed by the controller which adjusts chemical dosing dynamically. Instead of continuous high-level chemical application, the system applies cleaning agents only when and where needed, significantly reducing overall chemical consumption while maintaining throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentration and type of cleaning chemicals are dynamically adjusted based on detected contamination levels. The controller modifies chemical parameters (concentration, flow rate, application timing) to match actual cleaning requirements, reducing waste and environmental impact while supporting high productivity operation.
3Reliability
If temperature and disinfectant concentration are increased to ensure hygiene, then hygiene effect is improved, but energy consumption and chemical usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor hygiene parameters (temperature, disinfectant concentration, surface cleanliness) and feed this data to the controller. The system maintains hygiene effectiveness by applying minimal necessary interventions rather than continuous maximum settings. This feedback-driven approach ensures hygiene standards are met with optimized resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device performs self-monitoring and self-regulation of hygiene parameters. The sensor system automatically detects when hygiene thresholds are met or violated, and the controller autonomously adjusts parameters to maintain compliance. This eliminates the need for manual intervention and ensures consistent hygiene with minimal resource usage.
4Reliability
If temperature and disinfectant concentration are increased to ensure hygiene, then hygiene effect is improved, but chemical usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system monitors hygiene effectiveness and chemical concentrations in real-time, providing feedback to the controller. This enables precise control of chemical application, dispensing agents only when hygiene thresholds require intervention. The system avoids both under-dosing (compromising hygiene) and over-dosing (wasting chemicals), achieving optimal hygiene with minimal chemical consumption.
5Reliability
If precise control of hygiene variables is implemented, then hygiene effect is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages sensor data acquisition, processes hygiene parameter calculations, controls chemical dosing, regulates temperatures, and monitors overall system performance. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system achieves precise hygiene control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual monitoring and adjustment mechanisms with automated sensor-based detection and electronic control. Instead of mechanical gauges and manual valves, the invention uses electronic sensors and programmable controllers to manage hygiene parameters. This substitution increases precision while actually reducing operational complexity by eliminating manual intervention requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for cleaning items (143) to be cleaned. In the method, a cleaning device (126) is used having at least one cleaning chamber (128) and at least one supply device (130) for supplying the items (143) to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber (128) with at least one cleaning fluid. The method comprises the following steps: a. specifying a target hygiene value (110) to be achieved in the cleaning; b. time-resolved detecting of at least two influencing variables (112) which have an influence on a hygienisation of the goods (143) to be cleaned; c. determining hygiene value amounts from the influencing variables (114) using a predefined relationship between each influencing variable and the associated hygiene value amount; d. determining an expected actual hygiene value at the end of the cleaning from the hygiene value amount (120); e. comparing the expected actual hygiene value with the target hygiene value (122); and f. manipulating at least one influencing variable (124) depending on the result of the comparison.