Dockable Laser Cleaning Device for Automatic Baking Press Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning methods for baking plates in automatic baking systems are inefficient and costly, requiring manual cleaning that leads to prolonged downtimes and increased operational expenses, with existing automatic cleaning devices being complex and expensive to design and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A dockable cleaning device that attaches to the automatic baking machine system's housing, equipped with an opening mechanism to automate the cleaning process, allowing for the use of a laser or dry ice jet to efficiently clean baking plates without contaminating the main process area, and can be easily adapted for different machine systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual cleaning is used for baking plates, then cleaning can be performed with simple equipment, but cleaning time is long and system downtime is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device enables the baking plates to clean themselves automatically through laser irradiation or dry ice jet application, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations and reducing system downtime while maintaining equipment simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with automated cleaning methods using laser beams or dry ice jets, which can be applied automatically without human intervention, thus reducing cleaning time and downtime while keeping the cleaning device relatively simple
2Extent of automation
If existing automatic cleaning devices are used, then cleaning automation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential cleaning function from complex existing automatic cleaning devices and implements it through a simplified device that uses laser beams or dry ice jets, achieving automation without the need for complex mechanical cleaning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cleaning approach from mechanical contact cleaning to non-contact cleaning using laser energy or dry ice particles, fundamentally altering the cleaning parameter from mechanical force to energy-based cleaning, thereby simplifying device design while maintaining automation
3Productivity
If cleaning is performed in the main process chamber, then all baking plates can be accessed, but dough residues contaminate the main process area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a detachable cleaning device as an intermediary that can be positioned in the chain section without contaminating the main process chamber, allowing complete cleaning coverage while preventing contamination through the use of contained cleaning methods like laser or dry ice
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
Enables efficient, automated, and cost-effective cleaning of baking plates, reducing downtime and operational costs by allowing for rapid and thorough cleaning of all plates in an automated process, with the ability to be reused across multiple baking systems.
Implementation Method 1
the cleaning device has a laser device with which a laser beam can be generated that is directed at the surface of the baking plate to be cleaned in order to remove adhering dough residues
Implementation Method 2
A dry ice jet cleaning device or a dry snow cleaning device can be integrated into the cleaning device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning device (1) for baking plates (10) of an automatic baking system (4), in which several baking presses (9, 11) that have two foldable baking plates (10) can be fastened spaced apart from one another to a circulating baking press chain (8), the baking press chain being arranged such as to circulate in a housing (7). The cleaning device (1) is designed such as to be docked onto the housing (7) of the automatic baking system (4) in a section of the circulating baking press chain (8) that passes through in the closed state during the baking operation of the baking presses (9, 11) and has means for detachably fastening to the housing (7) of the automatic baking system (4). The cleaning device (1) can be docked onto an end (3) of the automatic baking system (4) in a region of a reversal of the baking press chain (8). The cleaning device (1) has a cleaning head (14), which can be moved relative to a surface (12) of a baking plate (10) to be cleaned. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning baking presses of an automatic baking system.