Dynamic Fruit Washing Nozzles for Water Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fruit washing systems in post-harvest facilities consume excessive water, leading to environmental and economic issues, as well as inefficiencies in water usage and reagent application, particularly during the rinsing process.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring electronically adjustable nozzles on multiple pipes with staggered configurations and a controller to optimize water and reagent application based on fruit load, reducing water consumption and energy use, with integrated fungicide and detergent dispensers for proportional application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional spraying systems with fixed nozzles are used, then continuous water flow is maintained, but water consumption increases significantly (2,000-2,500 litres/hour)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed nozzles with electronically controllable nozzles that can dynamically adjust their operation based on detected fruit presence. The controller activates nozzles only when fruit is detected by sensors, transforming the static spraying system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying fruit loads, thereby reducing water consumption while maintaining washing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of water flow from continuous to intermittent based on detected fruit quantity. The controller modifies the spraying parameters (activation/deactivation of nozzles) according to sensor feedback about fruit presence, optimizing water usage by matching supply demand with actual processing needs.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple nozzles are activated simultaneously to cover the conveyor belt, then washing coverage is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different nozzles to be activated selectively based on where fruit is detected on the conveyor belt. Instead of uniformly activating all nozzles, the system activates only those nozzles corresponding to locations where fruit is present, creating localized spraying zones that match the actual distribution of fruit, thereby covering the necessary areas with reduced water volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The spraying system is segmented into multiple independently controllable nozzle units along the conveyor belt. This segmentation allows the controller to activate specific subsets of nozzles based on sensor detection of fruit positions, rather than operating the entire spraying system uniformly, thus optimizing both coverage and water efficiency.
3Reliability
If rinsing is performed after washing with conventional systems, then fruit is disinfected, but additional water consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the washing and rinsing operations into a single integrated process using the same electronically controlled nozzle system. By combining these functions and controlling them through a unified sensor-based activation system, the device eliminates the need for separate continuous water flows for washing and rinsing, reducing total water consumption while maintaining both washing and disinfection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by activating nozzles in alternating phases (washing phase, rinsing phase) based on sensor detection and controller timing. Instead of continuous water flow for both functions, the electronically controlled nozzles deliver water periodically in controlled bursts, achieving both washing and rinsing/disinfection with reduced overall water usage.
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 significantly reduces water and reagent usage, minimizes CO2 emissions, and lowers energy consumption in drying processes, achieving water savings of up to 90% compared to traditional systems while maintaining uniformity and effectiveness in washing and disinfecting.
Implementation Method 1
a pipe comprising a series of nozzles set transversally above the conveyor belt sprays water mixed with soap on the fruit
Implementation Method 2
electronically adjustable nozzles operated by a controller configured to generate a frequency signal in proportion to the amount of fruit deposited on the conveyor belt and to apply a proportional volume of water
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for optimizing the washing of fruits and similar foods, which comprises a conveyor belt (1) onto which fruit (2) for washing is deposited and includes, above the conveyor belt, at least means (9) for rinsing fruit (2), which are provided with electronically adjustable nozzles (7) operated by a controller (3) configured to generate a frequency signal in proportion to the amount of fruit deposited on the conveyor belt (1) and to apply a proportional volume of water that is based on the fruit deposited on the conveyor belt. The novelty consists in the rinsing means (9) having at least two rinsing pipes (10), each of which has nozzles (7) controlled by the controller (3), such that the rinsing pipes (10) are connected to a common water supply (8) at constant pressure, in order to provide said nozzles (7) with a uniform volume of rinsing water which is proportional to the amount of fruit deposited on the conveyor belt (1).