Fish Scaler Nozzle Positioning to Prevent Clogging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fish scalers are inefficient and messy due to clogging issues with scales and grime, requiring frequent rinsing and increasing the time and effort required for cleaning, as water outlets often become obstructed during the scale removal process.
Innovation Solution
A handheld fish scaler with a nozzle positioned remotely from the scraping portion, directing pressurized water along the underside to keep the teeth clean and prevent clogging, combined with an adjustable valve for controlling water flow and a glove for secure handling of the fish, allowing for efficient scale removal without interrupting the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water outlets are positioned close to the scraping element for continuous rinsing, then the scraping element is continuously cleaned, but the water outlets become clogged with fish scales and grime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water outlet from the scraping element area by positioning it at the rear end of the handle, separated from the forward scraping portion. This spatial separation prevents scales and grime from blocking the water outlet while still allowing continuous rinsing of the scraping element through water flow along the underside of the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the underside of the body as an intermediary pathway that directs water from the rear outlet to the scraping element. Water flows along the contiguous underside from the rear outlet forward to rinse the scraping element, creating an indirect rinsing path that avoids direct exposure of the outlet to debris.
2Productivity
If frequent rinsing of the scraping element is performed to remove accumulated scales and grime, then the scraping element remains effective, but the time and effort required for fish cleaning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous rinsing by providing a constant flow of water from the pressurized source through the outlet along the underside to the scraping element. This continuous water flow prevents scale and grime accumulation on the scraping element, eliminating the need for intermittent stopping and manual rinsing, thereby maintaining constant productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary cleaning action by having water continuously flow over the scraping element before scales and grime can accumulate to obstructive levels. This preventive rinsing approach keeps the scraping element effective throughout the entire fish cleaning process without requiring intermediate rinsing stops.
3Ease of operation
If the scraping element is rinsed multiple times during cleaning of a single fish, then scales and grime are removed from the scraping element, but the overall cleaning process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rinsing function with the main scraping operation by integrating a water delivery system that operates continuously during scaling. The water outlet, tube, and flow path are combined with the scraping element and handle to create a unified system where rinsing occurs simultaneously with scraping, eliminating separate rinsing steps.
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 cleaner and more efficient scale removal, reducing the time needed for cleaning and minimizing post-cleaning efforts by maintaining a continuous water flow that prevents debris accumulation on the scaler, allowing for effective use by both right- and left-handed users.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle adapted to be fluidly connected to a source of pressurized water... directing pressurized water exiting the nozzle along the underside of the body toward the teeth on either side of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A fish scaler assembly for removing scales from a fish such that scales and grime do not accumulate on a scraper. The assembly can be connected to a pressurized water source by threaded coupling having an adapter. A flexible tube on the adapter transports water between the water source and a nozzle attached to the scraper. Water flows from an outlet of the nozzle over the scraper to prevent the accumulation of scales and grime on a scraping portion of the scraper. The outlet of the nozzle is placed at a distance from the scraping portion to prevent to clogging of the outlet.