Fluid Screen Layout for Pot Washer Splash and Heat Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pot and pan washing machines experience inefficiencies due to splashing of fluid during the washing cycle, which can wet employees and the surrounding area, and lack effective heat retention and improved wash action.
Innovation Solution
A fluid screen is integrated into the washing machine, which includes a planar member with a first end mounted within the wash tank and a second end extending in the direction of fluid flow, preventing splashing and enhancing wash action by creating frictional engagement with wares, while also acting as a partial lid to retain heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a continuous motion rolling wash action is created using jets and wall deflections, then wash effectiveness is improved, but fluid splashing out of the tank increases
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid screen is introduced as an intermediary component between the fluid circulation system and the external environment. The screen intercepts and redirects splashing fluid while allowing the continuous motion rolling wash action to continue uninterrupted within the tank, thus resolving the contradiction between wash effectiveness and fluid splashing.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid screen utilizes a flexible thin film structure that can dynamically respond to fluid flow patterns. The flexible material allows the screen to adapt to the rolling wash action while effectively blocking splashing fluid, maintaining wash effectiveness without the harmful splashing effect.
2Productivity
If the wash tank operates without a lid to allow continuous loading and unloading, then operational efficiency is improved, but heat retention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid screen serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a barrier to reduce splashing, a lid to retain heat, and allows continuous operational access. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between operational efficiency and heat retention by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible thin film of the fluid screen creates a partial lid effect that traps heat within the tank while still permitting loading and unloading operations. The flexibility allows it to conform to the tank opening without requiring a rigid sealed lid, thus maintaining operational efficiency.
3Productivity
If fluid circulation speed is increased to improve wash action, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but fluid splashing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid screen acts as a mediator that decouples the relationship between circulation speed and splashing. It allows the system to operate at higher circulation speeds for improved cleaning effectiveness while the screen intercepts and redirects the resulting splashing fluid, preventing it from escaping the tank.
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 fluid screen effectively reduces splashing, enhances the wash action by slowing circulation speed and increasing turbulence for improved scrubbing, and improves heat retention within the wash tank.
Implementation Method 1
enhances wash action by creating frictional engagement with wares
Implementation Method 2
increasing turbulence for improved scrubbing
Implementation Method 3
acting as a partial lid to retain heat
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid screen for a washing machine, and a washing machine including a fluid screen, is provided. The fluid screen includes a generally planar member including a first end and a second end extending from the first end. The first end is mounted within the wash tank of the washing machine at a location generally in proximity to an operating fluid level within the wash tank. During operation of the washing machine, fluid circulates within the wash tank to create a rolling wash action and the second end of the fluid screen extends from the first end generally in the direction of fluid flow across the surface of the wash tank.