Automatic Washing System for Food Production Machine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for producing liquid, semi-liquid, or pasty solid food products, such as ice creams, require lengthy and laborious manual cleaning processes, leading to significant downtime and increased bacterial risk due to complex structures and the need for extensive disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A machine with an automatic washing system that includes a recirculation circuit for washing liquid, a command and control unit for timed washing cycles, and heating means to maintain a sanitizing temperature, minimizing component disassembly and washing liquid usage while ensuring thorough cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but cleaning time and machine downtime increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The washing device enables the machine to clean itself automatically through a recirculation system that pumps washing liquid through spray nozzles positioned at strategic locations within the container, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical cleaning process is replaced with an automated fluid-based cleaning system that uses pumped washing liquid circulating through a closed-loop recirculation circuit with spray nozzles, achieving thorough cleaning without manual labor and reduced downtime
2Ease of operation
If components are disassembled for cleaning, then accessible cleaning can be performed, but cleaning complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically positions spray nozzles and circulates washing liquid through the container interior without requiring operator disassembly or manipulation of components, making the cleaning process as simple as activating the automated cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The washing system is divided into functional segments including the recirculation pump, spray nozzles positioned at strategic locations, and the control unit, allowing the complex cleaning task to be broken down into manageable automated operations that simplify the overall process
3Reliability
If extensive washing liquid is used, then complete coverage and cleaning can be achieved, but liquid consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The washing liquid is not discarded after a single use but is continuously recirculated through a closed-loop system where it is pumped from the container, filtered if necessary, and reused multiple times, significantly reducing liquid consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation system maintains continuous circulation of the washing liquid through the container and back to the pump, ensuring sustained cleaning action without the need to replenish large quantities of liquid, thereby reducing overall consumption while achieving complete coverage
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 automatic washing system reduces machine downtime, ensures product safety by minimizing bacterial load, and simplifies operation, allowing for efficient and cost-effective production with reduced component disassembly and lower liquid usage.
Implementation Method 1
a recirculating pump in fluid communication with said at least one recirculation pipe
Implementation Method 2
heating means to maintain a sanitizing temperature
Implementation Method 3
heat exchange means arranged on the outside of said container and able to exchange heat with said container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A machine (1) for the production of liquid, semi-liquid or pasty solid food products is described, said machine comprising a working container (7) provided with an internal stirrer (11) and externally with heat exchange means (15), an inlet opening (16) in fluid communication with means (19) for feeding a base food mixture into said container, a first outlet opening (18) for a finished food product and a second outlet opening (35) for a washing liquid. This machine is characterized in that it comprises an automatic device for washing the feeding means (19) and the container (7), comprising a circuit and a pump (42) for recirculating the washing liquid and means (43) for heating the recirculated washing liquid. A method for cleaning a machine of the aforementioned type is also described.