Food processing system capable of cleaning-in-place and cleaning method of same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing systems require manual cleaning, which poses safety risks to workers and is time-consuming due to temperature adjustments and system heights exceeding average adult reach, leading to potential accidents and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A food processing system with a transport unit, processing units, and a cleaning unit that uses nozzles to inject cleaning materials or water autonomously, allowing for cleaning-in-place without worker intervention, reducing cleaning time and safety risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed by workers, then cleaning can be carried out, but worker safety is compromised due to high system height and temperature adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs cleaning automatically without worker intervention. The cleaning unit with nozzles autonomously injects cleaning materials into the internal space, and the system self-dries after cleaning, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical cleaning operations are replaced by an automated cleaning unit that uses nozzles to inject cleaning materials. The system uses automated control mechanisms instead of human workers to perform cleaning tasks in high-temperature and high-altitude environments
2Productivity
If manual cleaning is performed, then cleaning can be completed, but significant time is required for temperature adjustments before and after cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs drying after cleaning without requiring manual temperature adjustments. The automated sequence eliminates the time-consuming process of manually adjusting temperatures before and after cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning unit operates continuously through a standardized automated sequence (cleaning material injection → water injection → drying), maintaining continuous useful action without interruption for temperature adjustments, thereby improving cleaning efficiency
3Productivity
If the system height exceeds average adult height, then processing capacity is improved, but worker safety risks increase due to high place work
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning unit autonomously performs cleaning operations within the high processing system without requiring workers to access elevated areas. The automated nozzle system reaches into the internal space to clean surfaces that would be inaccessible or dangerous for manual cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning unit acts as an intermediary between the control system and the internal space of the processing unit. It delivers cleaning materials to hard-to-reach areas through nozzles, eliminating the need for workers to physically access high or dangerous locations
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 and safe cleaning of the system without manual worker input, minimizing injury risks and time required for cleaning operations.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning unit including a plurality of nozzles that inject liquid, which is any one of cleaning material and cleaning water, into the internal space in order to clean the interior of the processing unit
Data Source
AI summary
The food processing system according to the present invention comprises: a transport unit for continuously transporting food; a processing unit through which the transport unit passes and which is provided with an internal space for processing food transported by the transport unit; and a cleaning unit provided with a plurality of nozzles for spraying the internal space with liquid, either cleaning material or cleaning water, to clean the interior of the processing unit, and a liquid supply module for selectively supplying the plurality of nozzles with either the cleaning material or cleaning water.