Food Processor Automated Cleaning with Integrated Solution Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food processing systems require significant manual effort and time for regular cleaning and sanitizing of food flow paths, which is inefficient and time-consuming, especially in commercial settings with diverse beverage offerings.

Innovation Solution

A food processor configuration that includes a reservoir, a freezer chamber, and a solution input line independent of the food flow path, allowing for automated isolation, draining, and introduction of cleaning solutions into the freezer chamber, enabling efficient rinsing, cleaning, and sanitizing without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If portable chemical dispenser systems are used to clean beverage lines, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but operator time and manual effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidoperator time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The food processor system performs self-cleaning through automated solution dispensing and draining operations. The control system automatically isolates the food flow path, introduces cleaning solutions through the solution input line, and drains the chamber without requiring manual operator intervention, thereby maintaining cleaning effectiveness while eliminating time-consuming manual operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for cleaning by automatically isolating the food flow path using flow control valves before introducing cleaning solutions. This preliminary isolation action ensures that cleaning solutions are contained within the food flow path during treatment, improving cleaning effectiveness while the automation of this preparation step reduces overall operator time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If portable chemical dispenser systems are used to clean beverage lines, then cleaning capability is maintained, but operator input and manual effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidoperator input

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to perform self-cleaning operations through automated control. The control system manages the entire cleaning sequence including isolating the food flow path, dispensing cleaning solutions through the solution input line, and draining the chamber, thereby maintaining cleaning capability while eliminating the need for manual operator input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of portable chemical dispensers is replaced by an automated control system that electronically manages the cleaning process. Flow control valves and the solution input line work under automated control to introduce and manage cleaning solutions, replacing manual mechanical dispensing operations with an automated control mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual cleaning methods are used for food flow paths, then flexibility in cleaning approach is maintained, but productivity and efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning flexibilityVSAvoidcleaning efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The food processor system incorporates a multi-functional cleaning mechanism that can handle various cleaning needs through a single integrated system. The solution input line can introduce different cleaning solutions, the flow control valves can isolate different portions of the food flow path, and the automated control system can manage various cleaning sequences, providing cleaning flexibility while the automation delivers high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically performs preliminary isolation of the food flow path using flow control valves before initiating cleaning operations. This automated preparation ensures that subsequent cleaning actions are contained and effective, maintaining cleaning flexibility through programmable sequences while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating manual setup time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10888102B2Food processor with integrated agitation treating

Publication Date: 2021.01.12 CLEAN SAFER SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A self-contained food processor is provided for treating a food flow path in the food processor with a solution. The food flow path can be treated without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the food processor and without requiring direct operator input. The food processor includes a controller for directing passage of a solution through at least portions of the food flow path without requiring constant operator oversight. The food processor can employ available positive pressure water supply, such as public utility water pressure to selectively and automatically push solutions, including rinses, backwards or forwards through the food flow path in the food processor.