Variable-Speed Food Washer Pump for Fragile and Heavy Produce
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional powered food washing applications with fixed fluid flow rates are inadequate for both heavy and fragile food items, as they either fail to clean thoroughly or cause damage, highlighting the need for an infinitely adjustable flow rate to accommodate various food types and sizes.
Innovation Solution
An infinitely variable pump system integrated with a washing machine, utilizing a variable frequency drive and sensors to monitor and adjust flow rates based on user inputs, pre-set values, and real-time sensor readings, allowing for precise adaptation to different washing environments and items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed fluid flow rate is used for average food products, then the washing is adequate for average items, but the flow rate is too low for heavy food products and too high for fragile food items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by implementing a pump system that transitions from fixed flow rates to dynamically adjustable flow rates. The pump controller continuously varies the flow rate based on real-time sensor feedback about food product characteristics (size, weight, fragility), enabling the system to adapt to different food types without requiring multiple fixed-speed pumps or complex mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Parameter changes principle by varying the flow rate parameter continuously based on detected food product properties. The system measures characteristics such as product size, weight, and fragility, then adjusts the flow rate parameter accordingly - increasing it for heavy robust items like melons and decreasing it for fragile items like berries, thereby optimizing washing effectiveness across diverse food types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual-flow or pre-determined multi-flow pumps are used, then some variety in washing conditions is provided, but pre-set flow rates cannot sufficiently cover all use cases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Feedback principle by implementing a closed-loop control system where sensors continuously monitor food product characteristics and provide real-time feedback to the pump controller. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust the flow rate to match the specific washing requirements of different food items, providing comprehensive scenario coverage without requiring extensive pre-programming of fixed flow rate options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Universality principle by designing a single pump system capable of performing multiple washing functions across diverse scenarios. The continuously variable flow rate capability allows one pump to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized pumps or complex pre-set configurations, achieving universal adaptability to any food product type within the washing chamber.
3Reliability
If a singular flow rate is used, then the pump system is simple, but it fails to properly clean heavy food products or avoid damage to fragile food items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle to ensure reliable washing across different food types by making the flow rate dynamic rather than static. The system continuously adapts the flow rate based on real-time detection of food product properties, ensuring that heavy items receive sufficient washing force while fragile items receive gentler treatment, thereby maintaining high washing effectiveness across all scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Self-service principle by enabling the washing system to automatically determine and adjust its own operating parameters based on sensor feedback about the food products being washed. The controller autonomously selects appropriate flow rates without requiring manual intervention or pre-programmed settings for each food type, achieving reliable washing effectiveness through self-adjusting operation.
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 effective cleaning of all food items by providing a wide range of wash settings, ensuring thorough cleaning without damage, and allowing user customization and experimentation with different settings for optimal results.
Implementation Method 1
The pump utilizes a variable frequency drive and a controller
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine with an infinitely variable pump is provided. The infinite variable pump is a fluid pump with pumping speeds which are uncountably infinite, in such that it has a maximum value and a minimum value for its pumping speed, but is otherwise configured to allow a user to select any pumping speed of the uncountable set between these pre-set limits. The pump may utilize a variable frequency drive (VFD). The VFD uses an inverter duty motor instead of a normal induction motor. The VFD is incorporated within the pump. The VFD is wired into the pump motor circuit between the machine power switch and the motor. Such a configuration allows for a ground-up build of a washing machine incorporating the infinitely variable pump or a retrofitting of an existing wash tank to incorporate the infinitely variable pump.