Fruit Washing Conveyor With Over-Under Revolving Brushes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current washing systems for fruit and vegetable products, both singularized and in bunches, are inefficient in ensuring effective cleaning due to inadequate water spraying and brushing mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A conveyor-based washing system with a washing station equipped with nozzles for continuous water spraying and a unique pair of revolving brushes positioned underneath and over the conveyor line, allowing for thorough cleaning without product displacement, utilizing a configuration where both brushes rotate in the same direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional washing systems use simple water spraying or single-sided brushing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the washing effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing effectivenessVSAvoidbrushing mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The washing system is segmented into multiple functional zones along the conveyor line, with separate spraying stations and brushing stations. The brushing mechanism is further segmented into multiple brush pairs positioned at different locations and angles to address different cleaning needs throughout the washing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges water spraying and mechanical brushing functions into a unified washing station. Multiple brush pairs with different orientations (parallel and perpendicular to conveyor) are combined to work simultaneously on products moving through the conveyor, achieving comprehensive cleaning coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If brushes are positioned to effectively reach products on conveyor, then washing effectiveness is improved, but product displacement occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing effectivenessVSAvoidproduct position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Different brush pairs are positioned with specific local characteristics: some brushes are positioned above the conveyor to reach top surfaces, others below to reach bottom surfaces, and additional brushes are oriented perpendicular to the conveyor to reach side surfaces. Each brush pair is locally optimized for its specific cleaning zone without causing product displacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of moving products to access different cleaning surfaces, the system inverts the approach by bringing cleaning elements (brushes and nozzles) to the products from multiple directions (above, below, and perpendicular to conveyor), allowing products to remain stationary on the conveyor while being thoroughly cleaned

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If manual intervention is used for washing products, then washing effectiveness can be improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing effectivenessVSAvoidwashing throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed as a self-service automated washing system where products move through the conveyor and are automatically cleaned by spraying and brushing mechanisms without requiring manual handling. The conveyor system continuously feeds products through the washing station, maintaining high throughput while ensuring effective cleaning of each product

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The washing process operates continuously with products moving along the conveyor line through multiple washing zones. Water spraying and brush cleaning act continuously on products throughout their passage through the washing station, eliminating idle time and maintaining constant washing action to maximize productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system provides an automatic, efficient, and thorough washing process for fruit and vegetable products, ensuring effective removal of soil and residues without manual intervention, capable of handling both singularized and bunch-washed products.

Implementation Method 1

provided with at least one nozzle (25) for spraying washing water onto said products

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

at least one pair of brushes (24) adapted to brush said products by means of its bristles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

brushes (24) adapted to brush said products by means of its bristles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

the brushes (24) of said pair are revolving about respective axes of revolution with the same direction of revolution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentEP1880619B1System for washing fruit and vegetable products

Publication Date: 2011.09.07 UNITEC SPA

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

The system (1) for washing fruit and vegetable products (2) comprises a conveyor line (3) of the products (2) along a direction (X), a plurality of seats (5) for accommodating the products (2) made along the conveyor line (3) and presenting through windows, and a washing station (4) defined in a zone of the conveyor line (3) and provided with at least one nozzle (25) for spraying washing water onto the products and at least one revolving brush (24) adapted to brush the products (2) by means of its bristles (28).