Handling module for loading a transport device of a conveyor dishwasher

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwashing systems face challenges in efficiently processing large quantities of cleaning goods, requiring manual interventions and leading to increased operational costs, stress on personnel, and inflexibility in adapting to changing cleaning situations.

Innovation Solution

A handling module for loading transport devices of transport dishwashers, comprising a Wenderad with turning wheels, a feed ramp for supplying dishes, and a loading ramp for transferring dishes to the transport device, allowing for efficient orientation and disposal of waste without water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual interventions are used in dishwashing systems, then personnel can handle changing cleaning situations flexibly, but operational costs increase and personnel stress rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in adapting to changing cleaning situationsVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The turning wheel automatically orients crockery items without manual intervention, allowing the system to handle varying cleaning situations autonomously. The device serves itself by mechanically adapting to different item orientations and types, eliminating the need for personnel to manually adjust each item while maintaining flexibility in processing diverse crockery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The turning wheel provides dynamic adaptation to changing cleaning situations by automatically adjusting the orientation of crockery items based on their initial position. This mechanical dynamism allows the system to respond flexibly to varying item types and orientations without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between automation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If turning wheels are used to orient crockery, then throughput is enhanced and manual interventions are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidstructural complexity of handling module
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handling module is segmented into distinct functional components: the turning wheel for orientation, the feed ramp for supply, and the loading ramp for transfer. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, increasing throughput while managing complexity through modular design that can be independently maintained and adjusted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If loading ramps with disposal openings are used, then waste disposal is improved without water, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of waste disposal mechanismVSAvoidstructural complexity of loading ramp
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The disposal opening extracts the waste removal function from the loading ramp structure, allowing waste to be separated and disposed of independently through gravity. This extraction simplifies the waste disposal mechanism by eliminating the need for water or complex mechanical removal systems, while the opening itself is a simple structural feature that does not significantly increase manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution enhances throughput, reduces manual interventions, and improves cost efficiency while offering flexibility to adapt to varying cleaning situations, thereby optimizing the processing capacity of dishwashing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a feed ramp for supplying dishes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

turning wheel configured to receive the crockery item fed via the feed ramp in an orientation with a usage side facing upwards in the crockery item compartment, wherein the turning wheel is further configured to turn the crockery item and place it on the loading ramp with the usage side facing downwards

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

at least one loading ramp for transferring the turned crockery item from the turning wheel to the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4114242B1Handling module for loading a transport device of a conveyor dishwasher
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 MEIKO MASCHINENBAU GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4114242B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4114242B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4114242B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a handling module (120) for loading a transport device (118) of a conveyor dishwasher (114). The handling module (120) comprises a turning wheel (132) for turning a dishware item (112), a supply ramp (138) and a feed ramp (128) for transferring the dishware item (112) from the turning wheel (132) to a transport device (118) of the conveyor dishwasher (114), wherein the feed ramp (128) has at least one waste disposal opening (140), wherein the turning wheel (132) is designed to receive the dishware item (112) supplied via the supply ramp (138) in an orientation with a use side (150) facing upwards, wherein the turning wheel (132) is also designed to turn the dishware item (112) and to place same on the feed ramp (128) with the use side (150) facing downwards, wherein, when placing the dishware item on the use side (150), waste on the dishware item (112) can be disposed of via the waste disposal opening (140) due to gravity. The invention also relates to a cleaning system (110) comprising the handling module (120), as well as a method for cleaning items to be cleaned (112).