Ice Machine Cleaning Drawer for Tool-Free In-Place Sanitizing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current under-counter ice machines have inadequate cleaning procedures that are difficult, time-consuming, require special tools, and pose safety hazards, making them unsuitable for easy, tool-free, skill-free, and hazard-free cleaning.
Innovation Solution
An ice making system with a cleaning drawer that allows for a 'clean in place' operation, using a telescoping joint to flood the machine with cleaning solution, and a programmable control system to automate the cleaning process, eliminating the need for tools and special skills, and ensuring safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cleaning procedures are used for under-counter ice machines, then cleaning can be performed, but the procedure is difficult, time-consuming, requires special tools, and poses safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The ice machine performs its own cleaning automatically through a programmable control system that manages a multi-step cleaning cycle, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and complex procedures by users
Solution Approach 2:
A cleaning solution reservoir and dispensing system serve as intermediaries to automatically deliver cleaning chemicals to the appropriate locations within the ice machine, replacing the need for users to manually apply solutions with funnels and hoses
2Productivity
If traditional cleaning procedures are used for under-counter ice machines, then cleaning can be performed, but the process takes about 2 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system operates continuously through an automated cycle that sequentially performs flooding, soaking, draining, and rinsing operations without requiring user intervention, reducing cleaning time from 2 hours to approximately 30 minutes
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable control system replaces manual mechanical operations with automated control, managing pumps, valves, and timers to execute the cleaning cycle efficiently and rapidly
3Ease of operation
If traditional cleaning procedures are used for under-counter ice machines, then cleaning can be performed, but special tools such as funnels, hoses, and squirt bottles are required
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning reservoir, dispensing system, and control mechanisms are merged into an integrated cleaning subsystem that is factory-installed, eliminating the need for users to assemble or locate separate tools like funnels and hoses
4Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional cleaning procedures are used for under-counter ice machines, then cleaning can be performed, but the procedure exposes personnel to electric shock and chemical exposure hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The ice machine automatically performs its own cleaning through a programmable control system that manages electrical components and chemical dispensing, eliminating the need for users to be exposed to electrical shock or chemical hazards
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 enables easy, efficient, and safe cleaning of under-counter ice machines, reducing the cleaning time to about half an hour and eliminating the need for special tools or skills, while ensuring the machine's internal surfaces are thoroughly sanitized.
Implementation Method 1
a telescoping joint sealed against liquid leakage with a seal, for example one or more rubber gaskets, one or more rubber O-rings, or a rubber boot, that permits sliding movement of the tube connected to the drawer relative to the stationary tube
Data Source
AI summary
An ice making apparatus includes an ice machine for making ice with internal surfaces that come in contact with water and ice during normal operation. A cleaning container provides receiving cleaning solution to clean and disinfect the internal surfaces of the ice machine. A programmable control system controls the cleaning operation.