Immersion Systems & Methods for Pre-Washing or Washing Silverware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silverware washing systems are complex, expensive, and require heavy, complex pumping systems and structures, often failing to provide thorough bidirectional washing and easy integration into existing operations, leading to incomplete cleaning and increased maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A unitary basin system with vertically movable porous baskets and a central lifting mechanism that allows for immersion and agitation in a washing fluid, enabling bidirectional washing and rearrangement of silverware without the need for complex pumping systems, and can be easily integrated into existing dish room operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex pumping systems and structures are used for silverware washing, then washing capability is provided, but system weight, cost, and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex pumping systems, manifolds, and heavy structures from traditional washing systems. Instead of using pumps to force water through silverware, the invention allows water to naturally flow through porous baskets containing silverware, removing the need for complex mechanical pumping infrastructure while maintaining effective washing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service washing where water naturally flows through the porous baskets and silverware without requiring external pumping mechanisms. The porous baskets themselves facilitate the washing process by allowing water penetration, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on complex pumping infrastructure.
2Manufacturing precision
If unidirectional washing is used in existing systems, then one side of silverware is heavily washed, but the other side is not thoroughly washed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic movement to the washing process by vertically oscillating the porous baskets up and down in the water. This dynamic motion causes water to flow through the silverware from multiple directions and continuously rearranges the silverware items, ensuring all surfaces are thoroughly washed rather than just one side, thereby improving washing effectiveness.
3Stability of the object's composition
If silverware is locked in one position within layers, then structure is maintained, but some areas are precluded from getting washed
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical oscillation of the porous baskets dynamically rearranges the silverware items during the washing process. As the baskets move up and down, water flow and motion cause silverware to shift positions and reorient, ensuring that all areas including previously obscured surfaces are exposed to washing action, thereby achieving complete washing coverage.
4Reliability
If complex pumping and manifold systems are used, then washing function is achieved, but system cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes complex pumping systems, manifolds, and associated infrastructure from the washing system. By using simple porous baskets that allow natural water flow, the system achieves washing function without the high maintenance and cost associated with complex mechanical pumping components, thereby improving ease of repair and reducing operational costs.
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 a cost-effective, efficient, and thorough washing solution that reduces maintenance and training requirements, ensuring all sides of silverware are cleaned without the need for heavy infrastructure, while allowing for easy integration into existing operations.
Implementation Method 1
The porous baskets include perforation arrays to allow washing fluid to flow in non-linear paths through the silverware contained in the basket
Implementation Method 2
vertically movable porous baskets arranged radially around a central vertical lifting and lowering mechanism. The base with unitary basin contains a quantity of washing fluid(s) into which each of the vertically movable porous baskets may be repeatedly immersed
Data Source
AI summary
A silverware pre-washing and washing system made up of a unitary basin with one to five, and preferably three, vertically movable porous baskets arranged radially around a central vertical lifting and lowering mechanism. The base with unitary basin contains a quantity of washing fluid(s) into which each of the vertically movable porous baskets may be repeatedly immersed. The base cover defines cylindrical ports through which the baskets are raised and lowered. The porous baskets include perforation arrays to allow washing fluid to flow in non-linear paths through the silverware contained in the basket, thereby washing all sides of the silverware and beneficially re-arranging the silverware in the basket as the washing process proceeds.