Immersion Washing System With Gravity Feed and Ergonomic Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current washing and thawing systems require complex and expensive pumping systems, frequent disassembly for cleaning, and manual lifting of heavy loads, leading to increased costs, maintenance, and sanitation compliance issues.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained immersion system that minimizes lifting and daily maintenance by using automated immersion and withdrawal of products from a fluid bath, eliminating the need for complex pumping systems and allowing for easy access and cleaning of components, while utilizing existing fluid reservoirs and tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex pumping systems and manifolds are used to carry fluids, then washing and thawing functions are achieved, but system cost, device complexity, and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex pumping systems and manifolds from the fluid delivery system, replacing them with simple gravity-fed fluid distribution. Fluid reservoirs are positioned above the processing chambers, allowing fluid to flow downward through simple openings and perforations without requiring mechanical pumps or complex piping networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses gravity as a self-service mechanism to distribute fluid throughout the processing chambers. The elevated fluid reservoirs automatically feed fluid downward through the product baskets and processing areas, eliminating the need for external power sources or mechanical control systems to drive fluid flow.
2Reliability
If complex pumping systems with manifolds are used, then fluid delivery is achieved, but frequent disassembly for cleaning is required, increasing maintenance time and sanitation compliance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts all complex pump and manifold components from the system, leaving only simple gravity-fed fluid paths. This extraction eliminates the parts that would require disassembly and intensive cleaning, as there are no mechanical components, joints, or hidden passages where debris could accumulate.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution system uses uniform, simple structures throughout - consistent perforated surfaces and open channels that can be cleaned in a single continuous motion. This homogeneity allows a single cleaning action to reach all fluid-contact surfaces without requiring disassembly or specialized cleaning procedures for different components.
3Productivity
If heavy loads of objects are lifted manually up and out of systems, then product removal is achieved, but operator strain and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system positions product baskets at ergonomic heights within the processing chambers, eliminating the need for operators to lift heavy loads vertically. Product can be loaded and removed at waist-level heights through front-access openings, maintaining equipotential working conditions that prevent operator strain.
4Extent of automation
If expensive hydraulic machinery is used to lift and tilt chambers, then product transfer is automated, but equipment cost increases and items can be damaged or bruised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all hydraulic lifting and tilting mechanisms from the system. Instead of automating chamber movement through expensive machinery, the system uses fixed chambers with movable product baskets that can be easily loaded and removed through front openings, eliminating the need for complex automated transfer equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than lifting and tilting entire chambers to dump products into hoppers, the system inverts the approach by providing direct front-access openings in the chambers. This allows products to be loaded and removed from the front at ergonomic heights without requiring chamber movement or inversion, eliminating the need for expensive hydraulic machinery while preventing product damage.
5Stability of the object's composition
If fixed chambers are used for holding items, then structural stability is maintained, but customization for specific applications becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the processing chamber into modular components - fixed outer chambers providing structural stability, and removable inner product baskets that can be customized for different applications. This segmentation allows the stable fixed chamber to house various specially-designed baskets for specific product types while maintaining overall system stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for washing and thawing objects, such as vegetables and fruits, where large amounts of lifting of heavy items is minimized, complex and expensive pumping and manifold systems and structures are not required; and system cost and daily maintenance is reduced. The system includes a structure for holding a volume of fluid, a vertical motion structure driven by an electric motor or the like that raises and lowers a carrier between an elevated position and a lowered position. Programmed control processes address a variety of products, objects, actions, and functions.