Jet Nozzle Airflow for Closed-Container Powder Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for cleaning food product powder from handling apparatuses are labor-intensive and susceptible to contamination due to the need for manual removal and opening the container.
Innovation Solution
A jet nozzle system is used to direct air towards different interior surfaces of a sealable container to remove residual powder, with the air and powder being drawn out, allowing for efficient and sanitary cleaning without opening the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning using compressed air is used to remove powder from the container interior, then the cleaning process can be performed, but the process becomes labor-intensive and requires opening the container which causes contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-contained cleaning where the container cleans itself through integrated jet nozzles and vacuum sources, eliminating the need for manual intervention and opening the container. The cleaning apparatus remains closed throughout the process, with air jets and vacuum working together to remove powder automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic systems with jet nozzles that direct high-velocity air streams toward the container interior surfaces to dislodge and remove powder. The system integrates pneumatic cleaning with vacuum extraction, both operating through sealed connections to maintain container closure and prevent contamination.
2Ease of operation
If the container is opened for cleaning to access the interior surface, then cleaning can be performed, but the container interior becomes susceptible to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The container performs self-cleaning through integrated jet nozzles and vacuum sources that access the interior through sealed connections. The system eliminates the need to open the container by using pneumatic jets that penetrate through closed seals to deliver cleaning air and extract powder automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces sealed air passages and jet nozzle assemblies as intermediaries that transmit cleaning air into the container interior without requiring opening the container. These intermediary components maintain the sealed barrier while enabling the cleaning function to proceed.
3Productivity
If multiple jet nozzles are added to direct air towards different interior surfaces, then complete powder removal is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into multiple jet nozzles, each positioned to target specific interior surfaces of the container. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of all surfaces including ceiling, walls, and corners, with each nozzle handling a specific zone to ensure complete powder removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet nozzle system serves multiple functions: cleaning different surfaces (ceiling, walls, corners), working in coordination with vacuum sources, and operating through sealed connections. The same pneumatic infrastructure supports both air jet delivery and vacuum extraction functions.
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 efficient and sanitary cleaning of food product powder from handling apparatuses by ensuring complete removal of powder while maintaining the container's integrity, reducing manual labor and preventing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
feeding air into the sealable container using a jet nozzle that is attached to the sealable container, with the air being directed by the jet nozzle towards the interior surface to remove product powder from the interior surface
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum source that is arranged to draw air out from the sealable container, such that air and the removed product powder may flow out of the sealable container via the powder outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
An apparatus for handling a food product powder includes a sealable container having an interior surface defining a volume in which the food product powder is handled, and a powder outlet. The apparatus includes a jet nozzle (6) that is attached to the container and configured to feed air into the container and direct the air towards the interior surface to remove product powder from the interior surface, such that the air and the removed product powder may flow out of the container via the powder outlet. The jet nozzle (6) includes a ceiling spray opening (33) formed on a first side (28) of the jet nozzle (6) and directed towards a ceiling of the interior surface, and a side wall spray opening formed on a second side (30) of the jet nozzle (6) opposite the first side (28) and directed towards a side wall of the interior surface.