Knock-out Unit Cleaning via Fluid and Gas Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knock-out units with permeable bottoms for removing formed food products from forming plates are time-consuming to clean and pose significant hygienic challenges due to their complex disassembly requirements.
Innovation Solution
A knock-out unit with a base and multiple knock-out cups connected via a fluid supply system that guides cleaning fluid through each cup, allowing for easy cleaning without disassembly, combined with a gas supply to enhance product ejection and cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If knock-out cups are designed with permeable bottoms for product removal, then product ejection function is improved, but cleaning time and hygiene are worsened due to complex disassembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The knock-out cup is divided into separable components (cup body, handle, base) that can be easily detached from each other and from the base plate, allowing rapid disassembly for cleaning without complex tools or procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The knock-out cup is designed to be self-cleaning through its simple structure and material properties, allowing cleaning fluid to flow through permeable areas and reach all surfaces without requiring disassembly or special cleaning mechanisms
2Productivity
If knock-out cups are designed with permeable bottoms for product removal, then product ejection function is improved, but hygiene is worsened due to difficult cleaning access
Solution Approach 1:
The cup structure is segmented into removable parts with smooth, seamless joints that prevent bacterial harboring and allow complete cleaning access to all surfaces including the base and handle areas
Solution Approach 2:
Permeable materials are used in the cup base and handle areas, allowing cleaning fluid to pass through and reach all surfaces, ensuring complete hygiene cleaning without dead zones
3Ease of manufacture
If knock-out cups are made as integrated units, then manufacturing is simplified, but cleaning becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The knock-out cup is designed with simple, modular components (cup body, handle, base) that can be easily manufactured separately and assembled, providing both manufacturing simplicity and cleaning ease through rapid disassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the knock-out cups, provides a mounting surface for the handle, and acts as a cleaning fluid distribution channel, reducing the need for separate components
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 significantly reduces cleaning time, improves hygiene, and prevents malfunction due to assembly errors, while maintaining the knock-out unit's functionality and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid supply, for example a hose or a pipe connected to the knock-out unit, for a cleaning fluid and means to guide this cleaning fluid to and through each knock-out cup
Implementation Method 2
the knock-out unit comprises a gas supply, preferably an air supply, particularly to improve the removal of the food products
Implementation Method 3
to improve the removal of the food products from the form member, particularly to reduce adhesion forces between the knock-out cup and the food product
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a knock-out unit with at least one knock-out cup, which is connected to a base. The present invention further relates to a method to clean a knock-out unit, which comprises a base and at least one knock-out cup.