Liquid distributor for a liquid-transfer system of a conveyor dishwasher, and conveyor dishwasher having such a liquid distributor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cascading overflow principle in conveyor dishwashers leads to unnecessary dilution of wash liquid in the main-wash zone, increasing resource consumption and chemical usage.
Innovation Solution
A liquid distributor with interchangeable aperture components that control the flow of liquid from the final-rinse zone, allowing for optimal matching of flow rates and preventing clogging by dirt particles, ensuring efficient liquid distribution across different machine types and operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the cascading overflow principle is used to distribute liquid from the final-rinse zone, then the liquid distribution is simplified, but unnecessary dilution of wash liquid occurs and resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid distributor divides the liquid flow into separate channels with different destinations: one channel directs liquid to the main-wash zone for useful recycling, while another channel directs excess liquid to waste or alternative uses. This segmentation prevents unnecessary mixing and dilution while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable aperture components allow adjustment of flow parameters (opening size, shape, position) to optimize the distribution ratio between recycled and wasted liquid. This enables adaptation to different operational conditions and machine types, maximizing wash liquid recovery while controlling dilution.
2Device complexity
If fixed aperture components are used in the liquid distributor, then the device structure is simplified, but the system cannot be adapted to different machine types and operational modes
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture component is made interchangeable rather than fixed, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different operational requirements. Users can swap aperture components with different geometries (circles, slots, combinations) to match various machine types, flow rates, and operational modes without redesigning the entire distributor.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid distributor is designed with a universal mounting system that accepts different aperture components. This single distributor body can serve multiple machine types and applications by simply changing the aperture insert, providing multi-functionality without increasing overall device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If small aperture openings are used to control liquid flow, then flow rate precision is improved, but clogging by dirt particles becomes a problem
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is segmented into multiple separate openings rather than one small opening. This maintains precise flow control through the collective area of multiple apertures while reducing clogging risk, as particles are less likely to block multiple small openings simultaneously compared to a single equivalent-area opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture component can be designed with porous structures or arrays of micro-apertures that provide precise flow control through capillary effects and surface tension, while the porous nature prevents complete clogging by allowing partial flow even when some openings are blocked by particles.
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
Reduces resource and chemical consumption by optimizing the liquid distribution system, maintaining functionality even with high dirt loads and allowing for easy adjustment to different flow rates and machine configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid distributor has a first connection, a second connection and at least one third connection, wherein the liquid sprayed in at least one final-rinse zone of the conveyor dishwasher can be fed to the liquid distributor via the first connection, wherein some of the liquid fed to the liquid distributor can be discharged, via the second connection, to a line system which can be connected to the second connection, and wherein the rest of the liquid fed to the liquid distributor can be discharged, via the at least one third connection, to at least one line system which can be connected to the at least one third connection
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid distributor for a liquid-transfer system of a conveyor dishwasher has first, second and third connections. The liquid sprayed in at least one final-rinse zone of the conveyor dishwasher can be fed to the liquid distributor via the first connection, wherein some of the liquid fed to the liquid distributor can be discharged, via the second connection, to a line system which can be connected to the second connection, and wherein the rest of the liquid fed to the liquid distributor can be discharged, via the third connection, to at least one line system which can be connected to the third connection. The liquid distributor has an interchangeable aperture component, which defines the fraction of liquid which is fed to the liquid distributor via its first connection and is to be discharged, via the second connection, to the line system which can be connected to the second connection.