Modular system for loading a conveyor dishwasher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for cleaning washware in commercial kitchens face challenges such as high operational costs, inflexibility, and inefficient staff utilization due to over- or under-dimensioning, leading to burdensome working conditions and complex, rigid automation solutions.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a detection module, interchangeable handling modules, a feeding unit, and a control module that assesses washware state data and dynamically allocates handling functions to optimize washware processing, allowing for flexible adaptation to changing situations and reduced staff requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fixed automation systems are used for loading conveyor dishwashers, then productivity is improved through automated processing, but device complexity increases and adaptability decreases due to rigid, non-modular architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The loading system is divided into multiple independent loading modules, each capable of handling specific washware types. These modules can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the current washware mix, allowing the system to maintain high productivity while adapting to varying cleaning situations without requiring complete system reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic module selection where the control unit determines which loading modules are actively used based on real-time assessment of the washware situation. This dynamic activation allows the system to optimize productivity for each specific cleaning task while maintaining adaptability to changing conditions.
2Productivity
If conventional fixed automation systems are used for loading conveyor dishwashers, then productivity is improved through automated processing, but device complexity increases due to rigid, non-modular architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The loading system is divided into multiple independent loading modules, each capable of handling specific washware types. These modules can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the current washware mix, allowing the system to maintain high productivity while adapting to varying cleaning situations without requiring complete system reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading modules are designed with universal interfaces and standardized structures that allow them to be used across different cleaning situations. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using repeated, standardized components rather than unique custom-built mechanisms for each washware type.
3Reliability
If over-dimensioned cleaning systems are deployed to handle variable washware volumes, then reliability is improved by ensuring sufficient capacity, but loss of energy increases due to operating below optimal load
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts which loading modules are active based on the current washware situation, ensuring that energy is consumed only by the necessary processing capacity. This dynamic resource allocation maintains reliability by having sufficient total capacity available while minimizing energy loss by not operating all modules at full capacity when not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system selectively deactivates loading modules when their services are not currently needed, effectively 'discarding' their energy consumption for that period while maintaining the capability to activate them when required, thus avoiding continuous energy waste while preserving system reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling of washware is used to maintain flexibility, then adaptability is improved by easily adjusting to different washware types, but productivity decreases due to slower processing speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The loading system is divided into multiple independent loading modules, each capable of handling specific washware types. These modules can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the current washware mix, allowing the system to maintain high productivity while adapting to varying cleaning situations without requiring complete system reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically assesses the washware situation and determines which loading modules to activate, eliminating the need for manual intervention to reconfigure the system. This self-service capability maintains the adaptability of manual systems while achieving the productivity of automated systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes a modular system for loading a conveying apparatus of a conveyor dishwasher. The modular system comprises: A. at least one detection module for sensing status data relating to supplied washware; B. a plurality of interchangeable handling modules, wherein the handling modules are each intended to perform an individual handling function for handling the washware using at least one actuator; C. at least one feeding unit for selectively feeding the supplied washware to the handling modules; D. at least one control module, wherein the control module has at least one registering unit, wherein the handling modules and the individual handling function thereof can be registered, and deregistered, at the registering unit, wherein the control module has at least one processor and is programmed to evaluate the status data and to assess a respective situation of the supplied washware; and to detect which handling modules are registered at the registering unit, whether the respective individual handling function of the handling modules is usable in the respective washware situation, and to activate the feeding unit such that washware is fed to the handling modules in accordance with the usability. The invention also proposes a cleaning system which comprises the modular system, and further proposes a method for cleaning washware.