Modular Swing Arm Pan Cleaning System for Complex Geometry Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pan cleaning systems in commercial baking operations are inefficient, failing to effectively clean all surfaces of pans with complex geometries, leading to contamination issues from adhered toppings and seeds, and require multiple machines and labor-intensive maintenance, which disrupt production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular swing arm cleaning system with interchangeable subsystems, adjustable orientation, and oscillating brushes that can accommodate various pan types, providing comprehensive cleaning and automated maintenance, including sensors for debris detection and pan sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional fixed cleaning systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the system cannot effectively clean all surfaces of pans with complex geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs oscillating brushes that move back and forth to adapt to complex pan geometries, and adjustable orientation mechanisms that allow the cleaning head to be positioned at different angles. These dynamic elements enable comprehensive cleaning of all pan surfaces including corners and edges, resolving the contradiction between cleaning coverage and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is divided into modular components including interchangeable brush heads, oscillating mechanisms, and adjustable orientation sections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific cleaning tasks while maintaining overall system flexibility, enabling thorough cleaning of complex geometries without requiring an overly complex integrated structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate cleaning machines are used to clean different pan surfaces, then comprehensive cleaning is achieved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple cleaning functions into a single pan cleaning system. The oscillating brushes can clean various pan surfaces including flat surfaces, corners, and edges. The interchangeable brush heads allow the same machine to adapt to different pan types and cleaning requirements, eliminating the need for multiple separate cleaning machines while maintaining comprehensive cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable orientation mechanism allows a single cleaning head to be positioned at different angles to clean various pan surfaces. This dynamic adjustability replaces the need for multiple fixed cleaning machines, as one adaptable cleaning system can perform the functions of several specialized machines, reducing overall device complexity and maintenance requirements.
3Productivity
If traditional cleaning systems are used, then the initial cost is lower, but labor-intensive maintenance disrupts production efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates automated features including sensors that detect pan presence and position, automatically activate the appropriate cleaning sequence, and monitor brush wear. The system can self-adjust oscillation patterns and brush pressure based on detected pan characteristics, reducing the need for manual intervention and maintenance while maintaining high production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system uses sensors to detect pan geometry, position, and cleaning effectiveness in real-time. This feedback allows the system to automatically adjust cleaning parameters and alert operators when maintenance is needed, eliminating the need for constant manual monitoring and enabling maintenance to be scheduled during non-production periods, thus maintaining high productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed cleaning stations are used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot accommodate various pan types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable orientation mechanisms that allow the cleaning head to be positioned at different angles, and interchangeable brush heads that can be quickly swapped to match different pan types. These dynamic elements enable a single system to accommodate various pan geometries and configurations, providing high adaptability without requiring multiple fixed cleaning stations for each pan type.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is modularized into interchangeable components including different brush heads, oscillating mechanisms, and mounting sections. This segmentation allows operators to quickly reconfigure the system for different pan types by swapping modules, providing versatility while maintaining operational simplicity. The modular design reduces the complexity burden by standardizing interfaces between components.
Data Source
AI summary
A commercial baking dry pan cleaning system is provided having a support frame with one or more modular swing arms mounted thereto. One or more controllers is provided to control the one or more modular swing arms. One or more unclean pan conveyors provides a stream of unclean baking pans to the system. The controller engages one or more actuators to operate the one or more modular swing arms which swing around one or more pivot points to swing a cleaning subsystem or module into contact with the unclean stream of pans. A position limiter is coupled to each of the swing arms to set an initial operating position. The limiter communicates with the controllers. The cleaning subsystem is swung into position on the modular swing arm to engage the unclean pan. The controllers are adapted to sense and control a pressure exerted by the cleaning subsystems on the pan and maintain pressure within a pressure range. The controller whilst sensing the pressure exerted on the pan can also sense certain error conditions thereby disengage the pan if the sense pressures are outside of ranges.