Multifunction tunnel machine for sanitizing tableware, and related method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multifunction tunnel machines for sanitizing tableware are inefficient due to the need for separate machines for different classes, which occupy more space and require manual sorting, leading to inefficiencies in sanitizing crockery, cutlery, and trays with different requirements.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction tunnel machine design featuring two conveyor devices at different levels, allowing for the simultaneous sanitizing of trays and cutlery with reduced footprint, where trays are conveyed with their bottom resting on the conveyor and cutlery on a separate level, optimizing space usage and streamlining the sanitizing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate tunnel machines are used for different tableware classes (crockery, cutlery, trays), then each class receives dedicated sanitizing treatment, but the occupied space and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sanitizing functions for different tableware classes (crockery, cutlery, trays) into a single tunnel machine. The machine includes a conveyor device with multiple levels or zones that can simultaneously or sequentially process different types of tableware through washing, rinsing, and drying stations, thereby reducing the need for separate machines while maintaining dedicated treatment for each class.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnel machine is designed as a multifunctional system capable of sanitizing various tableware classes with different requirements. The conveyor device and treatment zones are configured to accommodate crockery, cutlery, and trays, providing universal sanitizing capability within a single machine footprint.
2Reliability
If manual sorting of tableware into different classes is implemented, then dedicated sanitizing treatment can be applied to each class, but labor requirements and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary sorting mechanisms at the input end of the tunnel machine, such as magnetic separators for cutlery or automated classification systems, that sort tableware into different classes before they enter the main sanitizing zones. This preliminary action enables dedicated treatment for each class without requiring manual sorting by staff, thereby maintaining treatment quality while simplifying operation.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple conveyor devices are arranged at different levels within a single tunnel machine, then space efficiency improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested or stacked conveyor configuration where multiple conveyor devices are arranged at different vertical levels within the same machine footprint. The conveyors may be nested one above another or arranged in a tiered structure, allowing simultaneous processing of different tableware classes in a compact space while using standardized modular components to manage complexity.
4Area of stationary object
If trays are conveyed with bottom resting on conveyor while cutlery is conveyed separately, then space utilization optimizes, but shadowing problems may occur between different tableware classes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized sanitizing treatment zones tailored to each tableware class on the conveyor system. Different washing, rinsing, and drying conditions are applied to different sections or levels of the conveyor, ensuring that trays and cutlery receive appropriate treatment without mutual interference. This local quality approach maintains sanitizing coverage despite the compact multi-level arrangement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multifunction tunnel machine (1) comprising sanitizing treatment zones (4, 5, 6) following each other along a conveying direction (T) of tableware (V, P, S), from an input end (2) of the tunnel machine (1) to an output end (3) of the tunnel machine (1), comprising a first and a second conveyor devices (7, 8), each of which conveys tableware (V, P, S) of a respective class along the treatment zones (4, 5, 6), characterized in that said at least one first and second conveyor devices (7, 8) are arranged at two levels. A corresponding method for sanitizing tableware.