Oscillating Spray Bar Assembly for Conveyor Belt Sanitizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing and sanitizing systems for conveyor belts in the food sector are inefficient, time-consuming, and require substantial resources, with existing solutions being expensive, bulky, and not easily adaptable to different installation configurations.
Innovation Solution
A compact, integrated spray washing device composed of two parallel spray bars with aligned atomizing nozzles, joined to a supply riser forming a tubular fork-like structure, which can be easily integrated into existing conveyor belt handling installations without requiring substantial alterations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional manual spray washing methods are used, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical spraying with an automated oscillating spray bar system that mechanically oscillates to distribute washing fluid across the conveyor belt surface, eliminating manual labor while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The spray bar is designed to oscillate dynamically between two extreme positions, allowing the nozzles to sweep across the entire width of the conveyor belt. This dynamic movement enables thorough cleaning of all surfaces including recesses and interstices without requiring prolonged stationary spraying
2Extent of automation
If fixed integrated washing systems are installed, then automation is improved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The washing system is segmented into modular components: an oscillating mechanism, a spray bar with multiple nozzles, and a fluid supply system. This segmentation allows for easier installation, maintenance, and adaptation to different conveyor belt configurations without requiring complex integrated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating spray bar design serves multiple functions: it washes the conveyor belt surface, reaches into recesses and interstices, and can be adapted to different belt widths and configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components
3Reliability
If comprehensive sanitizing cycles are performed, then hygiene standards are met, but operational time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating spray bar continuously moves across the conveyor belt surface, ensuring uninterrupted coverage of all areas including difficult-to-reach recesses and interstices. This continuous action enables complete sanitizing in a single pass rather than requiring multiple sequential operations
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating mechanism adds a temporal dimension to the spraying process, transforming stationary nozzle positions into dynamic sweeping paths. This dimensional change allows the washing fluid to reach all surfaces of the conveyor belt including vertical faces and recesses that stationary nozzles could not access
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 device provides efficient and effective washing and sanitizing of conveyor belts, reducing operational time and costs, and is versatile enough to adapt to various installation configurations, ensuring high hygiene standards and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
two parallel spray bars (101, 102) with aligned atomizing nozzles (104) which are joined on only one side to a supply riser of the fluids (103, 130)
Data Source
AI summary
An innovative washing and also sanitizing device (10a, 10b) for a conveyor belt (200), which can be easily integrated into the supporting structure (201) as an accessory, being composed of two parallel spray bars (101, 102) with aligned atomizing nozzles (104) which are joined on only one side to a riser for the supply of the fluids (103, 130), forming a tubular fork-like structure. The upper spray bar (101) has a preassembled fixing group (106), of the clamp tightening type where a flat bracket (110) is interposed and protrudes to be fixed to a side rail (201, 204) in the proximity of the belt (200), after inserting the spray bars (101, 102) on one side, thus fixing the entire device (10a, 10b) in an integral and reversible way. The lower spray bar (102) is self-supporting in an oscillating way (133) and is connected with a swivelling connection (103, 105) to direct the nozzles as needed.