Pivoting Hold-Down Device for Cleaning Basket Item Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In commercial dishwashing, light items such as plastic buckets or gastronorm containers often shift during cleaning due to water pressure, leading to inadequate cleaning and potential contamination, and traditional solutions like reducing water pressure or using weights are inefficient or impractical.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning basket system with a pivotally mounted hold-down device that acts on items from above to secure them within the basket, allowing for secure positioning without the need for external weights, which can be easily integrated into the basket system and adjusted for different items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If water pressure is reduced to prevent item displacement, then item stability is improved, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveitem stabilityVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A hold-down device is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the items and the cleaning basket. This device applies localized downward force to counteract the upward water pressure on light items, allowing high water pressure to be maintained for effective cleaning while preventing item displacement through mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The hold-down device functions as a counterweight mechanism, applying downward force to balance the upward force exerted by high-pressure water on lightweight items. This allows the system to maintain high cleaning pressure while preventing light items from being displaced during the cleaning process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Stability of the object's composition

If weights are used to prevent item displacement, then item stability is improved, but device complexity and operational burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveitem stabilityVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hold-down device is merged with the cleaning basket structure, integrating the stabilization function directly into the basket. This eliminates the need for separate weights that would need to be manually handled, reducing operational complexity while maintaining item stability during cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hold-down device is designed to automatically engage and disengage with the cleaning basket without requiring manual intervention. The device self-adjusts to maintain item stability during loading and cleaning operations, eliminating the need for operators to manually position or remove weights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If weights are used to secure items, then item stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual handling requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveitem stabilityVSAvoidoperational ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hold-down device automatically engages with the cleaning basket and adjusts its position based on the items loaded. It self-activates during the loading process and self-disengages when the basket is removed from the cleaning chamber, eliminating all manual handling operations and significantly improving ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The hold-down device is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to automatically adjust its position and engagement level based on the loading process and cleaning cycle. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for static weights that require manual repositioning, greatly enhancing operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures secure positioning of items during cleaning, preventing contamination and improving cleaning efficiency while reducing operational complexity and space requirements, and minimizing physical strain on personnel.

Implementation Method 1

The hold-down device (116) is connected to the cleaning basket (114) and is mounted so that it can pivot about at least one pivot axis (118)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

the hold-down device (116) is designed to act on the items (112) to be cleaned from above and to press them against the cleaning basket (114)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

at least one spring element (206) which is configured to exert a spring force on the hold-down device (116) in the closing direction of the hold-down device (116)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring Force: Spring

Implementation Method 4

container dishwashers in which containers such as pots or other containers can be cleaned under high pressure of at least one cleaning fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid Pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4144282B1Cleaning basket system and cleaning device
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 MEIKO MASCHINENBAU GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4144282B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4144282B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4144282B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cleaning basket system (111) for use in a cleaning device (105) for cleaning items (112) is proposed. The cleaning basket system (111) comprises at least one upwardly open cleaning basket (114) for receiving the items (112) and at least one hold-down device (116), wherein the hold-down device (116) is configured to act on the items (112) from above and press them against the cleaning basket (114). The hold-down device (116) is connected to the cleaning basket (114) and is pivotably mounted about at least one pivot axis (118).