Rotating Crate Drying for High-Throughput, Low-Energy Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drying methods for crates or boxes, such as those used in the food industry, are inefficient in terms of throughput due to the sequential processing of objects, leading to high energy consumption and noise generation.
Innovation Solution
A device and method involving a transport system that allows objects to be transported in contact with each other, with a rotating mechanism that rotates them 180° to 360° perpendicular to the transport direction, utilizing spacing and lifting devices to create space for simultaneous processing of multiple objects, and incorporating energy recovery during the braking process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If crates are fed into and removed from a spinning device one at a time, then the drying effect is achieved, but the throughput is relatively slow
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the drying process into multiple parallel processing units. Multiple crates can be processed simultaneously through separate spinning mechanisms, transforming a sequential single-crates process into a parallel multi-crates process, thereby significantly improving throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a spatial dimension by arranging multiple spinning devices in parallel along the transport path. This allows crates to be processed in multiple dimensions simultaneously (multiple crates at once) rather than sequentially, increasing productivity without extending processing time
2Productivity
If compressed air is used to dry crates, then drying is achieved, but energy consumption is considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the crates' own rotational motion to achieve drying. By spinning the crates themselves rather than using external compressed air, the system eliminates the need for high-energy air compression while maintaining effective drying through centrifugal force and surface exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the pneumatic system (compressed air) with a mechanical rotation system. Instead of using air pressure to remove moisture, the system uses mechanical spinning to expose crate surfaces to air flow and generate centrifugal forces that facilitate drying, reducing energy consumption
3Productivity
If compressed air is used to dry crates, then drying is achieved, but noise generation is considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The crates perform their own drying through self-rotation, eliminating the need for noisy compressed air systems. The rotational motion naturally exposes all surfaces to air flow, achieving effective drying without the noise associated with air compression and delivery systems
4Area of stationary object
If objects are transported in contact with one another, then space utilization is improved, but rotation space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the spacing between objects during transport. Objects move in contact during translation to maximize space utilization, then are individually gripped and rotated when needed. This dynamic spacing allows the system to optimize for both space utilization and rotation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping device acts as an intermediary between the closely spaced objects and the rotation mechanism. It selectively engages with individual objects to provide the necessary rotation function while allowing objects to remain in close proximity during transport, resolving the conflict between space utilization and rotation capability
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
Enhances drying throughput by allowing simultaneous rotation and drying of multiple objects, reducing energy consumption and noise, while maintaining efficient operation and energy recovery.
Implementation Method 1
rotates them by at least 180° and preferably by at least 360° with respect to a rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the transport direction, in order to dry them by the rotating process
Implementation Method 2
a lifting device which lifts the object to be rotated in its direction of rotation (and in particular in the vertical direction)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for drying objects (10) and, in particular, crates (10), the device comprising: - a transport apparatus (2), which transports the objects (10), more particularly in contact with each other, in a specified transport direction (T); - a first rotating apparatus (4), which is disposed along the transport direction and individually grips the objects (10) and rotates the objects by at least 360°, with respect to an axis of rotation (D) substantially perpendicular to the transport direction (T), in order to dry the objects by means of this rotation process.