Dishwasher-Safe Scale Cover with Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital scales in commercial kitchens face challenges with cleaning due to exposure to greases, liquids, and food products, which can lead to bacterial growth and damage from moisture, making them difficult to maintain and more expensive to protect from harsh dishwasher environments.
Innovation Solution
A removable cover system for electronic scales that includes a flexible membrane and alignment mechanisms, allowing the scale to be easily cleaned in a dishwasher while protecting it from dirt and bacteria, with components made from durable materials like stainless steel or rigid plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If digital scales are protected from moisture using gaskets and seals, then the scale can be cleaned, but the cost increases and the protection is insufficient against commercial dishwasher environments
Solution Approach 1:
The scale system is divided into two separable components: the electronic scale unit and the removable protective cover. The cover can be detached for cleaning while the scale remains protected, eliminating the need for complex seals and gaskets around electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective cover acts as an intermediary barrier between the electronic scale and the harsh dishwasher environment. This cover is specifically designed to withstand commercial dishwasher conditions while the scale itself remains separate and protected.
2Reliability
If clear plastic shields are added to protect the scale, then the scale is protected from the environment, but the shields are not durable and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The material properties of the protective cover are specifically selected to withstand commercial dishwasher environments. The cover is made from materials that can endure high temperatures, strong water pressure, and harsh cleaning chemicals without degrading, unlike conventional clear plastic shields.
3Ease of operation
If the scale is designed to be washable, then cleaning is possible, but the high water temperature and pressure in dishwashers can damage the scale
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the cleanable protective cover from the sensitive electronic scale. The cover can be removed and subjected to harsh dishwasher cleaning, while the scale remains protected from damaging temperatures and pressures.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the scale is not cleaned regularly, then bacteria can harbor on the soiled scale, but cleaning may leave residue films of grease and bacteria
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is designed as a separate, removable component that can be thoroughly cleaned in commercial dishwashers. This separation allows the cover to be completely sanitized without risking damage to the scale or leaving residue films on sensitive electronic surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A scale and cover comprises an electronic scale comprising a scale tray and a user control and a first alignment mechanism. A cover for removably receives the electronic scale where the cover defines an aperture communicating the exterior of the cover with the electronic scale. The cover comprises a second alignment mechanism that engages the first alignment mechanism. A tray comprises a leg that is inserted through the aperture and is supported by the scale tray.