Self-Cleaning Drain Tray Using Rinse Water to Prevent Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Food preparation machines, such as frozen drink preparation machines, face challenges in maintaining a clean and sanitary environment due to clogging of drip trays and drains from partly dried, congealed, or solid food matter, leading to potential overflow and unsanitary conditions if not frequently cleaned.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning drain system is introduced, which includes a preparation area drain tray, a rinsing station with a water source, and a water collection tray, with water being directed through a passage, such as an inclined trough or tube, to flush the drain tray and dislodge solid matter, utilizing ridges and outlets to focus water flow where needed, and optionally incorporating an active rinse system activated by a user or timer for effective cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning of the drain tray is performed frequently, then the cleanliness and free-flowing utility are maintained, but the loss of time and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drain tray is equipped with a self-cleaning mechanism that automatically flushes the tray using water from the water collection tray. The system uses a passage (inclined trough or tube) to direct water flow, and ridges in the drain tray to guide water to areas needing rinsing, enabling the system to maintain itself without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If water is continuously supplied to flush the drain tray, then the cleanliness is improved, but the loss of substance (water waste) worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system reuses water from the water collection tray (which collected water during the rinsing station operation) and directs it through a passage to flush the drain tray. This multi-functional use of the same water supply serves both the rinsing function and the self-cleaning function, eliminating water waste.
3Device complexity
If a simple drain tray is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to direct water flow effectively worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The drain tray incorporates ridges strategically positioned to direct water flow from the passage to specific areas where rinse water is desired. These local structural modifications create functional zones that guide water to critical areas without requiring a completely complex overall structure.
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 system maintains the cleanliness and free-flowing utility of the drip tray and its drain during operation without wasting water, effectively preventing clogging and ensuring a sanitary environment by automatically flushing away solid and liquid food waste.
Implementation Method 1
a passage from the rinsing station to the preparation area drain tray directing water to flush the preparation area drain tray with water supplied from the water source
Data Source
AI summary
A drain system for a food preparation machine includes a preparation area drain tray; a rinsing station including a water source; a water collection tray disposed below the rinsing station so as to collect water supplied from the water source; and, a passage from the rinsing station to the preparation area drain tray directing water to flush the preparation area drain tray with water supplied from the water source.