Swing-Arm Pan Cleaning Stations for Complex Baking Pan Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pan cleaning systems in commercial baking operations are inefficient in cleaning complex geometries, require multiple machines for different pan types, and are difficult to maintain, leading to contamination issues and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular, customizable pan cleaning system with interchangeable cleaning subsystems mounted on an open frame, utilizing a swing arm system for easy maintenance and adjustable orientation, combined with oscillating brushes and airknives to reach all pan surfaces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple round cylindrical brushes are used for cleaning pans, then the cleaning mechanism is simple and easy to maintain, but the brushes cannot reach all surfaces of pans with complex geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into multiple independent brush modules, each capable of cleaning specific pan surfaces. The system includes at least one brush module with a brush that can be positioned to contact different areas of the pan, allowing comprehensive cleaning of complex geometries while maintaining simple individual components for easy maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The brush modules are designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The system allows dynamic positioning of brushes to adapt to various pan geometries, with mechanisms to move brushes into contact with different pan surfaces including sides, bottoms, and corners
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized cleaning machines are used for different pan types, then each machine can be optimized for specific pan geometries, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is designed as a universal machine capable of cleaning multiple pan types and geometries. The system includes adjustable brush modules and positioning mechanisms that can be configured to clean various pan styles (bun pans, loaf pans, cake pans) with a single device, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cleaners
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces multiple dimensions of adjustment including vertical positioning, horizontal movement, and angular orientation of brush modules. This multi-dimensional flexibility allows a single machine to adapt to different pan geometries by adjusting brush positions in multiple spatial dimensions
3Device complexity
If round cylindrical brushes rotate over the pan surface, then the cleaning action is simple, but the brush rotation constrains the ability to clean inside corners and edges
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single rotating brush, the system uses multiple brush modules that can be independently positioned and oriented. Each brush module can target specific areas including corners and edges, providing comprehensive coverage while maintaining simple brush mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs brushes with curved or contoured surfaces that can better conform to pan geometries. The brush modules can be positioned at various angles and orientations to reach into corners and along edges, with some brushes having curved surfaces that match pan contours
4Productivity
If brushes are used to clean raised perimeters and pockets of pans, then mechanical cleaning is effective, but the brush bristles become damaged from bending
Solution Approach 1:
Different brush modules are designed with specific bristle properties suited for their intended cleaning locations. Brushes for raised perimeters may have stiffer, more durable bristles, while brushes for pockets and corners use more flexible bristles. This localized optimization maintains cleaning effectiveness while preserving brush durability in each specific application
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 provides thorough cleaning of pans with reduced maintenance time, flexibility to accommodate various pan styles, and continuous operation, minimizing contamination and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
using compressed air in an airknife blown off to remove any remaining clinging debris
Data Source
AI summary
A pan cleaning system is provided having a support carriage with one or more track supports and one or more track guides. An indexing conveyor provides a stream of baking pans and indexes the pans onto the support carriage as single pans. One or more twists in the track supports are provided such that the pans admitted by the indexing conveyor are turned at least substantially perpendicular relative to the horizontal plane of the machine. One or more frame assemblies having one or more sets of swing arms mounted on it is provided. With one or more secondary conveyors coupled to the frame assemblies. One or more cleaning subsystems are releasably coupled to the swing arms. A controller is provided where the single baking pan is admitted via the indexing conveyor based on signals from the controller into the one or more track guides as supported by the one or more supports and conveyed by the support carriage along the track guides and into the one or more frame assemblies after the twist turns the pan at least substantially perpendicular and the pan engages the one or more secondary conveyors and the pans is conveyed by the support carriage and the secondary conveyor to one or more cleaning subsystems.