Threaded-Rod Dishwasher Conveying for Zone Separation and Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor and rack-type dishwashers face challenges with space optimization between treatment zones, leading to water spillage, energy loss, and safety hazards due to gaps created by rubber material curtains, while hood-type dishwashers lack high-temperature drying capabilities and require extensive manual handling and space for pre- and post-preparation processes.
Innovation Solution
A dishwashing system featuring three rotatable rods with screw threads that engage with dishes, allowing for efficient movement through treatment zones, combined with a baffle device and adjustable position system to reduce water flow and accommodate different dish sizes, and a robotic loading and unloading system to streamline the loading and unloading process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber material curtains are used to separate treatment zones, then water containment is improved, but gaps are created leading to water spillage and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rubber curtain component entirely and replaces it with a baffle device that creates water barriers without the gap problems inherent in curtain systems. The baffle device extracts the problematic element (curtain) while maintaining the essential function of water separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the separation mechanism by using rigid baffles instead of flexible curtains, altering how water containment is achieved. The baffle device modifies the water flow parameters through controlled barriers rather than relying on curtain tension and positioning.
2Productivity
If conveyor type dishwashers are used for high volume washing, then washing capacity is improved, but space requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rod assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it conveys dishes through the treatment zones, rotates dishes for uniform cleaning exposure, and works across different washing stages. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the conveyance function and rotation function into a single integrated rod assembly mechanism. Instead of having separate conveyance systems and rotation mechanisms, the threaded rods perform both functions, merging multiple operations into one unified system that reduces complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If hood-type dishwashers are used for space saving, then installation space is reduced, but high-temperature drying capability and manual handling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic loading and unloading system enables the dishwashing apparatus to handle dishes autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically loading dirty dishes and unloading clean dishes, eliminating the manual handling burden while maintaining compact hood-type dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic system that uses controlled mechanisms for loading and unloading. This substitution eliminates the need for human operators to physically handle hot dishes, improving ease of operation while preserving the space-efficient hood-type design.
4Reliability
If rubber material curtains are used to separate treatment zones, then zone separation is improved, but water spillage and safety hazards increase due to gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the rubber curtain component that creates harmful gaps, replacing it with a baffle device that achieves zone separation without the water spillage problems. The problematic curtain element is completely taken out of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of rigid structures (which might be perceived as less adaptable) into a benefit by using fixed baffles that provide reliable water barriers without the gap issues of flexible curtains. The rigidity that could be seen as a disadvantage becomes the solution to water containment reliability.
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 enhances space efficiency, reduces water spillage and energy loss, enables high-velocity air drying, and minimizes manual labor by automating the loading and unloading process, improving the overall efficiency and safety of the dishwashing process.
Implementation Method 1
the screw thread on each of the rods engages with the circular rim or lip of the dishes and when the rods are rotated about their respective axes, the dishes are caused to move relative to the spray nozzle in the direction of the central axis
Implementation Method 2
a spray nozzle configured to spray a liquid onto a target zone
Implementation Method 3
an air outlet configured to direct air onto a target zone
Implementation Method 4
enables high-velocity air drying
Data Source
AI summary
Dishwashing and dish drying apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus comprises three parallel rods which each have a screw thread on an outer surface. In use, the screw thread on each rod engages with a rim or lip of a dish and when the rods are rotated the dish is caused to move through the apparatus. This allows the whole of the dish to be exposed to a liquid in the dishwashing apparatus or to an air flow in a dish drying apparatus.