Ultrasonic Washing Machine for Empty Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines for empty containers require high energy consumption and long operational times to effectively remove encrusted dirt, and there is a need for a more energy-efficient and compact solution.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates an ultrasonic wave generator that propagates ultrasonic waves through cleaning agents in the washing baths, combined with a chain conveyor system and multiple treatment zones, to enhance cleaning efficiency while reducing energy usage and machine dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional washing machines use high temperature chemical baths for extended periods to remove encrusted dirt, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning process, where ultrasonic waves are transmitted through the cleaning agent to create cavitation and mechanical agitation that effectively removes encrusted dirt. This mechanical vibration approach replaces the need for extended high-temperature chemical soaking, achieving comparable or superior cleaning effectiveness with significantly reduced energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cleaning process by introducing ultrasonic frequency vibrations (typically 20-100 kHz) to the cleaning agent. This parameter change enables more effective dirt removal at lower temperatures and shorter durations compared to traditional thermal-based methods, directly addressing the energy consumption issue while maintaining cleaning reliability.
2Reliability
If washing machines extend treatment time in cleaning zones to remove stubborn dirt, then cleaning quality is improved, but operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Ultrasonic vibration introduces high-frequency mechanical energy into the cleaning process, creating cavitation bubbles and intense local shear forces that rapidly disrupt and remove stubborn dirt deposits. This mechanism accelerates the cleaning action dramatically compared to passive thermal soaking, reducing operational time while maintaining or improving cleaning quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/thermal system (heat and time-based cleaning) with an acoustic field-based system. The ultrasonic waves transmit energy through the cleaning agent to directly agitate and detach dirt from container surfaces, substituting the need for prolonged thermal treatment with a more efficient acoustic-mechanical process that reduces operational time.
3Reliability
If washing machines increase cleaning power to handle heavy sediment, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
Ultrasonic cleaning generates intense cleaning power through high-frequency vibrations that create cavitation and mechanical agitation, effectively handling heavy sediment without requiring large physical cleaning mechanisms. The acoustic energy concentrates cleaning power in a compact form factor, eliminating the need for oversized mechanical scrubbing devices while maintaining effectiveness against stubborn contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes bulky mechanical cleaning systems with a compact ultrasonic field generation system. Instead of using large brushes, scrapers, or extended thermal chambers, the invention employs ultrasonic transducers that generate powerful cleaning effects through acoustic waves, significantly reducing device dimensions while maintaining or enhancing cleaning effectiveness against heavy sediment.
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 integration of ultrasonic waves in the washing machine significantly improves cleaning efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and allows for a more compact design, addressing the need for energy savings and shorter operational times.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic wave generator (UG) coupled to at least one of the washing baths (11, 12, 13) and configured to propagate ultrasonic waves through the cleaning agents contained in the washing baths (11, 12, 13), such that the containers (2) may receive an ultrasonic cleaning treatment
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic waves propagate in water and, more in general, in a medium with a relative periodic motion with respect to the medium itself, such that local micro-zones within the medium pass periodically from a depressurized to a pressurized state. During the depressurized state, air dissolved within the medium tends to form many microbubbles, which implode when pressure increases so as to release energy.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 3
AI summary
A washing machine (1; 1'; 1'') for washing empty containers (2) includes a conveyor device (4) for conveying the containers (2) along a washing path (Q), at least one bath (11; 12) holding a cleaning medium and through which the washing path (Q) extends, and at least one corresponding ultrasonic wave generator (UG; UG'; UG'') coupled to the bath (11; 12) for propagating ultrasonic waves through the cleaning medium, such that the containers (2) receive an ultrasonic cleaning treatment during their advancement through the bath (11; 12).