Utensil Sanitizing Insert With Debris Channel for Fast Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sanitizing utensils are laborious and time-intensive, often leading to incomplete cleaning and cross-contamination, especially during high service periods, due to the need for frequent cleaning and the risk of debris preventing proper sanitation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a removable shelf with a container for sanitizing solution, a removable insert with cleaning rods and scraping members, and a debris channel to facilitate efficient cleaning and sanitization of utensils, including a method for using the system to ensure thorough sanitation and prevent re-contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual cleaning methods are used, then cleaning can be performed, but the process is laborious and time-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The utensil passes through the sanitizing system automatically without requiring manual handling at each stage. The scraping members, cleaning rods, and sanitizing solution work together to clean the utensil as it moves through the device, reducing labor input and time requirements while maintaining thorough cleaning effectiveness.
2Reliability
If frequent cleaning is performed to prevent cross-contamination, then food safety is improved, but the time and labor required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs multiple cleaning functions (scraping, brushing, sanitizing) in a single pass through the device, enabling frequent cleaning cycles without proportionally increasing time investment. This makes it feasible to clean utensils frequently to prevent cross-contamination while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The sanitizing solution continuously contacts the utensil as it moves through the system, and the scraping members continuously remove debris throughout the cleaning process. This continuous action ensures thorough sanitation in a single operation, supporting frequent cleaning schedules without excessive time consumption.
3Reliability
If debris is not removed before sanitizing, then the sanitizing process can be simplified, but proper sanitation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process is divided into distinct functional segments: scraping members remove debris first, then cleaning rods brush the surface, and finally sanitizing solution applies disinfection. This segmentation ensures debris removal precedes sanitization for effective cleaning, while each component remains relatively simple in design, balancing sanitization effectiveness with manageable device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for sanitizing utensils are disclosed. A system for sanitizing a utensil includes a shelf removably attached to a counter; an attachment member adjustably secured to the shelf, the attachment member having an aperture formed therein; a container received into the aperture in the attachment member, the container being configured to hold a sanitizing solution; and a removable insert located along an upper periphery of the container. The removable insert has a first cleaning rod extending between opposing first and second sides of the insert; a partition extending between the opposing first and second sides of the insert parallel to the first cleaning rod to form a debris channel, the debris channel having a floor thereunder; and at least one scraping member secured to an upper rim of the insert. The first cleaning rod is not located in the debris channel.