Warewasher Scrap Purge Flow for Continuous Debris Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial warewashers face the challenge of accumulating debris in tanks due to the inability to automatically remove scrap debris during operation, requiring manual shutdown and emptying of debris-catching baskets.

Innovation Solution

An automated scrap reducing arrangement within the wash zone captures debris and uses a purge flow passage to flush it away from the tank when liquid spraying ceases, utilizing water level changes to create head pressure and direct debris through a flow passage to an external collection container, allowing continuous operation without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If a debris-catching basket is used to capture scrap debris, then debris accumulation in the tank is reduced, but the machine must be shut down for manual emptying of the basket

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedebris accumulationVSAvoidcontinuous operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The scrap reducing arrangement automatically empties the debris-catching basket using the existing liquid recirculation system. When the spray cycle completes, the pump creates negative pressure that draws debris through the flow passage into the tank, eliminating the need for manual intervention and enabling continuous operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes hydraulic pressure differentials created during the spray cycle to automatically transport debris. The pump's operation creates pressure variations that move debris through the flow passage without mechanical moving parts or external power sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the entire machine is shut down to empty the debris basket, then debris is removed from the system, but operational continuity is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedebris removalVSAvoidshutdown time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The debris removal function is integrated into the existing spray cycle, utilizing the pump's operation during normal washing to transport debris. This allows debris removal to occur as part of the continuous washing process rather than requiring separate shutdown periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The flow passage is designed to capture and transport debris during the spray cycle itself, before the cycle completes. Debris is continuously moved during operation rather than accumulating until a shutdown is required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables efficient and automatic removal of scrap debris from the wash zone without shutting down the warewasher, maintaining continuous operation and reducing debris buildup in the tank.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid recirculation system for moving liquid from the tank to a spray arrangement of the wash zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 2

the water level in the tank rises to a level that creates a head pressure to force capturing scrap debris and water to move along the flow passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHead pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3142539A1Warewasher with automated scrapping system
Publication Date: 2017.03.22 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

A warewasher (10) includes a scrap reducing arrangement (100) located within a wash zone for capturing scrap debris falling downward toward a tank (30). The scrap reducing arrangement is configured to automatically deliver captured scrap debris away from the tank when liquid spraying within the wash zone ceases.