US20160367105A1 - Condition Reliant Control System for Modulating On Demand Pumping Volume, Wash Fluid Temperatures and Filter Conditions for Continuous Motion Washing Systems - Google Patents

Condition Reliant Control System for Modulating On Demand Pumping Volume, Wash Fluid Temperatures and Filter Conditions for Continuous Motion Washing Systems Download PDF

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US20160367105A1
US20160367105A1 US15/183,851 US201615183851A US2016367105A1 US 20160367105 A1 US20160367105 A1 US 20160367105A1 US 201615183851 A US201615183851 A US 201615183851A US 2016367105 A1 US2016367105 A1 US 2016367105A1
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outlet manifold
pressure
recited
pumping
internal pressure
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John W. Cantrell
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0047—Energy or water consumption, e.g. by saving energy or water
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4287—Temperature measuring or regulating arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0049—Detection or prevention of malfunction, including accident prevention
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4214—Water supply, recirculation or discharge arrangements; Devices therefor
    • A47L15/4225—Arrangements or adaption of recirculation or discharge pumps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4289—Spray-pressure measuring or regulating arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D15/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or systems
    • F04D15/0066—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or systems by changing the speed, e.g. of the driving engine
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D27/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04D27/004—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids by varying driving speed
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
    • F04D29/18—Rotors
    • F04D29/181—Axial flow rotors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
    • F04D29/40—Casings; Connections of working fluid
    • F04D29/42—Casings; Connections of working fluid for radial or helico-centrifugal pumps
    • F04D29/44—Fluid-guiding means, e.g. diffusers
    • F04D29/441—Fluid-guiding means, e.g. diffusers especially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D3/00—Axial-flow pumps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0021—Regulation of operational steps within the washing processes, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending from the detergent nature or from the condition of the crockery
    • A47L15/0039—Filter cleaning phases
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/12—Water temperature
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/14—Water pressure or flow rate
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/05—Drain or recirculation pump, e.g. regulation of the pump rotational speed or flow direction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/26—Indication or alarm to the controlling device or to the user

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to continuous motion washing systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a condition reliant control system for modulating on demand pumping volume, wash fluid temperatures and intake filter conditions for continuous motion washing systems.
  • Continuous motion washing systems that include a tank configured to hold fluid for washing, a pump and an outlet manifold structure fitted with at least one or more flow directing openings or outlets for directing fluid flow into a wash tank have existed for decades.
  • an establishment In the food service equipment industry, it is not uncommon for an establishment to have one or more continuous motion washing systems in use at any given time. Generally, the larger the establishment, the higher the probability that the establishment may have a need for multiple continuous motion washing systems.
  • Continuous motion washing systems come in many varying sizes.
  • continuous motion washing systems may include a relatively small manifold with very few outlets, even as few as a single outlet.
  • continuous motion washing systems may be quite large and have larger outlet manifolds containing many such flow directing outlets.
  • Some systems seek to create required wash flows for a broad array of system sizes by using a broad array of pump sizes, pump impeller designs and motor revolutions per minute (rpm) and/or multiple pumps—also with potentially varying pump impeller designs and/or motor rpm's.
  • Other providers of these types of systems offer models with modulating units that allow the operator of the system to modulate the pump rpm to choose a wash flow volume such as low, medium or high.
  • Historical systems on the market have used the variable pump size approach, multiple pumps approach and modulating pump approach to provide targeted wash flows. Such historical designs work exceptionally well if designed correctly and used correctly. However, these historical designs are complex to design and produce and, thus, can be expensive to manufacture, sell and even service because of the complexities associated with the array of parts—and arrangements of such parts—required for each system to function properly. In the case of the systems with modulating units that allow the operator of the system to modulate the pump, these systems are typically misused as the operator selects the “high” setting regardless of what is being washed.
  • the very large (oversized) pumping system has a capacity to move a very large volume of fluid combined with its integrated system to automatically modulate its speed.
  • Such a pumping system could deliver adequate wash fluid volumes to even the very largest continuous motion washing systems (one having a manifold with many outlets).
  • by limiting the rpm of the pumping system such a pumping system could be a solution for the very smallest systems (one having a manifold with minimal or even just one outlet) as well. Having a single pumping solution for an entire product line and concentrating the purchasing volume to the single pumping solution would theoretically have a cost offset in relation to the pumping system being considerably oversized for the smaller and smallest applications or systems.
  • modulating the speed of a pumping system has an associated cost and complexity that must be justified and/or handily offset by other manufacturing savings and/or operational benefits that could be a byproduct of implementing such apparatus or it would likely not be a viable system design element.
  • the present invention is a condition reliant control system that modulates on demand pumping volume, fluid temperatures and intake filter conditions for continuous motion washing systems of various sizes and addresses the shortcomings of the prior art.
  • the present invention may be adapted to integrate with an existing continuous motion washing assembly generally comprised of a tank for holding fluid for washing and a pump connected to the tank for circulating fluid within the tank.
  • An outlet manifold is fitted to the continuous motion washing assembly.
  • the outlet manifold is in communication with the pump and contains at least one flow directing opening or outlet for directing fluid for washing into the tank.
  • At least one pressure sensor is located within the outlet manifold. The pressure sensor monitors the pressure level within the outlet manifold.
  • a control system and modulation unit is configured to modulate the speed of the pump upwardly until a pre-defined pressure in the manifold is obtained.
  • An inline intake filtration system collects debris.
  • the present invention further includes a notification device, such as an alert or alarm, that the filtration system requires maintenance and cleaning based on pre-defined parameters and the monitored conditions within the outlet manifold.
  • the present invention also includes a wash fluid temperature controlling method.
  • Different sized manifolds with varying outlets require different amounts of wash flow to achieve a desired pressure to maintain constant flow of a wash fluid dispensing from the manifold outlets and effectively clean the targeted wares. This is based on the number of outlets contained in the manifolds and what types of ware or items are being washed. For example, a large manifold (one containing many outlets) has increased total square inches of total outlet area and requires a higher wash flow to achieve a desired pressure to maintain constant flow of a wash fluid dispensing from the manifold's many outlets than does a smaller manifold (one containing as few as a single outlet).
  • each manifold will have its own particular required wash flow that would correspond to an outlet manifold pressure wherein the manifold functions most effectively, e.g., its “pre-defined pressure.”
  • this pre-defined pressure may vary depending on what types of wares or items are being washed.
  • control system will continually modulate the pump speed within a defined tolerance range to maintain the desired pressure in the outlet manifold after the initial pre-defined pressure in the outlet manifold has been reached. After the initial pre-defined pressure is obtained, the control system will continually modulate the pump speed to maintain the desired pressure in the outlet manifold within a predetermined range. As well, the control system will continually modulate the pump speed to maintain the desired pressure (within an acceptable range) in the outlet manifold as the wash fluid conditions vary from conditions related to air content from detergents, grease and/or soil loads.
  • Measurements of the outlet manifold pressure are taken to ensure and maintain a uniform manifold pressure.
  • This manifold pressure can be maintained over an entire line of products having a number of different sizes.
  • the manifold pressure is maintained by a feedback mechanism which determines and controls the rpm of the pump. The pump rpm will speed up or slow down based upon the feedback of the manifold pressure.
  • an initial alert is issued.
  • An elevated alert also is issued in the event the pumping system is unable to maintain the desired initial pressure in the outlet manifold at a second pre-determined level for a pre-determined time period. If this second alert occurs, the wash pump may also be deactivated.
  • the condition reliant control system of the present invention integrates with a continuous motion washing assembly comprising a tank for containing a wash fluid for washing articles.
  • the pump system has a motor that accommodates either 50 Hz or 60 Hz power supplies.
  • An impeller or prop within the pumping system is rotated at varying speeds to vary the wash fluid flow rate of wash fluid traveling there through, thereby, increasing or decreasing the wash flow to achieve a target pressure within the given outlet manifold.
  • the goal is to reach and maintain a target pressure per square inch (psi) in the given outlet manifold and then maintain the pressure within a given range.
  • the outlet manifold may be of any size, but has at least one outlet.
  • the outlet manifold also contains at least one outlet manifold pressure sensor to monitor the pressure of the outlet manifold.
  • the pressure sensor measures the pressure in the manifold and transmits these readings or signals to a control module which, in turn, then sends information to a modulation unit.
  • the modulation unit receives the signals in any number of preprogrammed ways. For example, the signal may come from a single pressure sensor. Alternatively, an average of multiple manifold sensors may be used. In either case, the control and modulation unit controls and governs the pumping speed of the pumping system in relation to the present pressure conditions of the outlet manifold as indicated by the readings from the outlet manifold pressure sensor(s).
  • a wash fluid pumping intake filter may be included within the condition reliant control system design.
  • the wash fluid pumping intake filter is positioned within the pathway of the wash fluid flow from the tank and then into the pumping system. As wash fluid flow is pumped through by the pumping system (in whatever speed results from the rotation of the impeller), the filter traps unwanted debris, e.g., food particles and/or other items, preventing them from re-entering into the manifold and pumping system.
  • a temperature controller system containing a thermostatic control and temperature probe is used to monitor the temperature of the wash fluid within the tank of the washing assembly. Readings from the temperature probe are taken. The temperature readings are transmitted to the control module and analyzed. If required, signals are sent to the modulation unit to vary the pump speed (rpm). If the temperature falls outside a pre-defined temperature or temperature range, the temperature control system overrides the standard control programming causing the modulation unit to separately modulate pumping volume up or down to increase or decrease heat from friction to manipulate wash fluid temperatures until the wash fluid returns to the predetermined target temperature. After the desired wash fluid temperature has once again been achieved, the temperature controller system transmits a signal to the control module permitting the control module to resume the standard programming and operations.
  • the pumping system is engaged (i.e., turned “on”) and the pump motor speed is modulated up at an even and continuous pace until a target internal manifold pressure is obtained.
  • the manifold pressure is subsequently monitored. Monitoring would typically be continuous. Readings from the manifold pressure by a pressure sensor or multiple pressure sensors are typically continuously transmitted to the control and modulation unit. In the case of using multiple pressure sensors, an average of those sensors would typically be used.
  • the control/modulation unit compares the received outlet manifold pressure readings against a set of predefined parameters to determine whether the current pressure conditions within the outlet manifold are acceptable.
  • the pumping system is then set to an rpm setting in relation to a pre-defined outlet manifold target pressure.
  • a decrease in the outlet manifold pressure suggests the filter must be cleaned and/or maintenance should otherwise be performed on the system.
  • a signal is transmitted to the pump system to increase the speed of the impeller rotation until the desired target manifold pressure is reached. If the manifold pressure readings are above the target manifold pressure, a signal is transmitted to the pumping system to decrease the speed of the impeller until the desired target manifold pressure is reached.
  • the target manifold pressure may be set according to the items to be washed (“wash action”). For example, the wash action level for the washing of fruits and vegetables requires a different target manifold pressure than does the wash action level of the washing of pots and pans. Many applications that would require varying washing action levels are contemplated by the present invention which may translate into a particular target manifold pressure for a particular item or items to be washed.
  • the pump speed is continually modulated to maintain the desired pressure in the outlet manifold after the initial pre-defined pressure in the outlet manifold has been reached. Similarly, the pump speed is continuously modulated to maintain the desired pressure in the outlet manifold within a predetermined range as the wash fluid conditions vary from changing detergent levels, soil loads or other common factors found in continuous motion washing systems.
  • the present invention provides for alerts notifying a user of the anomalous conditions. For example, an alert is issued in the event that the pumping system is unable to maintain the desired initial pressure in the outlet manifold for a predetermined time period. If the pumping system is unable to continually maintain the desired target pressure in the outlet manifold for a predetermined time, an alert is issued. An alert also issues where the pumping system is unable to continually maintain the pressure in the outlet manifold within a predetermined range after another predetermined time period and the wash pump may also be deactivated as a part of this heightened alert.
  • the present invention reduces the required number of pumping solutions to as few as one.
  • the present invention further eliminates the requirement for a separate electric or gas powered wash tank heating system for maintaining ongoing optimal wash tank temperatures via increasing or decreasing the amount of friction occurring in the system.
  • the present invention has applications in food service operations, food manufacturing operations and many types of industrial facilities where washing of an item or items are required provided these items may be submersed in a fluid.
  • FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C collectively depict a block diagram of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1A-1C collectively depict a block diagram of the present invention.
  • Condition reliant control system 100 has components 200 , as shown in FIG. 1C .
  • Components 200 include control/modulation unit 202 , at least one outlet manifold pressure sensor 204 , wash tank 203 for holding fluids, wash fluid intake filter 206 , wash fluid pumping system 208 , an outlet manifold 210 , a thermostatic controller/temperature controller 212 , and a water fluid heating element 216 .
  • block 300 shows, generally, the system configuration comprised of components 200 .
  • Control/modulation unit 202 is electrically connected to wash fluid pumping system 208 .
  • Wash fluid pumping system 208 is comprised of pump motor 209 connected to conduit 207 and having impeller 211 positioned within conduit 207 .
  • Impeller 211 rotates in various speeds as dictated by the set of instructions received from control/modulation unit 202 .
  • the pump speed is modulated.
  • the present invention uses a prop style pumping system. However, other styles of pumping systems may be utilized and still be within the contemplation of the present invention.
  • Wash fluid intake filter 206 is positioned within conduit 207 to collect any debris (e.g., food particles, etc.) that collects during cycling out of the wash fluid.
  • Block 210 depicts various sized outlet manifolds having varying number of outlets thereon. However, it is understood that at least one outlet manifold 210 a, as selected by the user, will be used at any one time. In the present invention, outlet manifold 210 a may be of various sizes and include varying numbers of outlets, as indicated in block 210 .
  • Outlet manifold 210 a is in fluid communication with wash fluid pumping system 208 . Outlet manifold 210 a is incorporated into wash tank 203 which may range in size from approximately 36 inches long to about 72 inches long which are now commonly found in the market place.
  • one or more outlet manifold pressure sensors 204 are connected to outlet manifold 210 a.
  • One or more outlet manifold pressure sensors 204 may be used in the present invention. While only one outlet manifold pressure sensor 204 is required, the number of outlet manifold pressure sensors 204 used may increase sensibly dependent upon the size of the outlet manifold and the number of outlets contained on the outlet manifold 210 a selected.
  • outlet manifold pressure sensor 204 has a threaded male portion 204 a which is threaded into a corresponding threaded receiving female portion (not shown) within one or more outlets contained along the outlet manifold 210 a.
  • other comparable fastening means may also be utilized to secure outlet manifold pressure sensor 204 to outlet manifold 210 a.
  • outlet manifold pressure sensor 204 monitors the sustained pressure.
  • Outlet manifold pressure sensor 204 is electronically connected to control/modulation unit 202 , as shown in FIG. 1B .
  • control and the modulation system are integrated into one single unit or component (e.g., control/modulation unit 202 , as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C ), in an alternative embodiment these could also be separate units or components (e.g., control module and modulation unit) and still be within the contemplation of the present invention.
  • Control/modulation unit 202 , wash fluid pumping system 208 , outlet manifold 210 a, and outlet manifold pressure sensor 204 thus, provide a continuous communication path which is key to providing the feedback mechanism of the present invention.
  • condition reliant control system 100 Once condition reliant control system 100 is turned on, condition reliant control system 100 automatically adjusts to control and maintain a certain pressure within outlet manifold 210 a. In the event the pressure cannot be maintained or is not sustainable, in accordance with a set of pre-defined parameters, condition reliant control system 100 may report an alert or an elevated alert which may also include shutting down the fluid pumping system 208 .
  • temperature controller 212 is electronically connected to control/modulation unit 202 .
  • wash fluid pumping system 208 activates and impeller 211 begins spinning or rotating at a slow speed then gradually ramps up.
  • Condition reliant control system 100 simultaneously monitors the pressure signature within outlet manifold 210 a during this ramp up. Impeller 211 continues rotating thereby increasing the pressure within outlet manifold 210 a until optimum pressure conditions, i.e., a pre-defined pressure within outlet manifold 210 a is obtained. Once the optimum pressure condition is reached, wash fluid pumping system 208 will continue functioning, but only to the extent of maintaining the optimum pressure conditions.
  • impeller 211 When condition reliant control system 100 is turned off, impeller 211 will ramp down decreasing in speed until impeller 211 would typically come to a complete stop.
  • the rate at which impeller 211 ramps up or ramps down is set to occur at a controlled rate or speed which can be varied by application.
  • flow diagram 400 provides the general sequence of operation of condition reliant control system 100 .
  • wash fluid pumping system 208 is engaged.
  • the desired pumping level is defined in block 404 via a target internal manifold pressure goal.
  • target internal manifold pressure goal There may be multiple target internal manifold pressures defined for varying applications, as indicated in block 406 . Varying applications may include various types of washing methods and systems.
  • either a single outlet manifold pressure sensor 204 or a plurality of outlet manifold pressure sensors 205 may be used in the system. Either a single reading (from a single manifold sensor) may be used or, alternatively, an average of the readings of the plurality of outlet manifold pressure sensors 205 may be used, as explained in block 408 . In either case, the readings are of the real-time pressure conditions within outlet manifold 210 a . Readings from the single or plurality of outlet manifold pressure sensors 204 , 205 are transmitted to a control processor or control/modulation unit 202 , as indicated in block 410 .
  • Block 412 indicates that the speed of wash fluid pumping system 208 will continue to be modulated up until the desired pressure within the outlet manifold 210 a is reached.
  • control/modulation unit 202 sends a signal to wash fluid pumping system 208 to modulate or vary the speed of wash pump 209 .
  • Pump 209 then either increases or decreases the rotational speed of impeller 211 , which in turn increases or decreases the flow of wash fluid entering into outlet manifold 210 a, whichever the case may be, to return outlet manifold 210 a to acceptable pressure conditions.
  • the desired pumping level is automatically maintained, as shown in block 414 .
  • a filter As the purpose of a filter is to remove unwanted materials from a medium, e.g., wash fluid, eventually a filter will become clogged when used. It is undesirable to maintain or even increase the pumping speed of the wash fluid pumping system 208 to attempt to maintain the desired pressure in the outlet manifold 210 a when the filter is becoming excessively clogged. Doing so may damage the system (e.g., filter ruptures releasing trapped contents, pump motor burns out, etc . . . ).
  • condition reliant control system 100 issues a “Clean Filter” notification notifying the user that wash fluid intake filter 206 requires maintenance and cleaning.
  • control/modulation unit 202 governs the pumping speed of wash fluid pumping system 208 in relation to the present pressure conditions in outlet manifold 210 a.
  • a traditional wash fluid heating element 216 heats wash fluid within the tank of the continuous motion washing assembly (not shown) to a predetermined temperature sufficiently hot to provide efficient and effective cleaning of articles, but at a safe operational temperature for the user should a user need to remove an article from the wash fluid.
  • the traditional wash fluid heating element 216 can be eliminated or supplemented.
  • temperature controller 212 monitors the temperature of this wash fluid via temperature probe 214 .
  • temperature controller 212 In the event the temperature reading from temperature probe 214 indicates temperatures falling outside the acceptable range, temperature controller 212 immediately signals control/modulation unit 202 to cease its current function, essentially overriding the standard programming of control/modulation unit 202 and causing control/modulation unit 202 to cause wash fluid pumping system 208 to speed up or slow down, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C .
  • This speeding up or slowing down of the pumping system increases or reduces friction, i.e., modulation of the wash flow and/or outlet manifold pressure translates into an increase or decrease of friction, i.e., heat, occurring within the system to vary or modulate the temperature of the wash fluid back to acceptable temperature conditions, as indicated in block 418 .
  • Increased friction increases the temperature. Decreased friction decreases the temperature.
  • a friction creating mechanical device could also be engaged to supplement or replace the friction creating the effect of increasing the speed of wash fluid pumping system 208 .
  • Outlet manifold pressure sensor 204 transmits a signal to control/modulation unit 202 which interprets the received signal as indicative of the current pressure conditions within outlet manifold 210 a.
  • control/ modulation unit 202 allows control/ modulation unit 202 to monitor the pressure conditions in real-time within outlet manifold 210 a, so that outlet manifold 210 a maintains a constant pressure therein. Whether control/modulation unit 202 causes wash fluid pumping system 208 to speed up or slow down depends upon the current pressure conditions within outlet manifold 210 a. For example, if the sensor(s) indicate the pressure within the outlet manifold is within an acceptable range, which is previously set and known by the user, no change is made to the dynamics of the system (i.e., the pumping system speed is not modulated).
  • the feedback mechanism therefore, allows for condition reliant control system 100 to automatically “self-monitor” and “self-adjust” maintaining acceptable pressure conditions within outlet manifold 210 a, without the need for a user to be present to perform these functions manually which, as indicated, is problematic.
  • the present invention remains unaffected by variations in motor speed related to systems operating 50 Hz or 60 Hz power supplies and performs equally sufficient with either electrical supply format.
  • the present invention will automatically maintain outlet manifold pressures when wash fluid conditions change in relation to either detergent levels, soil levels or any combination thereof.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Control Of Positive-Displacement Pumps (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
US15/183,851 2015-06-16 2016-06-16 Condition Reliant Control System for Modulating On Demand Pumping Volume, Wash Fluid Temperatures and Filter Conditions for Continuous Motion Washing Systems Abandoned US20160367105A1 (en)

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