Adjustable Washer Nozzle Assembly for Spray Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current washer decontamination systems for medical, dental, and pharmaceutical instruments lack the ability to adjust the direction of spray nozzles and vary the rotational speed of spray arms, which can lead to inadequate microbial deactivation and cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A spray arm assembly with a tubular member and adjustable nozzle assembly that allows for variable orientation and speed control, featuring a removable nozzle assembly with a sensor element for monitoring and repositioning, enabling precise fluid direction and rotation speed adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle assembly is made adjustable to improve spray coverage, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is divided into separate components: a nozzle body, a mounting mechanism with adjustment features, and a securing mechanism. This segmentation allows the nozzle to be adjusted to different angles and positions while keeping each component relatively simple in structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the nozzle direction to be changed during operation. The mounting mechanism includes movable elements that enable angle adjustment without requiring complete disassembly, providing adaptability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Productivity
If the spray arm rotation speed is made variable to improve cleaning efficiency, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm rotation speed is made variable by incorporating speed control mechanisms that allow adjustment of rotational velocity. This enables optimization of cleaning efficiency for different workloads and instrument types, while the control mechanism is designed to be integrated into the existing spray arm structure, minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of repair
If the nozzle assembly is made removable for cleaning access, then the ease of repair is improved, but the reliability may worsen due to additional connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is designed as a removable, separable component from the spray arm. This segmentation allows easy removal for cleaning and maintenance while incorporating secure mounting features that ensure reliable reconnection, balancing ease of repair with connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable nozzle assembly includes positioning features and securing mechanisms that provide feedback on proper installation. This ensures that when the nozzle is reattached after cleaning, it is correctly positioned and securely fastened, maintaining reliability while enabling easy removal for maintenance.
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
Enhances microbial deactivation and cleaning efficiency by allowing for customizable spray patterns and speeds, improving the effectiveness of the decontamination process without requiring complete disassembly of the system.
Implementation Method 1
A nozzle body has an aperture therein defining a spray orifice... The aperture directs a spray of fluid in a predetermined direction relative to the nozzle body
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a spray arm assembly comprised of a tubular member rotatable about a fixed axis. The tubular member has an internal passage and a central axis extending a length of the tubular member. A nozzle assembly is attachable to an end of the tubular member and fluidly communicates with the internal passage of the tubular member. The nozzle assembly is comprised of an insert attachable to the tubular member in a predetermined position. A nozzle body has an aperture therein defining a spray orifice. The nozzle body is mountable to the insert in one of a plurality of positions wherein the spray orifice has an orientation based upon a position of the nozzle body relative to the insert. A fastening means is provided for fastening the insert and the nozzle body together in one of the plurality of positions.