Asymmetric Nozzle Flushing Head for Independent Sewer Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewer cleaning technologies face challenges in effectively navigating and inspecting domestic water connections and sewers, particularly in terms of controlling the rinsing head and hose to reach and clean branch channels independently of carrier vehicles, and in managing obstacles like dirt and debris.
Innovation Solution
The rinsing head features asymmetrically distributed nozzles that generate forces exceeding its weight, allowing it to be lifted and maneuvered independently, with an articulated joint for hose connection and a guide surface for stable alignment, enabling targeted navigation and inspection without a carrier vehicle, and includes a camera and LED lighting for improved imaging and localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rinsing head is guided along the main sewer to the house connection sewer by a carrier vehicle equipped with a camera, then the rinsing head can be transported to the target location, but the rinsing head cannot be independently maneuvered into branch channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by using jet forces from asymmetrically arranged nozzles to counteract the weight of the rinsing head. The nozzles are positioned and angled to generate thrust that exceeds the gravitational force, enabling the rinsing head to levitate and move independently without mechanical support from a carrier vehicle, thus achieving the ability to enter branch channels autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The rinsing head is designed to be self-propelled through asymmetric jet forces generated by its own nozzles. The asymmetric nozzle arrangement creates a self-balancing thrust system that automatically directs the rinsing head into branch channels without external guidance or mechanical intervention, making the device independent of carrier vehicles and capable of autonomous navigation.
2Force
If the rinsing head weight is significant, then the structure can be robust, but the rinsing head cannot be lifted over dirt and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly addresses the weight issue by designing nozzles that generate jet forces exceeding the rinsing head's weight. The asymmetric nozzle configuration optimizes thrust distribution to lift the rinsing head over obstacles like dirt and debris while maintaining structural robustness through careful force balancing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by adjusting nozzle angles, positions, and dimensions to optimize the thrust-to-weight ratio. The asymmetric arrangement allows dynamic control of jet forces to adapt to different operational conditions, enabling the rinsing head to overcome its weight and navigate varied sewer environments.
3Force
If nozzles are symmetrically arranged, then the structure is simple, but the rinsing head cannot generate directional thrust for independent movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry as a core design principle by arranging nozzles in a non-symmetric pattern around the rinsing head. This asymmetric configuration creates unbalanced jet forces that generate directional thrust, enabling the rinsing head to propel itself and steer into branch channels. The asymmetry is carefully designed to provide both lift and directional control.
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
This solution allows for efficient, independent navigation and inspection of sewers, including branch channels, with improved clearance over debris and enhanced imaging capabilities, reducing maintenance costs and improving the ability to reach and inspect house connection sewers.
Implementation Method 1
nozzles (14) distributed asymmetrically about a longitudinal axis (26) in particular according to their size and/or number, which are directed in such a way that they generate a force during operation directed against and exceeding the weight of the rinsing head (1, 4, 29)
Implementation Method 2
force during operation directed against and exceeding the weight of the rinsing head (1, 4, 29)
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a flushing head for a flushing hose to be used for inspecting ducts, comprising a plurality of nozzles (14, 27, 28) which are distributed about a longitudinal axis along a circumference and are connected, via at least one supply line, to a flushing head access (16) used for arranging a flushing hose. In order to generate a force that counteracts the weight of the flushing head and exceeds said weight, the nozzles (14, 27) are asymmetrically distributed about the longitudinal axis (26), the asymmetry relating especially to the size and/or the number of the nozzles (14, 27). The invention further relates to a flushing device comprising such a flushing head.