Auxiliary Nozzle Head Self-Cleaning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaners for production facilities, particularly in food, beverages, medicines, and biotechnology, face challenges in effectively self-cleaning their surfaces, which can lead to reduced cleaning efficiency and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
The cleaner incorporates an auxiliary nozzle on the nozzle head, which directs a cleaning jet orthogonally onto the head and base surfaces, enhancing self-cleaning by ensuring the surfaces are consistently hit by the cleaning agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nozzle head is modified to bring cleaning agent onto the surface of the cleaner using existing concepts (outlet aimed at base member or opening close to head), then some self-cleaning effect is achieved, but the cleaning of the head surface is insufficient and dirt accumulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is segmented into multiple nozzles with different functions: the main nozzle for cleaning the tank interior and auxiliary nozzles specifically for cleaning the head surface. This segmentation allows each nozzle to be optimized for its specific cleaning target, solving the insufficiency of previous single-concept designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cleaner are cleaned by cleaning agent delivered in different ways: the base member is cleaned by running-off liquid from the main nozzle outlet, while the head surface is cleaned by direct jet impact from auxiliary nozzles. This local differentiation of cleaning quality ensures thorough cleaning of all surfaces including the previously problematic head area.
2Ease of operation
If cleaning agent runs off over the head surface, then the head is wetted, but the cleaning effect is insufficient compared to direct jet impact
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaner uses its own cleaning agent supply system to provide self-cleaning functionality. The auxiliary nozzles are integrated into the existing cleaning agent delivery system, allowing the head to clean itself using the same cleaning agent that cleans the tank interior, without requiring additional external systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning approach transitions from two-dimensional running-off liquid coverage to three-dimensional direct jet impact. The auxiliary nozzles deliver cleaning agent directly onto the head surface at specific angles, creating focused high-velocity impact that mechanically removes dirt more effectively than mere wetting by running-off liquid.
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 design significantly improves the cleaning of the head and base surfaces, preventing dirt accumulation and ensuring a more thorough and consistent cleaning process, thereby enhancing the overall cleaning efficiency and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
The auxiliary nozzle is designed to form a cleaning jet and to direct the cleaning jet toward the head... The impact of the cleaning agent significantly intensifies the cleaning of the surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaner comprising a base member connectable to a conduit for a cleaning agent, a head rotatably mounted about a first axis on the base member and a nozzle head mounted rotatably about a second axis on the head and having at least one nozzle. According to the invention, the nozzle head has an auxiliary nozzle which forms a cleaning jet and directs it toward the head, or an auxiliary nozzle which forms a cleaning jet and directs it toward the head is arranged on the nozzle head.