Brush Enclosure Washing for Irregular-Shaped Object Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods are inadequate for automatically cleaning irregular-shaped objects with rigid textures, such as containers and medical utensils, which require manual washing due to their complex shapes and sizes.

Innovation Solution

A washing apparatus comprising a flexible or rigid outer portion with movably coupled brushes, designed to conformally enclose irregular-shaped objects, which can be placed in a washing machine for automatic cleaning, utilizing water, air, or gas flows to scrub the objects, while keeping residues contained.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual washing with brushes is used for irregular-shaped objects, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidmanual operation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The washing apparatus enables automatic washing of irregular-shaped objects through self-contained brushes that move and rotate autonomously within the enclosure, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining effective cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The brushes are designed to be movable and rotatable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adapt to the irregular shape of objects and provide effective cleaning contact surfaces without requiring manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Extent of automation

If conventional washing machines are used for irregular-shaped objects, then automation is improved, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates due to inability to conform to complex shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic washing capabilityVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is designed to be flexible or adaptable in shape, allowing it to conformally enclose irregular-shaped objects, while automated brushes provide the necessary cleaning action within this adaptable space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The washing apparatus is divided into functional segments including the enclosure and multiple brushes that can move independently, allowing the system to adapt to various irregular shapes while maintaining automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid washing structures are used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to irregular shapes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidconformal enclosure capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure combines structural stability with flexibility, allowing it to maintain its structural integrity while adapting its shape to conformally enclose various irregular-shaped objects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates movable and rotatable brushes within a stable enclosure structure, allowing the cleaning elements to dynamically adapt to irregular shapes while the overall structure remains stable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If objects are washed without enclosure, then washing simplicity is improved, but object protection from damage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing system simplicityVSAvoidcollision damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible enclosure protects irregular-shaped objects from collision damage during automated washing while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be easily integrated into washing machines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure acts as a protective cushion around the object before any potential damage can occur, absorbing and distributing forces during the washing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 damage-free automatic washing of irregular-shaped objects, protecting them from collision and ensuring residues are retained within the apparatus, enhancing cleaning efficiency and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

Driven by a flow of water, air, or gas, the brushes can scrub the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

the brushes can scrub the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10086410B2Apparatus, method and system for washing objects with irregular shapes

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 XINJIANG HANYUANHENGFENG XINXIKEJI YOUXIAN GONGSI

AI summary

An apparatus, system, and method allow for cleaning and brushing irregular-shaped objects automatically. The apparatus includes: an outer portion or a container that can substantially enclose one or more irregular shaped objects, and a plurality of brushes movably coupled to an inner wall of the outer portion or the container. The apparatus can be used to wash irregular-shaped objects such as shoes, utensils, medical devices, etc. An irregular-shaped object can be placed in the apparatus, and the apparatus can be placed in a washing machine for automatic washing. Driven by a flow of water, air, or gas, the brushes can scrub the object. The apparatus can protect the object from potential damages, and/or keep washed-off sand, dirt, or other residues inside the apparatus.