Cage Washing Machine pH Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cage washing machines with a single recycling basin struggle to maintain chemical balance, leading to increased detergent consumption and costs, as they cannot effectively collect and reuse washing liquids with varying acid/basic values without external adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A machine with two separate tanks below the washing booth allows the washing liquid to be diverted based on its acid/basic value, using an oscillating plane to direct the liquid into either tank, maintaining separate pH levels and reducing chemical usage through closed-loop recycling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single recycling basin is used to collect washing liquid, then the device complexity is reduced, but the chemical balance of the washing liquid cannot be maintained and detergent consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecycling system structureVSAvoiddetergent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The single recycling basin is divided into two separate tanks: a first tank for collecting acidic washing liquid and a second tank for collecting basic washing liquid. This segmentation allows each tank to maintain its specific chemical characteristics without contamination, enabling effective reuse of washing liquid and reducing detergent consumption while keeping the overall system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If external acid or basic substances are added frequently to maintain pH balance, then the chemical balance is maintained, but the washing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechemical balance maintenanceVSAvoidwashing costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically directs washing liquid to the appropriate tank based on its chemical nature (acidic or basic) without requiring external intervention for pH adjustment. The oscillating plane mechanism enables automatic separation and recycling, eliminating the need for frequent addition of external acid or basic substances and reducing washing costs while maintaining reliable chemical balance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of substance

If washing liquid is completely reused without external adjustments, then the washing costs are reduced, but the chemical balance cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing costsVSAvoidchemical balance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the recycling system into two dedicated tanks for acidic and basic washing liquids, the system enables complete reuse of washing liquid in each respective tank without mixing. This maintains the chemical balance of each liquid type while achieving cost reduction through comprehensive recycling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If a single recycling basin is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to handle varying acid/basic values is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecycling system structureVSAvoidacid/basic value handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The recycling system is segmented into two specialized tanks that can independently handle acidic and basic washing liquids. This segmentation provides adaptability to varying chemical conditions while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple and easy to implement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables efficient reuse of washing liquids, reducing detergent consumption and washing costs while maintaining effective cleaning power, and minimizes environmental pollution by preventing the mixing of different pH liquids.

Implementation Method 1

an oscillating plane (17) arranged above a common wall (10) of the two tanks (8, 9) and intended to oscillate between a first and a second position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOscillation: Harmonic Oscillator

Data Source

PatentEP4028180B1Machine for washing cages and accessories used in the field of research on laboratory animals
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 A CO SRL
  • EP4028180B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4028180B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4028180B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The machine (1) for washing cages and accessories comprises a washing booth (2) for washing animal cages (G) by means of a washing liquid, a first tank (8) and a second tank (9) intended for collecting and recycling the washing liquid according to the acid/basic value of the liquid itself, the tanks (8,9) being positioned below the washing booth (2) and in fluidic communication with the latter. The machine (1) comprises deflection means (17) of the washing liquid positioned between the washing booth (2) and the tanks (8,9) and intended to deflect the washing liquid alternately towards the first tank (8) or the second tank (9).