Cleaning device for cleaning an items to be cleaned and method for producing a cleaning device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices face challenges in maintaining the alignment of nozzles over the service life due to material fatigue and mechanical influences, leading to inconsistent application of cleaning fluids in hospital and commercial settings.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device design featuring a nozzle unit that penetrates a bore in the cleaning chamber wall, connected via a twist-proof connection element, ensuring stable alignment through a key-lock mechanism or snap lock assembly, preventing rotational movement and maintaining precise nozzle positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If nozzles are aligned using traditional threaded connections with lock nuts, then initial alignment can be achieved, but alignment stability deteriorates over service life due to material fatigue and mechanical influences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle alignment precisionVSAvoidalignment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle connection is divided into two functional parts: a threaded connection element for initial alignment and positioning, and a separate locking mechanism (snap lock or bayonet connection) for maintaining alignment stability. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment of the nozzle is performed in advance during the assembly process using the threaded connection element, which allows for precise positioning. Once aligned, the locking mechanism secures this pre-established alignment, preventing any subsequent shifts during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If nozzles are fixed with lock nuts and counter-holders, then alignment can be maintained initially, but alignment changes occur over time due to improper loading and overfilling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle alignment stabilityVSAvoidtolerance to mechanical influences
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to accommodate and cushion against mechanical influences such as improper loading and overfilling. The snap lock or bayonet connection provides a robust mechanical interlock that absorbs these disturbances without allowing alignment changes, effectively cushioning the alignment against operational abuses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If complex alignment mechanisms are used to prevent nozzle misalignment, then alignment stability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment consistencyVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment and locking functions are merged into a single integrated connection process. The threaded connection element and locking mechanism work together as one unified system, allowing alignment and securing to be achieved in a single assembly operation rather than requiring separate complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking. The geometric features of the connection elements guide the nozzle into proper alignment automatically during assembly, and the locking mechanism secures this alignment without requiring external adjustment or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3846671B1Cleaning device for cleaning an items to be cleaned and method for producing a cleaning device
Publication Date: 2022.07.13 MEIKO MASCHINENBAU GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3846671B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3846671B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3846671B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a cleaning device (110) for cleaning an items to be cleaned, as well as a method for producing a cleaning device (110). The cleaning device (110) comprises at least one cleaning chamber (112) for receiving the item to be cleaned, as well as comprising at least one nozzle unit (114) for supplying the item to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber (112) with at least one cleaning fluid, wherein the nozzle unit (114) passes through at least one borehole (118) in at least one wall (120) of the cleaning chamber (112) and is connected to at least one supply line (124) on an outer side (122) of the wall (120), wherein the nozzle unit (114) has at least one connection element (126) arranged at least partially on the outer side (122) and for connecting the supply line (124), as well as at least one nozzle element (128) arranged inside the cleaning chamber (112), wherein the borehole (118) and the nozzle unit (114) are shaped in such a way that the nozzle unit (114) is accommodated in the borehole (118) such that it is secured against rotation.