Cleaning Device Worm Gear Particle Wedge Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for cleaning closed spaces with sprayed liquids face issues due to particles getting wedged between gear wheels, causing mechanical locking and requiring time-consuming disassembly, which increases costs and reduces operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a compact gear unit design with a second gear wheel on a third axis, a turbine flow passage, and a locking ring system to prevent particle accumulation and maintain lubrication independence, ensuring efficient operation with liquid containing particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a planetary gear unit is used to transmit rotational motion for spraying liquid, then the spray pattern coverage is improved, but particles in the liquid can wedge between gears causing locking and requiring disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a stationary part and a rotatable part that can be easily separated. The gear unit is located entirely within the rotatable part, allowing the entire gear assembly to be removed as a single unit by simply detaching the rotatable part from the stationary part, avoiding time-consuming disassembly of individual gear components
Solution Approach 2:
The gear unit is extracted from the liquid flow path by positioning it entirely within the rotatable part, which is separated from the stationary part containing the liquid inlet. This extraction prevents particles in the liquid from reaching and wedging between the gear wheels, eliminating the locking problem
2Volume of moving object
If the gear unit is positioned inside the liquid flow path, then compact design is achieved, but particles can enter and cause gear wheel locking
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a stationary part that handles liquid intake and a rotatable part containing the gear unit. This segmentation creates a physical barrier that prevents particles in the liquid from reaching the gear wheels while maintaining compact overall device dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The separation between the stationary part and rotatable part acts as an intermediary barrier that blocks particles from reaching the gear unit. The design allows the rotatable part to be detached, creating an intermediate state where the gear unit is completely isolated from the liquid flow path
3Ease of operation
If conventional gear lubrication is used with external oil, then gear operation is smooth, but the oil can be flushed away by cleaning solution and requires separate lubrication system
Solution Approach 1:
The gear unit utilizes the liquid flowing through the device itself as the lubricating medium. The liquid that would otherwise be wasted serves a dual function: as the cleaning spray and as the lubricant for the gear wheels, eliminating the need for separate lubrication systems and external oils
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid flow serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the cleaning agent for the closed space, the lubricant for the gear unit, and the medium for particle removal. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system by eliminating dedicated lubrication components
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
The solution enhances operational safety, reduces manufacturing and operational costs, and maintains high gearing efficiency while preventing gear locking, making the device more reliable and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
A turbine flow passage is arranged between the stationary part and the rotatable part. The turbine flow passage extends from the stationary part to the rotatable part.
Implementation Method 2
A rotation generating element is arranged on part of the axis. The axis extends centrally through the turbine flow passage.
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for cleaning of closed spaces using a sprayed liquid, including a housing (1) with a stationary part (2) configured to receive liquid into the device and a rotatable part (3) arranged with the stationary part (2). The rotatable part (3) is rotatably arranged with a hub (4) with at least one spray nozzle (5). In the housing (1) there is an axis (6) with one part connected to a rotation generating element (7) in the housing (1) and another part provided with threads forming a worm screw (8). The worm screw (8) is arranged to fit into the threads of an adjacent first gear wheel (9) forming a worm gear (10). The worm gear (10) is configured to transmit rotational force from the rotation generating element (7) via the axis (6) for rotating the hub (4) and the rotatable part (3). The rotation generating element (7), the axis (6) and the worm gear (10) are arranged in a flow path (11) for liquid passing through the device, whereby the bulk of the liquid flows through the worm gear (10) in a direction towards at least one spray nozzle (5).