Cleaning head with directional nozzle assembly and shaped external air knife for traversing shower systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current traversing shower systems for industrial applications, such as papermaking and fibre mat processing, lack efficiency and economy in cleaning surfaces, leading to residual moisture and contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning head system with directional fluid nozzles, a central vacuum unit, and an external air knife assembly that provides pressurized air and liquid from multiple angles, optimizing the cleaning process by minimizing wetted areas and enhancing vacuum flow to remove debris effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional traversing shower systems are used for cleaning surfaces, then cleaning coverage is achieved, but cleaning efficiency is insufficient and residual moisture remains
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning head is segmented into multiple functional zones with directional nozzles arranged in specific patterns. Each nozzle group targets specific areas with optimized spray directions, dividing the cleaning task into multiple focused streams rather than a single broad spray, thereby improving cleaning efficiency and moisture removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multi-directional spraying from various angles (including upward, downward, and lateral directions) to clean the conveyor surface. This three-dimensional spraying approach replaces conventional single-direction spraying, ensuring thorough cleaning and better moisture evacuation through the conveyor structure
2Reliability
If more fluid is applied to clean the surface thoroughly, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but wet streaks and residual moisture increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the cleaning head provide different spray characteristics. Central nozzles provide upward spray for loosening debris, while outer nozzles provide downward and lateral spray for rinsing and drying. This localized differentiation ensures effective cleaning without over-wetting any single area, preventing wet streaks
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning process continues with multiple spray phases: initial loosening spray, followed by rinsing spray, and finally drying air flow. This continuous multi-stage action ensures complete cleaning and drying in one pass, eliminating wet streaks while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional nozzle arrangements are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but cleaning precision and debris removal are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system is segmented into multiple groups with specific orientations (upward, downward, lateral) arranged in patterns. This segmentation provides precise targeting of different surface areas, improving cleaning precision while using standard nozzle components that maintain manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning head design uses universal nozzle components and standardized mounting patterns that can be manufactured using conventional processes. The multi-functional arrangement of these standard components achieves precise cleaning without requiring custom-made complex parts, balancing manufacturing ease with cleaning precision
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 system achieves improved cleaning efficiency with reduced residual moisture, preventing wet streaks and enhancing machine runnability by ensuring thorough cleaning of surfaces with minimal contamination and optimal dryness.
Implementation Method 1
a central unit through which forced air and forced liquid are provided to a working surface, and through which a vacuum is provided from the working surface to draw fluid and debris from the working surface
Implementation Method 2
at least one forced air nozzle for providing forced air onto the working surface proximate the central aperture
Implementation Method 3
a liquid applicator assembly that extends into the central aperture, said liquid applicator assembly including plurality of directional liquid nozzles for discharging liquid onto the working surface from at least two different directions
Implementation Method 4
an extension arm extending from the central unit and including an external air knife assembly that includes a plurality of air knife nozzles in a pattern that widens in a machine direction of the working surface
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning head is disclosed for use in a traversing shower system. The cleaning head includes a plurality of directional fluid nozzles for discharging a fluid, each of which is provided along a different direction toward a work surface such that no two directions cross one another between the cleaning head and a working surface.