Portable Coil Cleaning System with Variable Speed Pump

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable coil cleaning systems have limited battery life, insufficient pressure, and inadequate capacity to effectively clean large or multiple air conditioning and cooling coil installations without damaging the coils, and lack a self-contained power source and adequate controls for proper detergent flow and pressure.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained portable system mounted on a four-wheel cart with a pump, power system, and controls, including a 12-volt marine battery, power inverter, and extended hose and wand for controlled pressure and spray pattern, providing a portable power source for hand tools and sufficient storage for equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional high pressure washers are used to clean cooling coils, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the cooling fins are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcoil damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a variable speed pump with electronic control to precisely regulate pressure parameters, delivering optimized pressure levels that effectively remove dirt while preventing fin damage through controlled parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates pressure sensors and electronic controls that provide feedback to maintain optimal pressure levels, automatically adjusting to prevent both insufficient cleaning and excessive pressure damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If portable cleaning systems with limited battery life are used, then portability is improved, but operation duration is insufficient for large coil installations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a variable speed pump that can operate at different power levels, allowing extended operation by running at lower power modes when full pressure is not needed, thereby extending effective operation time beyond standard battery capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates an electronic control system with microprocessor that manages power consumption through periodic operation patterns and standby modes, maximizing battery utilization and extending operational duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Stress or pressure

If AC power source or engine powered systems are used, then sufficient pressure and capacity are provided, but portability and ease of transport are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning pressureVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional engine or AC-powered mechanical systems with an electric pump powered by a rechargeable battery pack, eliminating the need for external power sources or engines while maintaining sufficient pressure capability and full portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Stress or pressure

If pressure control is not adequate, then sufficient cleaning pressure cannot be provided, but coil damage is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning pressureVSAvoidcoil damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 safe cleaning of large or remote cooling coil installations with extended operation capabilities, preventing coil damage and allowing for thorough cleaning and maintenance without the need for frequent recharging or refilling, while being easily maneuverable by a single worker.

Implementation Method 1

The pump is connected to an extended length of hose and a spray wand providing the desired spray pattern for cleaning the coils

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

The self-contained portable system also includes its own power supply, preferably a long life 12 volt marine type battery and a charger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 3

A power inverter may also be utilized and provide an outlet for recharging other equipment for maintenance or portable tools that may be utilized in the cleaning operations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower inverter:

Data Source

PatentUS10175011B2Air conditioning coil cleaning system

Publication Date: 2019.01.08 WALKER JOHN W

AI summary

A portable self-contained cooling coil cleaning system includes a cart with a first shelf and a second shelf and at least four rolling elements supporting the cart. A self-contained electrical power unit powers a pump. The pump is in fluid communication with a cleaning fluid reservoir and delivers cleaning fluid through a flow regulator, an extended length of hose and through a spray wand.