Device for cleaning containers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices for containers with human waste require increased equipment and construction volume to incorporate both low-pressure and high-pressure cleaning systems, leading to higher production costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a multi-stage pump system that includes both low-pressure and high-pressure stages, where the cleaning fluid is routed through a bypass to the nozzle system, allowing for efficient switching between low-pressure and high-pressure modes using a single nozzle system, reducing the need for multiple nozzles and components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If both low-pressure and high-pressure cleaning systems are incorporated into the cleaning device, then cleaning performance is improved, but device complexity and construction volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidequipment expenditure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both low-pressure and high-pressure cleaning systems into a single integrated cleaning device. The device includes a pump system that can operate in both low-pressure and high-pressure modes, and a nozzle system that can handle both pressure ranges. This merging eliminates the need for separate cleaning devices for different pressure requirements, reducing overall equipment expenditure while maintaining comprehensive cleaning performance for various soiling levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device is designed with universal functionality to perform both low-pressure cleaning (for initial soiling removal) and high-pressure cleaning (for heavy soiling) using a single device. The pump system can switch between operating modes, and the nozzle system is configured to effectively deliver cleaning fluid at both pressure levels, making the device adaptable to different cleaning scenarios without requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a high-pressure cleaning system is added to the cleaning device, then removal rate for heavy soiling is improved, but construction volume and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval rateVSAvoidconstruction volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the high-pressure cleaning capability into the existing low-pressure cleaning device structure. The pump system is designed with both low-pressure and high-pressure stages, and the nozzle system is configured to effectively deliver cleaning fluid at both pressure levels. This integration allows the device to achieve high removal rate for heavy soiling without requiring a completely separate high-pressure cleaning system, thereby minimizing construction volume increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If multiple nozzle systems are used for low-pressure and high-pressure cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle system is designed with universal functionality to effectively deliver cleaning fluid at both low-pressure and high-pressure modes. The nozzles are configured with specific geometries and arrangements that allow them to perform optimally across a range of pressure levels, eliminating the need for separate nozzle systems for low-pressure and high-pressure cleaning. This reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration achieves improved cleaning performance with reduced equipment expenditure by utilizing a single nozzle system, offering high-pressure cleaning efficacy with lower volume flow and energy efficiency, while maintaining effective low-pressure mode operation for initial soiling removal.

Implementation Method 1

a pump which is set up to deliver a cleaning fluid to the nozzle system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

at least one nozzle system (120) for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned (112)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP3001816B1Device for cleaning containers
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 MEIKO MASCHINENBAU GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3001816B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3001816B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a cleaning device (110) for cleaning goods to be cleaned (112). The cleaning device (110) comprises at least one nozzle system (120) for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the goods to be cleaned (112). The cleaning device (110) also comprises at least one pump (126) for conveying the cleaning fluid to the nozzle system (120), wherein the nozzle system (120) has at least one high-pressure nozzle (124) and at least one low-pressure nozzle (122). The high-pressure nozzle (124) and the low-pressure nozzle (122) are connected to the pump (126) with respect to fluid flow, wherein at least one fluidic switching element (132) for adjusting a supply flow of the cleaning fluid to the low-pressure nozzle (122) is connected upstream of the low-pressure nozzle (122).