Decoupling Tank for Mobile High-Pressure Cleaner Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile high-pressure cleaning devices face challenges in ensuring that water taken from a public water supply network is not inadvertently fed back into the network, and they often require a water storage tank to be filled at a collection point before use, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a decoupling tank that connects to both the water supply network and the high-pressure cleaning device, with a shut-off mechanism to prevent backflow, allowing water to be drawn from the network directly into the decoupling tank and then to the device or storage tank as needed, and using level-dependent valves to control filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a water storage tank is used to supply water to the high-pressure cleaning device, then the device can operate at locations without a water supply network, but the tank must be pre-filled at a collection point which is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system is segmented into multiple tanks: a water storage tank for portable water supply and a decoupling tank for network connection. This segmentation allows the system to operate in both modes (portable and network-connected) without requiring pre-filling when a network is available, as the decoupling tank handles network water supply directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling tank acts as an intermediary between the water supply network and the high-pressure cleaning device. It mediates the water supply process by receiving water directly from the network and supplying it to the cleaning device, eliminating the need to pre-fill the water storage tank when a network is available.
2Productivity
If the water storage tank is connected directly to the water supply network, then water can be supplied efficiently, but there is a risk of backflow contaminating the network
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling tank serves as an intermediary that physically separates the water supply network from the water storage tank and cleaning device. This intermediary structure allows efficient water supply while preventing direct connection that could cause backflow contamination of the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the decoupling tank connects to the network with its own inlet above maximum fill level, the water storage tank stores portable water, and the cleaning device receives water from either source. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination while maintaining supply efficiency.
3Reliability
If a decoupling tank is introduced to prevent backflow and enable direct network connection, then water supply safety and efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling tank performs multiple functions: it prevents backflow contamination of the water supply network, enables direct network connection to the cleaning device, and can supply water to the water storage tank for portable operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling tank combines several safety and supply functions into a single integrated component, merging the backflow prevention mechanism with the network connection interface and water distribution system, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite added 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 solution allows for safe and efficient use of water from either a network or storage tank, eliminating the need for pre-filling the storage tank at all locations and ensuring no contamination of the water supply network, while also improving the handling and accessibility of the device with a compact and balanced design.
Implementation Method 1
a level-dependent valve, for example a float valve, is arranged at the inlet of the decoupling tank
Data Source
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AI summary
Mobile high-pressure-cleaning apparatus (10) having a vehicle trailer, on the chassis (12) of which at least two running wheels (18, 20) are retained in a rotatable manner, and having a high-pressure-cleaning appliance (94), which has a motor (96) and a pump (98), and also having at least one water-storage tank (32, 34) for storing water for the high-pressure-cleaning appliance (94). In order to develop the high-pressure-cleaning apparatus (10) such that the high-pressure-cleaning appliance (94) can be supplied with water optionally from the at least one water-storage tank (32, 34) or from a water-supply network, without any risk of water removed from the water-supply network being guided back again to the water-supply network, it is proposed that the high-pressure-cleaning apparatus (10) should have a decoupling tank (106) having at least one inlet (110), which can be connected to the water-supply network, and having at least one outlet (122), which is connected to the high-pressure-cleaning appliance (94) and, via at least one user-actuable shut-off member (130), to at least one water-supply tank (32, 34).