Device for spraying a liquid at distance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for spraying liquids on high surfaces like roofs and facades require expensive and safety-risking scaffolding, and existing remote spraying devices are costly for small areas and lack ease of use and safety.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flexible conduit connecting a spray nozzle on a pole to a reservoir, featuring a steerable carriage with remotely operable wheels or caterpillars, allowing for variable orientation and easy maneuverability, and a remote control system for independent operation of the spraying mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If scaffolding is used to reach high surfaces for spraying, then the spraying capability on high surfaces is achieved, but the cost increases and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the spraying system into a handheld pole unit and a separate carriage with spray nozzle, connected by a flexible conduit. This allows the user to remain on the ground while the nozzle reaches high surfaces, eliminating the need for scaffolding and associated safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible conduit acts as an intermediary, transmitting liquid from the ground-level reservoir to the high-positioned spray nozzle. This mediator enables spraying at height without requiring the operator to physically reach those heights, thus avoiding scaffolding costs and safety concerns.
2Device complexity
If a rigid pole with nozzle is used for spraying, then the device is simple, but the radius of action is limited to maximum 6 meters from the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces the static rigid pole with a dynamic system featuring a steerable carriage that can move independently on tracks. This allows the spray nozzle to reach areas beyond the limited 6-meter radius by moving the carriage along the track structure, while the user remains on the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a horizontal movement dimension through the carriage traveling on tracks, complementing the vertical reach of the extended pole. This two-dimensional movement capability (vertical extension + horizontal carriage movement) vastly expands the effective spraying radius beyond the original 6-meter limitation.
3Ease of operation
If lifting means such as crane are used for remote spraying, then roofs of great height and large surface area can be treated, but the cost becomes expensive especially for small areas
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the expensive lifting means (crane) from the system and replaces it with a simple track-based carriage system that can be manually or lightly powered. This extraction eliminates the high cost associated with crane rental or operation, making the device economically viable for small areas while still capable of treating high surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs inexpensive, simple components such as the track-mounted carriage and manual steering mechanism instead of expensive, complex lifting equipment. These simpler, cheaper components achieve the same functional goal of reaching high surfaces without the high operational costs of crane-based systems.
4Device complexity
If the carriage is manually steered for remote spraying, then the device is light and easy to use, but the orientation control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex electronic or hydraulic steering systems with a simple mechanical steering mechanism operated by the user. This mechanical system, while simple, provides adequate orientation control for the carriage on the track, maintaining ease of use without sacrificing directional control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Device for spraying liquid, at a distance from the user, comprising at least one spray nozzle arranged at a first end of a pole, the second end of which is held by the user, the nozzle being connected, via from a flexible conduit, to a reservoir of liquid to be sprayed, the device comprising a carriage on which the nozzle is fixed, the carriage being provided with steerable displacement means (such as two wheels or caterpillars), and the device comprising means for maneuvering the orientation of the wheels, the maneuvering means being operable remotely by the user, from the second end of the pole by which the latter holds the pole, by pivoting the second end of the pole, the means maneuvering the orientation of the wheels including a gear transmission system connecting the first end of the pole to said carriage.