Directed Flow Pressure Washer for Bulk Part Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional precision cleaning systems struggle to evenly and quickly clean large masses of small parts in bulk, often resulting in uneven cleaning, inadequate rinse flow, and the retention of particulate matter.
Innovation Solution
A directed flow pressure washer system that uses a plurality of inlets connected to an elongated pipe tubing, allowing for the simultaneous or intermittent introduction of gas, detergent, and solvent, which are filtered to a predetermined micron level. This system creates a directed variable pressure and flow rate to ensure thorough cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If parts are placed in a basket for bulk cleaning, then productivity is improved by cleaning large masses of parts, but manufacturing precision deteriorates because the outermost parts receive the best cleaning while inner parts are inadequately cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the cleaning process into multiple injection points along the tubing length, with nozzles positioned at different locations to direct cleaning fluid at parts from multiple angles, ensuring uniform cleaning throughout the bulk mass
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressurized fluid injection through multiple nozzles along the tubing to create directed flow patterns that penetrate the bulk mass of parts, replacing the inadequate single-point spray approach with a distributed hydraulic cleaning field
2Stress or pressure
If pressure washing is applied to bulk parts, then cleaning intensity is improved near the nozzle, but manufacturing precision deteriorates because pressure is quickly dissipated by distance and deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into multiple injection zones along the tubing, each with its own nozzle providing localized high-pressure cleaning. This segmentation maintains pressure intensity across the entire bulk mass by distributing multiple pressure sources rather than relying on a single nozzle
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tubing receive cleaning fluid at optimized pressure and angle specific to their location, with nozzles positioned to target specific areas of the bulk part mass, ensuring each local region receives appropriate cleaning intensity
3Ease of operation
If conventional cleaning systems use trays, racks and baskets to hold parts, then ease of operation is improved by simple part containment, but manufacturing precision deteriorates because parts are not evenly exposed to cleaning flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static containment structures with a dynamic pressurized fluid delivery system that actively directs cleaning flow throughout the part mass, using hydraulic pressure to ensure uniform exposure without requiring complex mechanical containment arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional surface cleaning (trays and racks) to three-dimensional volumetric cleaning by injecting pressurized fluid throughout the bulk mass, enabling cleaning penetration in all spatial dimensions simultaneously
4Manufacturing precision
If smaller batches are used for cleaning to improve consistency, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased cleaning time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains high cleaning consistency by segmenting the fluid delivery into multiple controlled injection zones, allowing each zone to be optimized for uniform distribution while processing large bulk quantities simultaneously, thus achieving both precision and throughput
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 ensures all parts are exposed to intense cleaning pressures and flow rates, achieving consistent and thorough cleaning, while also allowing for integrated washing, rinsing, and drying processes.
Implementation Method 1
the gas accelerates the solvent and forms pockets of gas that compress and push through the parts contained therein the elongated pipe tubing and triggers a repeating pulse of energy during cleaning
Implementation Method 2
triggers a repeating pulse of energy during cleaning
Implementation Method 3
turbulence and change from liquid to gas push particles in one direction by pulsing from start to finish during cleaning
Implementation Method 4
change from gas to liquid and back provides energy to dislodge particles and moves liberated particles through a mass of the parts and in turn through the component retainer outlet
Implementation Method 5
provides energy to dislodge particles
Data Source
AI summary
A directed flow pressure washer system for precision cleaning of one or more parts includes a gas source containing a gas, a solvent source containing a solvent, and a plurality of inlets connected to an elongated pipe tubing. The gas source is connected to a first inlet. The first inlet is configured to receive the gas therethrough, the solvent source is connected to a second inlet, and the second inlet is configured to receive the solvent therethrough. The system includes a component retainer removably attached to the elongated pipe tubing. The parts are located in the elongated pipe tubing at the distal end such that the parts are exposed to a directed variable pressure and flow rate of the gas and/or the solvent. The component retainer is configured with one or more openings at an outlet thereof to allow particles therethrough while retaining the parts during cleaning.