Dispensing System Cleaning Unit for Limescale Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sanitary installations face issues with fouling and limescale accumulation in dispensing systems due to bacterial growth and mineral deposits, which existing cleaning methods do not effectively address, particularly in showerheads and hoses.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system integrated with a cleaning unit that allows for precise control of temperature and mixture of cleaning fluids, including steam, air, and additives, to effectively remove deposits through turbulent flow, thermal stress, and mechanical shock, with a detachable cleaning attachment unit for maintenance operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning methods are used for dispensing units, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates due to inability to remove stubborn deposits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning functions (steam generation, hot water delivery, cleaning solution injection, and rinsing) into a single integrated cleaning device that attaches to the dispensing unit. This merging of functions enables comprehensive cleaning effectiveness while maintaining reasonable device complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform steam cleaning, hot water rinsing, cleaning solution application, and suction of dirty water. This universality allows one device to address multiple cleaning needs and deposit types, improving overall cleaning effectiveness without requiring multiple separate tools.
2Reliability
If steam and hot cleaning fluids are used, then cleaning effectiveness improves through thermal stress, but risk of damage to dispensing unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device operates in periodic cycles, alternating between applying steam/hot cleaning fluids and rinsing with cold water. This periodic action allows thermal stress to loosen deposits while cold water intervals prevent excessive heat accumulation that could damage the dispensing unit components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a controlled fluid delivery mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the steam generation source and the dispensing unit. This intermediary controls the temperature, pressure, and duration of steam exposure, enabling effective thermal cleaning while protecting sensitive components from damage.
3Reliability
If cleaning fluid is delivered under pressure, then cleaning effectiveness improves through mechanical shock, but energy consumption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device employs dynamic pressure control, adjusting the pressure of cleaning fluid delivery based on the specific cleaning needs and stage of the cleaning cycle. Pressure is applied selectively during phases requiring mechanical shock for deposit removal, rather than maintaining constant high pressure, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
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 efficiently removes deposits from dispensing units and hoses by generating turbulent flows, applying thermal stress, and using mechanical shock, thereby preventing fouling and limescale accumulation, while also allowing for maintenance and temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generating unit; a mixer for admixing steam supplied by the steam generating unit to water
Implementation Method 2
creating a spray of water by means of colliding water jets
Implementation Method 3
remove deposits through turbulent flow, thermal stress, and mechanical shock
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing system for dispensing a fluid, the fluid being water or a water-based mixture, includes a dispensing unit and a cleaning unit. The dispensing unit includes a connection unit for connecting the dispensing unit to a supply of the fluid, a dispensing head for dispensing the fluid, and a flexible hose for guiding the fluid from the connection unit to the dispensing head. The cleaning unit includes a cleaning attachment unit for attaching the cleaning unit to the connection unit, a cleaning fluid delivery unit configured to deliver cleaning fluid to the dispensing unit via the cleaning attachment unit, and a receptacle unit configured to accommodate the dispensing head and to receive fluids exiting the dispensing head.