Rotating Drum Particle Flow Layout for Low-Water Textile Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional textile cleaning methods require large volumes of water, are energy-intensive, and have complex apparatus with multiple moving components, which increases costs and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A rotating drum apparatus with integrated storage for solid particulate material, featuring distinct dispensing and collecting flow paths, eliminates the need for external pumps and reduces water usage by utilizing centrifugal drying, and includes elongate protrusions to facilitate efficient material flow and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional aqueous cleaning methods are used, then cleaning capability is achieved, but water consumption is high and energy usage is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cleaning medium from liquid water to solid particles, fundamentally altering the physical state parameter. This enables cleaning functionality while dramatically reducing water consumption, as the solid particles can be reused multiple times without degradation of cleaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The solid particles perform multiple functions: they provide mechanical cleaning action, can be separated from the substrate, and are reused in subsequent cycles. The system self-regenerates cleaning capability through particle reuse, eliminating the need for continuous water supply
2Reliability
If conventional cleaning apparatus with multiple moving components are used, then cleaning function is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump component from the system entirely. Instead of using a pump to circulate liquid, the system uses gravity and drum rotation to move solid particles through the cleaning chamber, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining cleaning functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump system with a gravity-based particle flow system. Solid particles are fed into the rotating drum and move through the cleaning chamber under gravity, eliminating the need for mechanical pumping components
3Loss of substance
If solid particulate material is used for cleaning, then water consumption is reduced, but controlled flow and separation of particles becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses drum rotation to dynamically control particle flow. By rotating the drum, particles are lifted and cascaded onto the substrate, providing controlled cleaning action. The rotation speed and direction can be adjusted to optimize particle flow and separation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning chamber is segmented into distinct zones: a particle feed zone, a cleaning zone where particles contact the substrate, and a separation zone where particles are removed. This spatial segmentation enables controlled particle flow and efficient separation without complex mechanical components
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 reduces water consumption, energy usage, and apparatus complexity, while improving cleaning efficiency and fabric care through controlled exposure to solid particulates, and allows for quieter operation with reduced power consumption and costs.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing centrifugal drying
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An apparatus for use in the treatment of substrates with a solid particulate material, said apparatus comprising: (a) a housing having mounted therein a rotatably mounted drum (8) having an inner surface and an end wall; and (b) access means for introducing said substrates into said drum, wherein said drum comprises storage means (2) for storage of said solid particulate material and a plurality of flow paths to facilitate flow of said solid particulate material between said storage means and the interior of said drum (8), characterised in that: said drum (8) comprises a dispensing flow path (5) to facilitate flow of said solid particulate material from said storage means (2) to the interior of said drum (8), and a collecting flow path (6) to facilitate flow of said particulate material from the interior of said drum (8) to said storage means (2), wherein said dispensing flow path (5) and said collecting flow path (6) are different flow paths.