Dual-Pump Pressure Washer Control for Fast Flow Rate Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure washers lack versatility and speed in adjusting pressure/flow rate without interrupting operation, and have a high risk of malfunctions due to complex control systems.
Innovation Solution
A pressure washer design with an electronic control apparatus that allows seamless switching between pressure/flow rate levels using a simple manual selection device and wireless signal control, reducing the number of components and preventing accidental pressure variations, featuring independent power supply lines for each motor and a single preset rotation speed for motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex control system with multiple components is used to enable switching between pressure/flow rate levels, then the versatility and adjustability of the pressure washer is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased possibility of malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple components into a single integrated manual selection device. This device consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate switches or controls, reducing the total component count while maintaining the ability to select between different pressure and flow rate levels, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The manual selection device is designed to perform multiple functions: it simultaneously controls both pressure level selection and flow rate level selection, and can operate in different modes (automatic mode with wireless receiver, manual mode without wireless receiver). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated controls for each parameter, reducing component complexity while maintaining full adjustability
2Ease of operation
If a manual selection device with wireless control is added to enable operation without interrupting work, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless signal receiver acts as an intermediary that translates wireless signals into control actions for the manual selection device. This allows the operator to adjust pressure and flow rate settings remotely while holding the dispensing gun, eliminating the need to return to the pressure washer unit for adjustments, thereby improving ease of operation without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a wireless receiver that automatically processes incoming signals and automatically actuates the manual selection device accordingly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention in the adjustment process, allowing operators to change settings quickly without interrupting their workflow, while the automated nature keeps the control logic relatively simple
Data Source
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AI summary
A pressure washer (1,1') is described comprising: a first pump (40) and a first electric motor (45) configured to actuate the first pump, a second pump (55) and a second electric motor (60) configured to actuate the second pump, where the first pump and the second pump are connected, in parallel to one another, to an inlet duct (15) of a liquid to be pressurised and to a delivery duct (20) of the pressurised liquid, a dispensing gun (25) of the pressurised liquid fluidically connected to the delivery duct (20). The pressure washer further comprises a first manual selection device (65) that can be actuated in three positions: a first position, in which both of the electric motors (45,60) are turned off, a second position in which only the first electric motor (45) is turned on and the second electric motor (60) is turned off, and a third position in which the first electric motor (45) and the second electric motor (60) are both turned on, a second manual selection device (145) associated with the dispensing gun and able to be actuated between a first position and a second position, a transmitter device (165) associated with the dispensing gun (25), operatively connected to the second manual selection device (145), and configured to emit a predetermined wireless signal when the second manual selection device (145) is in the second position, a receiver device (170), and an electronic control apparatus (175,180) operatively connected to the receiver device (170). Wherein the electronic control apparatus (175,180) is configured to selectively turn on or turn off the second motor (60) when the first manual selection device (65) is in one from the second and the third position and the receiver device (170) intercepts the predetermined wireless signal indicative of the presence of the second manual selection device (145) in the second position.