Vehicle Evaporator Coil Cleaning Apparatus with Visual Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning vehicle evaporator coils are inefficient due to variability in cleaner concentration, potential damage during cleaning, and residual corrosion issues, which affect service provider and customer costs and time.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a camera-attached sprayer for precise fluid application and suction instrument for residual removal, allowing controlled cleaning and fluid management based on visual feedback from a monitor connected via a transmission cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If servicemen manually mix cleaner with water using a gallon pump sprayer, then the cleaning process can be performed, but the accuracy of cleaner concentration cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical mixing process with an automated electronic control system. The microprocessor-based controller automatically calculates and controls the mixture ratio of cleaner to water based on preset parameters, eliminating the need for manual measurement and mixing by servicemen. This substitution ensures precise concentration control while maintaining ease of operation through automated controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the concentration parameter of the cleaning solution by electronically controlling the mixture ratio. The microprocessor monitors and regulates the proportion of cleaner to water, allowing precise control of the concentration parameter without requiring manual intervention. This enables consistent accurate mixing while simplifying the operational process.
2Productivity
If servicemen spray diluted fluid onto evaporator coil surfaces, then cleaning can be performed, but damage to the evaporator coil may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a camera system that captures real-time images of the evaporator coil during the cleaning process. These images are transmitted to a display device, providing visual feedback to the serviceman about the cleaning progress and the condition of the coil. This feedback mechanism allows the serviceman to monitor the process and adjust spraying to prevent damage while maintaining cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera and display system act as an intermediary between the cleaning process and the serviceman. Rather than directly observing the coil, the serviceman views images on the display device, which provides a magnified and clearer view of the cleaning process. This intermediary enables more precise control of the cleaning operation, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining productivity.
3Productivity
If cleaners are applied to evaporator coil surfaces, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but residual cleaners cause corrosion and rust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a suction device that operates continuously or in sequence with the spraying process to remove cleaning solution residues from the evaporator coil. This continuous action ensures that cleaners are applied for effective cleaning while simultaneously or subsequently removed to prevent corrosion and rust, maintaining both cleaning effectiveness and component protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful residual cleaners into a controlled process by immediately following spray application with suction removal. The suction device captures and removes the cleaning solution before it can cause corrosion or rust, transforming what would be a harmful residue into a controlled temporary presence during the cleaning process. This eliminates the harmful effect while preserving the cleaning benefit.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
This present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning a vehicle's evaporator coil comprising: A pump sprayer (14); and a fluid container, both the pump sprayer and fluid container are connected with at least one tube (13) for ensuring fluid transfer, wherein a camera (26) is attached to the pump sprayer (14), whereby the images captured by the said camera are transmitted by the transmitter to the received and are displayed at an output device. Thus, the serviceman can accurately target the surfaces required for cleaning and can prevent any damages to the evaporator coil and its related components that may be occurred during the cleaning process. The apparatus of this invention provides for a more efficient approach in cleaning the evaporator coil and in the removal of excess fluid from the cleaning because it allows a serviceman to control the sprayer and the suction unit based on the visual appearance of the evaporator coil.