External Fluid Distribution for Cleaning Machines With Shared Air and Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic cleaning and disinfecting machines with multiple fluid dispensing devices face challenges in space efficiency, increased complexity, and hygiene safety due to the need for separate separating and distributing devices and complex feed line connections, which are costly and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A compact and hygienically safe design where the separating and distributing device is located outside the washing chamber, with separate connections for washing liquor and drying air, and a self-folding flap mechanism ensures efficient fluid flow and eliminates the need for additional valve devices and leakage lines, allowing for easy connection of multiple fluid delivery devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate separating and distributing devices are provided for each fluid delivery device, then fluid delivery can be controlled, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separating and distributing devices are merged into a single common separating and distributing device that serves all fluid delivery devices. This single device includes multiple inlet connections for washing liquor and drying air, and multiple outlet connections that can be selectively coupled to different fluid delivery devices, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining fluid delivery control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The common separating and distributing device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both washing liquor and drying air distribution to multiple fluid delivery devices. It includes valve mechanisms that can selectively route different fluids to different outlets, allowing one device to perform the functions previously requiring multiple separate devices.
2Ease of operation
If separating and distributing devices are arranged within the washing chamber, then fluid delivery is simplified, but washing area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The separating and distributing device is extracted from the washing chamber interior and positioned in the external region. The device includes external inlet connections for washing liquor and drying air, and outlet connections that extend toward the washing chamber. This external positioning removes the bulk of the device from the limited washing space while maintaining functional connectivity through the connection lines.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual separating and distributing devices are used, then each fluid delivery device can be controlled independently, but connection effort and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independent controlling functions are merged into a single integrating separating and distributing device. The device includes multiple valve mechanisms within one housing structure, allowing independent control of washing liquor and drying air delivery to different fluid delivery devices. This integration reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled and connected, simplifying manufacturing while preserving independent control capability.
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 design optimizes the use of washing space, simplifies assembly, and enhances hygiene safety by reducing the risk of contamination, while allowing for efficient operation with multiple fluid delivery devices, making it suitable for both small and large machines.
Implementation Method 1
When the separating and distributing device is charged either with rinsing liquor or with drying air, the corresponding inflow automatically opens the flap and couples the inlet connection for rinsing liquor or the inlet connection for drying air to the outlet connection
Data Source
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AI summary
The machine has a rinsing tub for providing a rinsing chamber that is lockable by a door. Two fluid delivery devices are arranged in the chamber for delivering rinsing water and drying air. A separation and distribution device (10) feeds the rinsing water or the drying air to the fluid delivery devices. A rinsing water connection (11) and a separately formed drying air connection (12) are arranged at an inlet side of the distribution device. Common outlet connections (15-17) for discharging the water and the air are arranged at an outlet side of the distribution device. The separation and distribution device is designed as an independent handling equipment.