Multi-Piston Cleaning Device With Fixed-Sequence Liquid Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices with multiple pistons suffer from suction issues where the suction problems, particularly when the liquid is sucked in from a container or body of water via a hose, causing suction of air instead of liquid, leading to air bubbles in the pressure line, which disrupts the operation of pressure-dependent components.
Innovation Solution
A liquid distribution device that ensures the liquid is fed to multiple inlet valves in a fixed predetermined sequence, regardless of the device's orientation relative to gravity, utilizing a channel design that maximizes the flow of liquid to all valves under gravity, minimizing bubble formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple inlet valves are supplied with liquid simultaneously from a common source, then the liquid distribution is parallel and fast, but air bubbles form in the pressure line causing operational errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the liquid distribution path into sequential channels, where liquid flows through a first channel to a first inlet valve, then through a second channel to a second inlet valve, and so on. This segmentation ensures that liquid reaches each inlet valve in sequence rather than simultaneously, preventing air bubbles from being trapped in the pressure line while maintaining efficient liquid distribution.
2Ease of operation
If the cleaning device is made portable and handheld, then mobility and ease of operation are improved, but the liquid distribution must work against varying orientations relative to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a tilt sensor that dynamically detects the orientation of the cleaning device relative to the horizontal plane and automatically adjusts the liquid distribution sequence accordingly. When the device is tilted, the controller modifies which inlet valves receive liquid first based on the detected orientation, ensuring reliable liquid distribution regardless of the device's position during handheld operation.
3Speed
If inlet valves are positioned at different heights to utilize gravity for liquid flow, then liquid flow speed is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions all inlet valves at substantially the same height within the pump assembly, creating an equipotential arrangement that eliminates gravitational flow variations. This simplifies the channel design while ensuring that liquid distribution to all inlet valves is uniform and predictable, regardless of the device's orientation during operation.
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 effectively reduces bubble formation in the pressure line by ensuring all inlet valves receive liquid sequentially, leveraging gravity and channel design to enhance the flow speed and minimize the time for bubble formation.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid flows to the other inlet valves located downstream of the first inlet valve with respect to the direction of flow of the liquid under the effect of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A portable cleaning device for pressurizing and spraying out a liquid includes a pump having several pistons. A piston chamber is allocated to each of the several pistons. The liquid can be pressurized in the piston chamber by the piston. An inlet valve is allocated to each piston chamber. The cleaning device includes a connection device for connecting a source line for supplying liquid. A liquid distribution device for supplying the liquid from the connection device to the several inlet valves is arranged between the connection device and the pump. The liquid distribution device is designed such that it supplies the liquid to the several inlet valves independent of the orientation of the cleaning device, in particular the pump, in relation to the direction of gravity in a fixed predetermined sequence.