Flash Vortex Brush for Borehole Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning boreholes in concrete, masonry, and grout are inefficient, leading to inadequate bonding of proprietary anchors, which can result in structural failures and safety issues due to residual debris and residues not being effectively removed, especially in extended reach boreholes.
Innovation Solution
The flash vortex brush device combines a coil cleaning brush with a focused laminar jet stream of air or water from a pre-existing nozzle to simultaneously blow and brush borehole walls, ensuring thorough removal of debris and residues without eroding the borehole surfaces, thus optimizing anchor bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-step cleaning methods (blowing, brushing, blowing again) are used to clean boreholes, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but cleaning time and labor cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blowing function and brushing function into a single integrated device. The hollow shaft allows compressed air to flow through its interior to the distal end for blowing debris, while the coil brush attached to the exterior simultaneously brushes the borehole walls. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate blowing and brushing steps, achieving both thorough cleaning and time savings.
2Length of stationary object
If extended reach boreholes are cleaned with traditional methods, then cleaning coverage is improved, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates due to inability to reach and properly clean distant borehole surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes compressed air flow through the hollow shaft to propel cleaning effectiveness throughout the borehole. The air jet from the distal end blows debris away from the brush area and forces it toward the proximal end, while also helping to clean hard-to-reach surfaces in extended boreholes. This pneumatic assistance maintains cleaning effectiveness regardless of borehole depth.
3Productivity
If focused laminar jet stream is used to blow borehole walls, then debris removal is improved, but risk of eroding borehole surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blowing function and brushing function into a single integrated device. The hollow shaft allows compressed air to flow through its interior to the distal end for blowing debris, while the coil brush attached to the exterior simultaneously brushes the borehole walls. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate blowing and brushing steps, achieving both thorough cleaning and time savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil brush acts as an intermediary between the compressed air jet and the borehole walls. Instead of allowing the high-velocity air jet to directly impact and potentially erode the borehole surface, the brush mediates the cleaning action, providing mechanical brushing that is less erosive while still effective at removing debris.
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 method significantly reduces cleaning time and labor while ensuring superior cleanliness of boreholes, enhancing the stability and reliability of anchor bonding, thereby addressing safety concerns and reducing inspection costs.
Implementation Method 1
The flash vortex brush device combines a coil cleaning brush with a focused laminar jet stream of air or water from a pre-existing nozzle
Implementation Method 2
The flash vortex brush device combines a coil cleaning brush with a focused laminar jet stream of air or water
Implementation Method 3
The coil cleaning brush having a plurality of bristles arranged and sized to a diameter equal to or slightly greater than the inner diameter of the borehole to be cleaned so as to contact the borehole walls at all points
Implementation Method 4
The flash vortex brush device combines a coil cleaning brush with a focused laminar jet stream of air or water
Data Source
AI summary
Flash vortex brush cleaning apparatus is provided which comprises a device and method for cleaning inner channels of boreholes which have been drilled or cored within solid substrates, particularly, concrete, masonry, grout, where the boreholes are to be used to bond adhesive anchors therein. Flash vortex brush device comprises a straight tubular shaft; a coil cleaning brush. Tubular shaft includes a first end including an open inlet; opposing second end including an open outlet; first end including a connector element. Coil cleaning brush includes bristles secured in channel affixed wound proximate to second end of shaft developed of pitch to form an open wound coil. Connector element provides removable attaching means to a variety of pre-existing nozzles. For rapid efficient cleaning, first embodiment for use includes flash vortex brush removably attached with air nozzle; second embodiment for use includes flash vortex brush removably attached with water nozzle.