Foam Liquid Applicator Internal Lighting Carwash
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foam/liquid applicators in carwash systems rely on add-on lighting systems that are prone to damage, increase complexity and cost, and provide incomplete illumination of the falling foam or liquid.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a light chamber with a light bar containing LEDs directly within the foam generator or liquid applicator, ensuring the foam or liquid absorbs color before ejection, providing a more comprehensive and damage-resistant lighting experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If add-on lighting systems are used to illuminate the falling foam, then the visual appeal of the carwash is enhanced, but the lighting components become susceptible to damage and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the lighting system directly into the foam generator structure, merging two previously separate systems (foam generation and illumination). The light bar is positioned within the foam generator housing, and the foam is directed to flow over the light bar, combining the structural elements into a single integrated unit that eliminates the need for separate add-on lighting fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is nested within the foam generator structure. The light bar is positioned inside the foam generator housing, and the foam flow path is designed to envelop the light bar. This nesting arrangement protects the lighting components while maintaining their illumination function.
2Illumination intensity
If add-on lighting systems are used to illuminate the falling foam, then the visual appeal of the carwash is enhanced, but the manufacturing cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the foam generator and lighting system into a single integrated unit. The foam generator housing serves as the structure for mounting the light bar, and the foam dispensing mechanism is designed to work in conjunction with the lighting components. This merging eliminates the need for separate add-on lighting systems and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam generator is designed to serve multiple functions: generating foam, directing foam flow, and housing the lighting system. The housing structure provides both structural support for the foam generation components and mounting for the light bar, while also serving as part of the foam dispensing mechanism.
3Illumination intensity
If add-on lighting systems are spaced from the foam dispensing system, then the lighting components are protected from foam contact, but the illumination of the falling foam is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The foam flow path is designed to selectively contact specific areas. The foam is directed to flow over the light bar in a controlled manner, ensuring adequate illumination coverage. The light chamber structure and foam generator geometry are configured to create a localized foam flow pattern that provides complete illumination while protecting the electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The light chamber and foam generator housing serve as an intermediary structure between the foam flow and the light bar. This intermediate structure allows the foam to flow close to the lighting components for adequate illumination while preventing direct contact that could damage the electrical elements.
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
Enhances the visual appeal of the carwash by ensuring consistent and thorough illumination of the foam or liquid, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity while protecting the lighting components from damage.
Implementation Method 1
The foam generator transforms the air and the detergent-wax mixture into foam
Implementation Method 2
The foam generator transforms the air and the detergent-wax mixture into foam
Implementation Method 3
The colored light is absorbed by the foam or detergent mixture and the foam or detergent mixture exhibits the same color as the colored lighting
Implementation Method 4
A light bar is disposed in the light chamber and has a plurality of lights for illuminating the foam as it is expelled via the openings
Implementation Method 5
A light bar is disposed in the light chamber and has a plurality of lights for illuminating the foam
Data Source
AI summary
A foam/liquid applicator system for an automated carwash has at least one foam generator with a first end, a second end, a first input for receiving air, and a second input for receiving a detergent mixture. The foam generator transforms the air and the detergent mixture into foam. A light chamber is attached to the first end of said foam generator and receives the foam formed in the foam generator, the light chamber has a plurality of openings for dispensing. A light bar is disposed in the light chamber and has a plurality of lights for illuminating the foam as it is expelled via the openings.