Foot Valve Container Washing System with Rotating Nozzles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container washing systems are inefficient and costly for washing cylindrical trash cans, lacking a effective and cost-efficient method for cleaning these types of containers.

Innovation Solution

A container washing system comprising a foot valve, a tray with a grate to support the container, and a rotatable assembly with nozzles, where activating the foot valve creates a fluid path for spraying fluid into the container, effectively cleaning its interior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a traditional container washing system is used, then washing capability is provided, but the system is inefficient and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The washing system is segmented into modular components: a support tray with grate for container placement, a rotatable assembly with multiple nozzles positioned at different locations, and a foot valve for fluid control. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function efficiently while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable assembly can rotate to position nozzles at different angles and locations relative to the container, enabling dynamic adjustment of the washing approach. This dynamic positioning allows thorough cleaning of various container surfaces without requiring multiple fixed nozzle assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If manual cleaning effort is increased, then cleaning thoroughness improves, but operational convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning thoroughnessVSAvoidoperational convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service washing where the operator simply places the container on the tray and activates the foot valve. The rotatable assembly automatically positions nozzles to spray fluid throughout the container interior, eliminating the need for manual scrubbing or complex operational steps while maintaining thorough cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses hydraulic fluid spray through multiple nozzles to achieve thorough cleaning automatically. The foot valve controls fluid flow to the nozzles, creating high-velocity spray patterns that effectively clean container surfaces without requiring manual effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If additional equipment is added to improve cleaning capability, then washing effectiveness increases, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidequipment quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable assembly with multiple nozzles serves multiple functions: it can clean different areas of the container by rotating to different positions, adjust spray angles, and provide comprehensive coverage. This multi-functionality achieves reliable cleaning effectiveness without requiring separate specialized equipment for each cleaning task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system provides an efficient and cost-effective means of cleaning cylindrical trash cans by ensuring thorough interior cleaning with a convenient and accessible operation, enhancing the cleaning process without the need for extensive manual effort or additional equipment.

Implementation Method 1

actuation of the foot valve opens a fluid path from the foot valve to the nozzles, such that a fluid may be sprayed above the tray and into the interior of the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow through valve actuation: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS20250162004A1Container washing system and method
Publication Date: 2025.05.22 BOYD JENNIFER
  • US20250162004A1 patent drawing
  • US20250162004A1 patent drawing
  • US20250162004A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of container washing systems and methods. The exemplary systems may include a foot valve, the foot valve having an input for a fluid, a tray having a grate, the grate configured to support the container; and a rotatable assembly having one or more nozzles, wherein actuation of the foot valve opens a fluid path from the foot valve to the nozzles, such that a fluid may be sprayed above the tray and into the interior of the container.