Graffiti Removal System with Recirculating Liquid and Vacuum Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-pressure cleaning methods for graffiti removal are inefficient, environmentally harmful, and damaging to surfaces due to the need for frequent water refilling, equipment size and cost, contamination risks, and sensitivity to surface types.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop graffiti removal system with a container, pumps, and a filtering device that recirculates and filters the cleaning liquid, using a discharge unit with nozzles and a resilient spray guard to contain and reuse the liquid, minimizing environmental impact and surface damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a high-pressure cleaner is used for graffiti removal, then graffiti can be effectively removed from surfaces, but the equipment becomes expensive and cumbersome to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cleaning function into separate components: a portable discharge unit with nozzle for graffiti removal, and a separate water supply unit with tank. This segmentation allows the discharge unit to be lightweight and portable while the water supply remains in a larger container, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge unit is designed to be connectable to various water supply sources including portable tanks, vehicle water systems, or building water supplies. This nested configuration allows the core cleaning mechanism to be portable while accommodating different water supply scenarios, maintaining both effectiveness and adaptability.
2Productivity
If water is supplied from a tank on a vehicle, then high-pressure cleaning can be performed, but time is spent traveling back and forth between water reservoir and graffiti locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous cleaning operations by connecting to permanent water supplies (building water systems, vehicle water tanks) that eliminate the need for frequent refilling. The discharge unit can operate continuously as long as the connected water supply lasts, removing the interruption of traveling to refill portable tanks.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge unit is designed to accept multiple water supply sources including portable tanks, building water systems, and vehicle water tanks. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different operational scenarios, enabling continuous operation by connecting to permanent supplies when available.
3Productivity
If high-pressure water is used for cleaning, then graffiti is removed effectively, but chemicals and paint are washed into surrounding air and soil causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes contaminated water from the cleaning process through a vacuum system that collects and vacuums the water after it has been used for graffiti removal. This prevents the contaminated water from being discharged into the environment, separating the cleaning function from the harmful waste discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful contaminated water that would normally be discarded into a reusable resource by filtering and recirculating it through the system. The vacuumed water is filtered to remove paint and chemical contaminants, then reused for subsequent cleaning operations, turning a harmful waste product into a beneficial resource.
4Ease of operation
If high-pressure water cleaner is used on electrical cabinets or wood surfaces, then cleaning can be performed, but water may enter cabinets or destroy wood surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge unit features a nozzle that can be precisely positioned and directed at the graffiti location only, rather than spraying water over a broad area. This localized water application ensures that water is delivered only where needed for graffiti removal, preventing water from reaching sensitive areas like electrical cabinets or wood surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a portable discharge unit that can be dynamically positioned and adjusted by the operator to match the exact location and orientation of the graffiti. This dynamic positioning capability allows precise control over water delivery, adapting to different surface geometries while avoiding sensitive areas.
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 efficiently removes graffiti with reduced environmental contamination, saves time and resources by reusing cleaning liquid, and protects sensitive surfaces through controlled liquid discharge and filtration, allowing for effective graffiti removal without the need for frequent water refilling or large, cumbersome equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump for pumping liquid from said container to a discharge unit connectable to the first pump for discharging pumped liquid onto the surface to be cleaned
Implementation Method 2
a second pump connectable to an outlet port of the discharge unit for pumping air and liquid from said interior space and out through the outlet port
Implementation Method 3
A circumferential portion of said cover member is provided with a resilient spray guard configured for sealing against the surface to be cleaned
Implementation Method 4
The system comprises a filtering device configured to filter the liquid pumped from the discharge unit by the second pump and subsequently supply it to the first pump
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A cleaning system (1) for graffiti removal from a surface to be cleaned (29), wherein said system (1) comprises a container (2) for liquid, a first pump (3) for pumping liquid from said container (2) to a discharge unit (4) connectable to the first pump (3) for discharging pumped liquid onto the surface (29) to be cleaned. The discharge unit (4) comprises a cover member (5) defining an interior space (6) and an opening (7) through which liquid is dischargeable from said interior space (6) onto the surface (29) to be cleaned. One or more nozzles (8) are provided within said interior space (6) for discharging liquid pumped by said first pump (3). A circumferential portion of said cover member (5) is provided with a resilient spray guard (9) configured for sealing against the surface (29) to be cleaned. The system (1) further comprises a second pump (10) connectable to an outlet port (11) of the discharge unit (4) for pumping air and liquid from said interior space (6) and out through the outlet port (11).