Tank-Integrated Heat Exchanger Muffler for Quiet Fluid Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial systems for cleaning flooring and extracting water from water-damaged buildings are energy-intensive and noisy, requiring significant energy to pressurize and heat cleaning water, and then remove it, with ongoing pressure to improve efficiency and reduce noise, especially in residential settings.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-based system that incorporates a separate on-board power system with a heat exchanger and muffler configuration, where the heat exchanger uses vehicle engine heat and blower air to preheat cleaning fluid and the muffler attenuates noise by positioning the heat exchanger within the fluid supply tank, allowing for efficient heating and sound reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a separate internal combustion engine is used to power the pump and blower, then sufficient power is available for fluid pressurization and extraction, but energy consumption increases and noise levels rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat exchanger and muffler into a single integrated component that serves dual functions: heating the cleaning fluid and attenuating engine noise. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed and optimizes space utilization within the fluid supply tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is designed to serve multiple purposes: it heats the cleaning fluid using engine heat, and simultaneously acts as a noise attenuation device through its muffler configuration. This multi-functionality addresses both energy efficiency and noise reduction requirements with a single component.
2Power
If a separate internal combustion engine is used to power the pump and blower, then sufficient power is available for fluid pressurization and extraction, but noise levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful noise from the engine into a beneficial feature by using the heat exchanger's structure as a muffler. The same component that transfers heat also attenuates noise, turning a harmful byproduct (noise) into a positive outcome (noise reduction).
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger acts as an intermediary between the engine and the external environment, filtering and attenuating noise while transferring heat. This intermediary component protects the surrounding environment from noise while maintaining the necessary thermal energy transfer.
3Loss of energy
If heat exchangers are used to extract heat from the engine, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat exchanger and muffler into a single integrated component, reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate noise attenuation equipment while maintaining energy efficiency through heat recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: heat transfer and noise attenuation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system, thereby simplifying the device while improving energy efficiency.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the heat exchanger is positioned within the fluid supply tank, then noise is attenuated and space is optimized, but access for maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is nested within the fluid supply tank, optimizing space utilization. The component is positioned to fit within the existing tank structure, maximizing the use of available space while maintaining noise attenuation effectiveness.
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 reduces energy consumption and noise levels by effectively preheating cleaning fluid and absorbing sound, achieving a noise reduction from 120 dB to less than 90 dB, while maintaining efficient fluid extraction and cleaning processes.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger uses vehicle engine heat and blower air to preheat cleaning fluid
Implementation Method 2
the heat exchanger uses vehicle engine heat and blower air to preheat cleaning fluid
Implementation Method 3
the muffler attenuates noise by positioning the heat exchanger within the fluid supply tank
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for transferring heat and/or sound during liquid extraction and/or cleaning processes are disclosed. A fluid extraction system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a fluid extractor having an outlet positioned to deliver extracted waste fluid, and a fluid tank operatively coupled to the extractor. A blower, having an air intake and an air outlet through which blower air passes, is operatively coupled to the extractor outlet to draw the extracted waste fluid from the extractor. A muffler is positioned at least partially within the liquid tank and has a flow path along which the blower air passes. In particular embodiments, the muffler can also provide a heat exchanger function, for example, to heat cleaning fluid provided to the extractor.