Wash Chamber Helical Nozzle Structure for Hand and Forearm Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated hand-washing devices with rotating cylinders lack effective nozzle orientations and features for improved coverage, faster cycle completion, safer operation, and easier assembly, as well as efficient fluid delivery and drainage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wash chamber with a novel nozzle arrangement featuring progressively steeper helical nozzles, off-helix nozzles, and a flow guidance structure to reduce turbulence, combined with a sealing mechanism and drain holes to prevent finger or jewelry entrapment, enhances fluid delivery and drainage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional nozzle arrangements are used in rotating cylinders, then the device structure is simple, but the hand and forearm coverage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system is divided into multiple independent nozzle groups (first, second, and third sets of nozzles) positioned at different locations and orientations within the cylinder. Each nozzle group targets specific areas (fingernails, hand dorsum, forearm) to achieve comprehensive coverage through segmented functional zones rather than a single complex nozzle structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces helical arrangement of nozzles in the third set, adding a rotational dimension to the spray pattern. The nozzles are positioned at different angular positions around the cylinder circumference and oriented at different angles, creating a three-dimensional spray coverage that expands the effective washing area beyond what traditional planar arrangements could achieve
2Productivity
If the wash cycle time is reduced for faster operation, then productivity increases, but cleaning reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating cylinder continuously presents different nozzle groups to the user's hand and forearm throughout the wash cycle. The rotation ensures that multiple nozzle sets sequentially engage with different body parts, maintaining continuous cleaning action without idle periods, thereby achieving both speed and thoroughness
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic rotation of the cylinder to cycle through different nozzle groups at optimized intervals. Each rotation brings a specific nozzle set into position to treat a particular area, creating a rhythmic sequence of cleaning actions that ensures complete coverage within reduced time through optimized timing of each phase
3Area of stationary object
If the cylinder rotates faster to improve coverage, then washing effectiveness increases, but the risk of finger or jewelry entrapment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the third set of nozzles in a helical array that extends only along a portion of the cylinder length, not the full length. This partial arrangement provides sufficient spray coverage for the forearm and hand areas that require it, while leaving other portions of the cylinder without nozzles, thereby creating larger safe zones where fingers and jewelry cannot become entrapped in narrow spaces between nozzles and the cylinder wall
4Reliability
If multiple nozzle sets are added to improve coverage, then cleaning effectiveness increases, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple nozzle sets are divided into functionally independent groups (first set for fingernails, second set for hand dorsum, third set for forearm) that can be manufactured and positioned as separate modules. This segmentation allows each nozzle group to be optimized independently and assembled into the cylinder in a systematic manner, reducing manufacturing complexity compared to integrating all nozzles into a single complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating cylinder structure serves as a universal platform that houses and positions all multiple nozzle sets. The single rotating component performs multiple functions: it supports all nozzle groups, provides the rotational motion for sequential activation, and maintains precise spatial relationships between different nozzle sets, thereby simplifying the overall assembly despite the presence of multiple nozzle types
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 configuration results in improved hand and forearm coverage, faster and more reliable wash cycles, safer operation, and reduced cycle time, while preventing fluid leakage and entrapment issues.
Implementation Method 1
a flow guidance structure disposed on an inner surface of the inner cylinder that reduces turbulence of a fluid flow entering the annular cavity
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of nozzles disposed on an inner surface of the inner cylinder that deliver water and/or cleaning fluid as the inner cylinder rotates around a person's hand and forearm
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using a wash cylinder or chamber for a cleaning station to clean an object or a person's body part includes nozzles on the interior of the cylinder, the nozzles of one embodiment comprising an increasing roll angle providing a novel spray pattern. Additionally, embodiments of the invention include methods of using fluid guidance and conveyance structures, angled nozzles, sealing structures, finger guards, nozzle ribs, wash chamber seating mechanisms and drains, and nozzle inlays having a plurality of nozzles. Also disclosed are methods of washing an object or body part using a wash cylinder or chamber and methods of assembling a wash cylinder or chamber.