High-Pressure Cleaner Additive System with Gravity-Fed Refill
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure cleaning devices face challenges in simplifying the handling and storage of liquid cleaning additives, leading to inefficient refilling and potential operational disruptions due to the need for immediate replacement of empty containers.
Innovation Solution
A system with a stationary intermediate tank and an independently manageable refill container that maintains a constant liquid level, allowing for continuous refilling and controlled dispensing of cleaning additives without the need for additional pumps, using a solenoid valve and a design that prevents airlocks and ensures even flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a storage tank for liquid cleaning additive is provided in high-pressure cleaning devices, then the cleaning effect is improved, but the handling and refilling of the storage tank becomes complex and operationally disruptive
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into two separate containers: a stationary intermediate tank integrated into the device and a movable refill container that can be independently handled and refilled. This segmentation allows the intermediate tank to maintain continuous operation while the refill container is replaced without disrupting cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate tank serves as an intermediary buffer between the refill container and the dispensing system. It receives cleaning additive from the refill container and supplies it to the dispensing device, decoupling the refilling operation from the cleaning operation and enabling continuous work.
2Reliability
If a storage tank is integrated into the high-pressure cleaning device, then the cleaning function is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into a stationary intermediate tank (integrated into the device structure) and a separate refill container (independent unit). This segmentation adds functionality while keeping each component relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses gravity-fed automatic refilling from the refill container to the intermediate tank, eliminating the need for complex pumps or controlled transfer mechanisms. The structure leverages natural gravitational flow to maintain the intermediate tank, reducing mechanical complexity.
3Device complexity
If cleaning additive is stored in a single tank, then the structure is simple, but operational interruptions occur when the tank is empty
Solution Approach 1:
The single storage tank is replaced by a two-container system where the intermediate tank ensures continuous supply during operation, and the refill container provides replenishment capability without interrupting the cleaning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The refill container is prepared in advance and can be quickly exchanged when empty, while the intermediate tank maintains the cleaning additive supply during operation. This preliminary preparation of the refill container enables continuous operation without interruption.
4Productivity
If the storage tank volume is increased to ensure continuous operation, then operational continuity is improved, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The total storage volume is divided between a smaller stationary intermediate tank and a separate refill container. The intermediate tank is sized only for continuous operation during refilling, reducing its weight, while the refill container (which can be larger) is handled separately and replaced when empty.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate tank acts as a buffer with smaller volume, enabling continuous operation during the refilling process. The larger storage capacity is provided by the separate refill container that can be quickly exchanged, eliminating the need for a single large heavy tank.
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 solution simplifies the handling of cleaning additives, allowing for continuous operation even when the refill container is empty, as the intermediate tank acts as a buffer, ensuring a constant supply and preventing operational interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
cleaning additive automatically flowing out of the refill container into the intermediate tank when cleaning additive is removed from the intermediate tank
Implementation Method 2
liquid cleaning additive being able to be removed from the intermediate tank in a controlled manner by means of the dispensing device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for storing and dispensing a liquid cleaning additive for a high-pressure cleaning device, having a unit for storing the cleaning additive, and a unit for the controlled dispensing of the cleaning additive. In order to refine the system such that it provides simpler handling, the invention proposes that the storage unit has an intermediate tank (42) that is held on the high-pressure cleaning device (10) in a stationary manner, and a refill container (75) that can be handled separately for filling the intermediate tank, from which liquid cleaning additive can be removed in a controlled manner by means of the dispenser unit (46), wherein the refill container can be fixed on the high-pressure cleaning device and can be connected to the intermediate tank in a fluidic manner. Upon removal of cleaning additive from the intermediate tank, cleaning additive automatically flows from the refill container into the intermediate tank in order to maintain a predetermined fluid level in the intermediate tank. The invention further provides a refill container for such a system, and a high-pressure cleaning device having such a system.