High-Pressure Cleaning Device Pressure Detection Mode Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-pressure cleaning devices lack user-friendly features for switching between detergent and high-pressure modes, making it difficult for operators to adjust the cleaning chemical mixing ratio and liquid pressure effectively.

Innovation Solution

A high-pressure cleaning device with a detection unit that senses pressure changes, a control unit that interprets these changes to switch between modes, and an input/display unit allowing operators to easily select mixing ratios and pressure levels, using a low-pressure detergent nozzle or high-pressure nozzle, with a valve system to control volume flow and liquid pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If a high-pressure nozzle is used, then liquid pressure is high, but the opening cross-section is small and flow rate is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid pressureVSAvoidflow rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between high-pressure nozzle and low-pressure detergent nozzle based on detected liquid pressure levels. The control unit monitors pressure and automatically selects the appropriate nozzle type, allowing the system to adapt its characteristics (pressure vs. flow rate) according to operational requirements without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stress or pressure

If manual pressure adjustment mechanisms are used, then pressure control is possible, but device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure controlVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis by detecting liquid pressure levels and automatically determines whether detergent mode or high-pressure cleaning mode should be active. The control unit autonomously selects the appropriate operating mode and notifies the operator, eliminating the need for manual mode switching and simplifying operation while maintaining precise pressure control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors liquid pressure and uses this feedback to automatically adjust operating parameters. The detection unit provides real-time pressure information to the control unit, which then adjusts the operating mode accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal pressure without requiring manual adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If automated mode switching is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses simple pressure detection feedback to trigger automated mode switching. The detection unit monitors liquid pressure and provides straightforward binary feedback (detergent mode or high-pressure mode) to the control unit, enabling automated operation without requiring complex control algorithms or multiple sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that simplifies the interface between the operator and the complex pump/nozzle system. It handles the complexity of pressure monitoring, mode determination, and nozzle selection internally, presenting a simple automated switching function to the operator without exposing the underlying complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables seamless switching between detergent and high-pressure modes, allowing operators to intuitively adjust the cleaning chemical mixing ratio and liquid pressure, enhancing the cleaning effectiveness and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a detection unit with which liquid pressure can be detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

a mixing device by which a cleaning chemical can be mixed with the liquid in the pressure chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid mixing:

Data Source

PatentEP3237124B1High-pressure cleaning device
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG
  • EP3237124B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3237124B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3237124B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a high-pressure cleaning device having a high-pressure pump (16) that comprises a suction chamber (50), at least one pump chamber (52) which is arranged downstream thereof and in which liquid is pressurised, and a pressure chamber (56) downstream of said pump chamber (52), said high-pressure cleaning device (10) having: a control unit (24) on or onto which a discharge unit (36, 41) in the form of a low-pressure cleaning agent nozzle (37, 42) is arranged or attached, said control unit being able to be brought into fluidic connection with said pressure chamber (56) by means of a high-pressure line (22); as well as an admixing device (80) by means of which the liquid in the pressure chamber (56) can be mixed with a cleaning chemical. According to the invention, in order to develop such a high-pressure cleaning device further so as to make it more user-friendly, the high-pressure cleaning device (10) comprises a detection unit (136) with which it is possible to detect whether a liquid pressure on the pressure side of the pump chamber (52) has fallen below a threshold pressure, a control unit (76) coupled to said detection unit (136), an indicator unit (34) which is coupled to the control unit (76) and on which an indication that the high-pressure cleaning device (10) is entering into a cleaning agent mode can be provided for an operator, as well as an input unit (28) by means of which a mixing ratio for the cleaning chemical and the liquid can be pre-set by the operator.