Hygienic Spray Deflector for Vent Fluid Recapture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluids escaping through the vent of storage vessels during cleaning or filling operations lead to waste, safety hazards, and increased maintenance costs, as existing solutions either fail to prevent leakage or compromise ventilation and rinsing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hygienic spray deflector apparatus and system that includes a spray deflector configured to deflect fluids back into the storage vessel, allowing air flow and being removable for maintenance, which can be attached to existing vents and storage vessels, preventing fluid loss and ensuring proper ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a spray deflector is installed to prevent fluid leakage, then fluid loss is reduced, but air flow through the vent is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The spray deflector is divided into multiple segments or sections, allowing air to pass through gaps between segments while still intercepting and redirecting fluid spray. This segmentation enables the device to simultaneously perform fluid deflection and maintain ventilation function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the spray deflector have different properties - the main body is designed to intercept fluid while specific areas (gaps, openings, or permeable sections) are designed to allow air passage. This local differentiation enables simultaneous fluid prevention and air flow.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a spray deflector is installed to prevent fluid leakage, then safety hazards are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray deflector acts as an intermediary component installed at the vent opening, providing a simple barrier that redirects fluid while allowing air passage. This intermediary device solves the safety problem without requiring complex system modifications to the storage vessel or spray system.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray deflector is designed to be self-adjusting or self-regulating, using the natural direction of spray and air flow to maintain its function without requiring external control systems, motors, or complex mechanisms. The passive design reduces complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
3Loss of substance
If a spray deflector is installed to prevent fluid leakage, then fluid loss is reduced, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray deflector is designed as separable segments or a removable single piece that can be easily detached from the vent for cleaning and maintenance. This modular or removable design allows quick removal without disassembling the entire vent system, reducing maintenance difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray deflector is designed to be easily removed, cleaned, and reinstalled, allowing rapid maintenance cycles. The simple design enables quick recovery of the component for cleaning without requiring complex tools or procedures.
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
Effectively recaptures and reuses fluids, minimizing waste and safety hazards while maintaining proper ventilation and ensuring thorough cleaning of storage vessels.
Implementation Method 1
The spray deflector is configured to deflect fluid that enters the hygienic spray deflector through the inlet opening
Implementation Method 2
The connector is configured to allow air flow between the inlet opening and the outlet opening
Data Source
AI summary
A hygienic spray deflector apparatus includes an inlet opening, an outlet opening, and at least one wall that encloses a space between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The hygienic spray deflector further includes a spray deflector in the space between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The spray deflector is configured to deflect fluid that enters the hygienic spray deflector through the inlet opening. The hygienic spray deflector further includes a connector between the spray deflector and the at least one wall. The connector is configured to fix the spray deflector in place within the space. The connector is configured to allow air flow between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.