Inductive Withdrawal Lance for Precise Cleaning Agent Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conductivity probes in cleaning devices suffer from insufficient accuracy due to temperature and water hardness variations, leading to uncertainty in identifying the cleaning agent, and require cumbersome calibration procedures.

Innovation Solution

A withdrawal lance with aligned first and second coils for emitting and receiving magnetic fields, allowing precise detection of cleaning agent parameters, and a control unit for evaluating these signals to identify the cleaning agent, minimizing environmental influences and ensuring accurate measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conductivity probes are used to detect cleaning agent parameters, then cleaning agent identification is enabled, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature and water hardness variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning agent identification accuracyVSAvoidtemperature and water hardness influence
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional conductivity probes with an inductive sensor system consisting of at least one inductive sensor and associated evaluation means. This substitution eliminates direct contact between the sensor and the cleaning agent solution, thereby removing the harmful effects of temperature and water hardness on measurement accuracy. The inductive sensor detects cleaning agent parameters through electromagnetic induction without being influenced by environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conductivity probes are installed in cleaning devices, then cleaning agent detection is possible, but device complexity increases due to calibration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning agent detection capabilityVSAvoidcalibration procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inductive sensor system performs self-calibration automatically without requiring manual intervention. The evaluation means processes the inductive sensor signals and automatically adjusts the calibration, eliminating the need for operators to perform complex calibration procedures monthly or introduce large amounts of calibration fluid into the machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If inductive sensors are used for cleaning agent detection, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to insulation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning agent parameter detection accuracyVSAvoidcoil insulation and protection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inductive sensor coils are coated with a thin insulating layer that provides electrical insulation while maintaining the sensor's functionality. This thin film approach ensures accurate measurement of cleaning agent parameters without requiring complex insulation structures, making the system both precise and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Ensures reliable and precise identification of cleaning agents, reducing the risk of incorrect dosing and improving cleaning device performance by compensating for environmental factors and simplifying calibration.

Implementation Method 1

a first coil for emitting a transmitting magnetic field in a coil chamber for receiving the cleaning agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a second coil for receiving a receiving magnetic field, wherein the first and second coils are arranged at a free end of the sampling lance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4575480A1Removal lance for removing liquid cleaning agent from a cleaning agent container and method for operating a removal lance
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP4575480A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4575480A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4575480A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a withdrawal lance (100) for withdrawing liquid cleaning agent (245) from a cleaning agent container (250), wherein the withdrawal lance (100) comprises a first coil (120) for forming a magnetic field in a coil chamber (110) for receiving the cleaning agent (245) and a second coil (120) for receiving a magnetic field, wherein the first and second coils (120, 125) are arranged at a free end of the withdrawal lance (100).