Low-Pressure Surface Cleaning Apparatus for HVAC Coil Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning air handler systems, such as HVAC coils and fins, are inefficient and can cause damage due to high pressures and flow rates, leading to increased energy costs, reduced air quality, and potential for airborne pathogens to spread.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus and system that operates at pressures of 600 PSI or less and flow rates of 1 gallon per minute or less, using chemical cleaning agents, biocides, and biostatics to effectively clean surfaces while minimizing water and solution usage, reducing labor and energy consumption, and extending the life of air handler systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high pressure cleaning (over 600 PSI) is used to clean air handler coils and fins, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but damage to the coils and fins occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from high (over 600 PSI) to low (600 PSI or less), and combines it with chemical cleaning agents to maintain cleaning effectiveness while preventing mechanical damage to the coils and fins
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces chemical cleaning agents as an intermediary substance that works in conjunction with low-pressure water to achieve effective cleaning without the need for high-pressure mechanical force that would cause damage
2Area of stationary object
If high flow rate water (exceeding 1 gallon per minute) is used for cleaning, then cleaning coverage is improved, but water consumption and mess increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow rate parameter from high (exceeding 1 gallon per minute) to low (1 gallon per minute or less), and compensates by using chemical cleaning agents to ensure adequate cleaning coverage is achieved without excessive water consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cleaning approach (relying on high-volume water flow) with a chemical-based approach, where cleaning agents do the primary work of loosening and removing contaminants, allowing low-flow water to complete the rinsing process
3Productivity
If acid or alkaline cleaners are used to clean heavily fouled air systems, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but corrosion damage to coils and fins occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the cleaning agent, selecting neutral pH cleaners instead of acidic or alkaline cleaners, thereby achieving effective cleaning of heavily fouled systems without causing corrosion damage to the metal coils and fins
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses neutral cleaners that can be safely applied without concern for long-term corrosion, effectively treating the cleaning process as a maintenance operation rather than a heavy-duty industrial cleaning, which extends the life of the air handler components
4Productivity
If metal fin rakes and brushes are used to remove heavy buildup, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but additional damage to the air system occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scraping tools (metal fin rakes and brushes) with a chemical cleaning system that uses neutral cleaners to dissolve and lift heavy buildup, eliminating the need for physical contact that would cause bending, breaking, or other damage to the delicate fins
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
The solution provides faster, more effective cleaning with reduced mess and downtime, improving indoor air quality, extending the life of air handler systems, and minimizing the transmission of airborne pathogens and odors.
Implementation Method 1
a pump and an applicator connected to the pump through which one or more cleaning agents can be applied to the surface at an operating pressure that is about 600 PSI or less
Data Source
AI summary
Described and claimed are apparatuses and systems for surface cleaning comprising a pump and an applicator connected to the pump through which one or more cleaning agents can be applied to the surface at an operating pressure that is about 600 PSI or less and an operating flow rate that is about 1 gal/min or less.