Method for cleaning in a portable parts washer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The disposal of hazardous cleaning fluids used in industrial processes poses environmental concerns, and existing portable parts washers do not effectively remediate or recycle these fluids, leading to excessive waste.
Innovation Solution
A portable parts washer design with a recirculating system and internal reservoir that allows for in-situ remediation of cleaning fluids, using microorganisms to break down oil and grease, and a drainage system that keeps fluids contained during transport and use, enabling reuse and reduced disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cleaning fluids are used to clean mechanical parts, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but hazardous waste is generated requiring disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers and reuses cleaning fluids through a recirculating reservoir instead of discarding them after single use. The reservoir collects used fluids and maintains them for continuous reuse, eliminating the need for disposal and preventing hazardous waste generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically recirculating and maintaining its own cleaning fluids through an integrated reservoir system, eliminating the need for external disposal services and continuous fluid replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If portable parts washer is moved between locations, then mobility is improved, but cleaning fluid may spill or leak
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a flexible, integrated reservoir design that can accommodate movement and position changes without rigid structural constraints. The reservoir maintains fluid containment through flexible sealing mechanisms that adapt to different orientations and positions during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir system is designed to dynamically adapt to different positions and orientations of the portable washer. The fluid containment structure incorporates dynamic sealing elements that maintain integrity whether the device is stationary, being moved, or tilted during operation.
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 system effectively recycles and remediates cleaning fluids, reducing waste and environmental impact by maintaining a minimal fluid volume for continuous operation and containment, allowing for extended use without fluid replacement.
Implementation Method 1
using microorganisms to break down oil and grease
Data Source
AI summary
A portable parts washer for cleaning mechanical parts that includes a washer body having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a wash basin formed within the upper portion having inner sidewalls, a floor panel and at least one drain aperture. The portable parts washer also includes an in-use reservoir formed within the lower portion of the washer body and having a bottom panel spaced from the floor panel and outer sidewalls, and which is configured to receive cleaning fluid from the wash basin through the drain aperture when the floor panel is in a substantially horizontal orientation. The portable parts washer further includes a storage reservoir formed within the upper and lower portions and which is configured to contain the cleaning fluid from the in-use reservoir when the floor panel is rotated to a substantially vertical orientation.