Mobile Enclosed Wash System for Dust Removal Without Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Enclosed areas on mobile equipment, such as under the cab or in enclosed panel areas, are difficult to maintain and clean due to dust and contaminant accumulation, posing a fire hazard and increasing maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A wash system comprising a manifold with pressure washer nozzles installed on mobile equipment, connected to a high-pressure washer fluid supply line, allowing targeted cleaning of hard-to-reach areas by directing washer fluid or air to dislodge dirt and contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If enclosed areas on mobile equipment are cleaned by removing panels or guarding, then cleaning accessibility is improved, but equipment complexity and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The washing system is divided into multiple nozzles positioned at different locations within the enclosed area, each targeting specific zones. This segmentation allows comprehensive cleaning without requiring removal of protective panels or guarding, resolving the contradiction between cleaning accessibility and equipment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A manifold system acts as an intermediary distribution network that delivers washer fluid through multiple nozzles to enclosed areas. This intermediary structure enables cleaning of hard-to-reach spaces without direct human intervention or panel removal, maintaining both accessibility and equipment integrity
2Loss of time
If enclosed areas are not cleaned regularly, then maintenance time is reduced, but fire hazard increases due to dust and contaminant accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The washing system performs preliminary cleaning actions by accumulating washer fluid in the manifold and releasing it in controlled bursts to dislodge and remove dust and contaminants before they can accumulate to hazardous levels, thereby preventing fire hazards while minimizing maintenance time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous or frequent cleaning operations through the manifold-nozzle architecture, allowing regular removal of combustible materials from enclosed areas. This continuous action prevents contaminant accumulation and associated fire risks without requiring extensive maintenance time
3Area of stationary object
If pressure washer nozzles are positioned to reach all enclosed areas, then cleaning coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into multiple nozzles distributed throughout the enclosed area, each responsible for a specific zone. This segmentation achieves comprehensive cleaning coverage while keeping each individual nozzle simple in design, resolving the contradiction between coverage and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold system serves multiple functions: it distributes washer fluid to multiple nozzles, provides structural support for nozzle positioning, and enables coverage of various enclosed areas through its multi-branch configuration. This multi-functionality achieves extensive cleaning coverage without proportionally increasing system complexity
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 reduces dust and dirt accumulation, minimizing fire risks and lowering maintenance costs by enabling efficient cleaning of otherwise inaccessible areas without disassembling equipment components.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pressure washer nozzles that are connected to the manifold and each directed to spray washer fluid to dislodge dirt, dust, and contaminants
Data Source
AI summary
This system was designed after many years of trying to resolve dirt and dust accumulation in confined areas on mobile and stationary equipment, and other types of plant equipment, including equipment of offshore oil and gas platforms, maritime vessels, and others, and more generally any kind of motorized or mechanical equipment with internal areas that accumulate dust and dirt. The areas where dust and dirt accumulation occur would normally only be accessible by removing major components. The initial installation of the wash system may be time consuming, however, may eliminate future risk exposure and manning. The system may be designed to utilize existing pressure washers and air systems. The supply manifold may be constructed from steel, hydraulic lines, pressure wash nozzles and angled fittings. The installer may assess areas of accumulation, directing the nozzles at the general area. Once the system has been installed, mechanical operators may easily attach the device to a pressure source. Quick connect fittings would be installed outside the machine, connecting pressurized water or air to the supply manifold.