Modular Tank Cleaner With Replaceable Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank cleaning devices require extensive time and effort to select the optimal cleaning fluid and configuration, often necessitating in situ tests due to varying parameters such as pressure, vessel size, and chemical properties.
Innovation Solution
A modular tank cleaning device with replaceable elements, including nozzles, nozzle holders, and drive means, allowing for easy adaptation to different tank conditions. The device includes a display element to facilitate the selection of optimal replaceable elements from various groups, optimizing cleaning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If in situ tests are conducted to select the optimal cleaning fluid and configuration, then cleaning performance is optimized, but time and material consumption increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-configured sets of replaceable elements (nozzles, nozzle holders, drive means components) that have been optimized for different cleaning scenarios. Instead of conducting extensive in situ tests to determine the optimal configuration, users can directly select from pre-defined sets that are tailored to specific tank sizes, cleaning fluids, and contamination types, thereby significantly reducing testing time while maintaining optimal cleaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by offering replaceable elements with varying parameters (nozzle diameters, spray angles, rotational speeds, jet patterns) organized in systematic sets. This allows rapid adjustment of cleaning parameters without extensive testing, as each set is designed with specific parameter combinations optimized for particular cleaning conditions
2Reliability
If multiple different cleaners are tested to find the best cleaning result, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cleaning system into modular replaceable elements (nozzles, nozzle holders, drive means components) that can be independently selected and combined. This modular approach eliminates the need to test complete different cleaner systems, as effectiveness can be optimized by selecting appropriate combinations of segmented components, thereby reducing material consumption associated with testing multiple complete cleaner systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a universal replaceable element holder that can accommodate various types of replaceable elements within standardized sets. This multi-functional design allows a single base unit to work with multiple configurations of nozzles and drive means, reducing the need to test and procure multiple complete cleaner systems while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
3Reliability
If the entire tank cleaner is replaced to adapt to different tank conditions, then cleaning performance is optimized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the tank cleaner into a permanent base unit and replaceable elements (nozzles, nozzle holders, drive means components). This allows adaptation to different tank conditions by simply replacing specific segments rather than the entire system, thereby maintaining cleaning performance while reducing device complexity and investment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the system to adapt to different cleaning conditions through the replacement of specific elements rather than requiring a completely different cleaner for each application. The replaceable element holder and organized sets provide a dynamic configuration system that can be adjusted based on tank size, cleaning fluid properties, and contamination type without increasing overall 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 modular design significantly reduces the time and effort required to achieve the best cleaning results, allowing for quick adaptation to different tank conditions and optimizing cleaning performance by enabling targeted selection of replaceable elements.
Implementation Method 1
a drive means (18) which converts the flow energy of the cleaning fluid flowing through the feed line into rotational energy of the nozzle holder (5)
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle holder (5) rotatable about two axes and at least one nozzle (6) arranged on the nozzle holder (5)
Implementation Method 3
A jet of cleaning liquid or cleaning fluid exits the nozzle and removes residues from the inner wall of the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tank cleaning device comprising a tank cleaner (1) having a drive means (18) comprising a drive means component, a nozzle holder (5) rotatable about two axes (D, L) and at least one nozzle (6) arranged on the nozzle holder (5). In order to adapt the tank cleaner quickly to a particular use thereof, it is proposed that at least one of the components drive means (18), drive means component, nozzle holder (5) and nozzle (6) be designed as a replaceable element, that the type of replaceable element be defined by said component, that the tank cleaner (1) include a replaceable element holder, and that a first group (27) comprising at least two replaceable elements of one type be provided. A method for operating a tank cleaning device and a method for cleaning a tank are also proposed.