Multi-Fluid Article Washing Machine With Gravity Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial washing machines require separate cleaning fluids and cycles for different substances, leading to high energy consumption and waste, and lack versatility in cleaning operations.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a gravity-fed cleaning fluid system, vacuum-assisted pressure control, and recirculation circuits for fluids, minimizing the need for pumps and optimizing energy use while maintaining fluid separation and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple pumps are used to move various fluids inside the machine, then fluid circulation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions fluid tanks at different heights to create gravity-driven circulation. The first tank is positioned higher than the washing chamber for downward flow, while the second tank is positioned lower to receive drained fluid. This gravitational potential difference eliminates the need for pumps to move fluids between chambers, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective fluid circulation.
2Reliability
If separate cleaning fluids and cycles are used for different substances, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cleaning system into separate functional zones: a first tank for holding cleaning fluid, a washing chamber for the actual cleaning process, and a second tank for collecting drained fluid. This segmentation allows different cleaning fluids and cycles to be used for different substances while maintaining a manageable system structure that doesn't require complex integrated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing chamber serves multiple functions: it receives cleaning fluid from the first tank, performs washing operations on articles, and drains fluid into the second tank. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle different cleaning substances and cycles within a single versatile chamber, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
3Productivity
If large quantities of liquids are used for washing, then cleaning capability is improved, but waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a fluid recovery system where the second tank collects and stores cleaning fluid after it has been used in the washing chamber. This recovered fluid can be reused in subsequent washing cycles, reducing the need to constantly dispose of and replace large quantities of cleaning liquid, thereby minimizing waste while maintaining cleaning capability.
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
Reduces energy consumption and waste by using gravity and vacuum-assisted pressure control, while ensuring effective cleaning with versatile operation and fluid reuse, maintaining fluid purity for multiple wash cycles.
Implementation Method 1
The tank for containing a first cleaning fluid 4 positioned at a height greater than said washing chamber 3... allows the first fluid to be introduced into the washing chamber 3 by gravity
Implementation Method 2
air suction means 5 connected at least to the washing chamber 3 and to the containment tank of the first fluid 4 configured for adjusting the pressure inside the washing chamber 3 and inside the containment tank of the first fluid 4 to a predetermined pressure value less than atmospheric pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Described is a machine for washing articles (2), comprising: - a washing chamber (3) configured for receiving said articles (2); at least one tank for containing a first cleaning fluid (4) positioned at a height greater than the washing chamber (3) in fluid communication with the washing chamber (3); air suction means (5) connected to the washing chamber (3) and to the tank for containing the first fluid (4) for regulating the pressure inside the washing chamber (3) and the tank for containing the first fluid (4) to a predetermined pressure value less than atmospheric pressure; means for sucking the first fluid (6) connected to the washing chamber (3) for sucking the first fluid; a device for controlling the opening (31), which can be switched between a closed configuration, wherein the washing chamber (3) is isolated from an outside environment, and an open configuration, wherein the washing chamber (3) is in fluid communication with the outside environment; a tank for containing a second cleaning fluid (7), in fluid communication with the washing chamber (3), having a pressure value inside it greater than the predetermined pressure value; means for discharging the second fluid (8) from the washing chamber (3) positioned below the washing chamber (3); a control unit (U), connected, to perform a control, at least to the air suction means (5), to the means of suction of the first fluid (6), to the regulation means (41), to the means of suction of the first fluid (6), to the opening control device (31), to the second regulating device (71) and to the means of discharging the second fluid (8), and configured for activating: a first mode of cleaning articles (2) inside the washing chamber (3) by means of the first cleaning fluid; a second mode of cleaning articles (2) inside the washing chamber (3) by means of the second cleaning fluid.