Nozzle Switching Valve for Independent Spray Head Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning machines are limited by the rotational phase of the nozzle, which restricts independent selection of the spray head and applies unnecessary force to the nozzle.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning machine design featuring a nozzle switching valve with a conical valve element and seat configuration, a swivel joint, and a motor to rotate the swivel shaft, allowing independent selection of spray heads and minimizing force on the nozzle through a spring-urged piston mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle is rotated to select spray heads, then spray head selection is achieved, but the rotational phase of the nozzle is limited and unnecessary force is applied to the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the spray head selection function from the nozzle rotation function. The spray head selection is achieved through a valve mechanism that operates independently, while the nozzle rotation is controlled separately by a motor. This segmentation eliminates the coupling between selection and rotation, preventing unnecessary force from being applied to the nozzle during selection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary valve mechanism between the control system and the nozzle. This valve acts as a mediator that directs fluid flow to different spray heads without requiring physical rotation of the nozzle assembly. The valve elements (conical valve elements) and valve seats enable switching between spray heads through a separate control pathway, isolating the nozzle from selection-related forces.
2Ease of operation
If the bearing follower pushes the lifting rod to select spray heads, then spray head selection is achieved, but the force is applied to the mounting portion of the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the selection mechanism into separate components: the valve elements for flow control and the motor-driven rotation for nozzle orientation. The bearing follower and lifting rod are retained for valve operation, but their function is separated from nozzle mounting, as they now operate the valve independently rather than pushing against the nozzle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical push-based selection system with a combined valve-and-motor system. Instead of using mechanical force through the bearing follower to directly select spray heads by moving the nozzle, the system uses the valve mechanism for flow selection and a motor for controlled rotation, reducing unnecessary mechanical force on the nozzle mounting portion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle rotational phase is coupled with spray head selection, then spray head selection is achieved, but independent selection of spray head from rotational phase is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the control system into independent modules: the valve mechanism for spray head selection and the motor-driven rotation system for nozzle orientation. This allows each function to operate independently without coupling, enabling spray head selection to be made regardless of the current rotational phase of the nozzle.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is designed to handle multiple spray head selections through a universal switching system. The valve elements and valve seats are configured to direct flow to different spray heads independently of the nozzle's rotational position, making the selection system universal and decoupled from the rotation mechanism.
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
Enables independent selection of spray heads without affecting the nozzle's rotational phase, reducing unnecessary force on the nozzle and enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to urge the piston from the first cylinder chamber toward the second cylinder chamber
Implementation Method 2
a compressed air source connected to the second cylinder chamber
Implementation Method 3
a first valve element having a conical shape, the first valve element arranged on the stem inside the inflow chamber, the first valve element configured to abut against the first valve seat
Implementation Method 4
a motor configured to rotate the swivel shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
Cleaning machine capable of selecting a spray head independently of a rotational phase of a nozzle, the cleaning machine (10) including a nozzle switching valve (51), a compressed air source (49), a swivel joint (40), a motor (23), and a nozzle block (47). The nozzle switching valve (51) has an inflow chamber (54C), a first chamber (54A), a second chamber (54B), a stem (53D), a conical first valve element (55A) abuttable against the first valve seat, a conical second valve element (55B) abuttable against the second valve seat, a piston (53B), and a spring (53C). The swivel joint (40) has a swivel housing (44), a first nozzle flow path (63A) and a second nozzle flow path (63B). The nozzle block (47) has a first nozzle (65A) connected to the first nozzle flow path (63A) and a second nozzle (65B) connected to the second nozzle flow path (63B).