Laboratory Animal Cage Washer With Oscillating Jets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current small/medium-size washing machines for laboratory animal cages have high running costs, production costs, and limited load capacity, with inefficient washing systems and inflexible accessories, leading to suboptimal washing effectiveness and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with two loading levels and symmetrical shelves that can be tilted, along with three oscillating and rotating washing and rinsing assemblies, reduces water and energy consumption while increasing load capacity and flexibility by optimizing the placement of cages and accessories under the jets of the washing nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple stacked shelves are used for load optimization, then productivity increases, but the hydraulic circuit becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine is divided into multiple independent washing zones, each with its own shelf and washing assembly. This segmentation allows each zone to operate independently with simpler hydraulic circuits while maintaining high overall productivity through parallel processing of multiple cages simultaneously.
2Ease of manufacture
If rotary-rod systems are used instead of oscillating rods, then construction simplicity improves, but washing effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The washing rods are designed to oscillate dynamically during operation, changing their position and orientation to provide comprehensive coverage of all shelf surfaces. This dynamic oscillating motion ensures consistent washing effectiveness across different cage positions and shelf levels, combining construction simplicity with reliable washing performance.
3Manufacturing precision
If a larger number of nozzles are installed on washing rods, then washing quality improves, but water volume and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system is optimized with strategically positioned nozzles that provide concentrated washing action on specific critical areas of the cages. This localized approach ensures high washing quality where needed while minimizing overall water and energy consumption compared to uniform coverage systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are provided for loading different objects, then flexibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine incorporates universal shelves and positioning accessories that can accommodate various cage types and sizes through adjustable configurations. This multi-functional design provides flexibility for different washing tasks while maintaining relatively simple overall device complexity through standardized components.
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 solution results in lower running and production costs, increased load capacity, and improved washing effectiveness with reduced water and energy consumption, as well as enhanced flexibility in handling different cage sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
washing and rinsing assemblies oscillating and rotating about a respective longitudinal axis in said wash chamber, said three assemblies being fed by said means for introducing washing liquid and rinsing liquid
Implementation Method 2
exposition thereof to the jets of the washing nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine, which is adapted for cages and accessories used in the field of research on laboratory animals, and which has a wash chamber and an assembly for introducing washing liquid and rinsing liquid into the wash chamber, includes: two loading levels in the wash chamber, each loading level having two shelves arranged in symmetrical positions relative to the median longitudinal axis of the wash chamber; supports for the shelves, the supports being located in symmetrical positions on both sidewalls of the wash chamber and allowing the shelves to be arranged at different tilting angles; three washing and rinsing assemblies oscillating and rotating about a respective longitudinal axis in the wash chamber, the three assemblies being fed by the assembly for introducing washing liquid and rinsing liquid, and being interposed between the loading levels and lying in a symmetrical vertical plane in the wash chamber; an assembly for causing the oscillation and rotation of the three washing and rinsing assemblies.