Oscillating Jet Nozzle Cleaning for Reliable Container Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid handling systems in clinical diagnostics and life sciences face challenges with unreliable liquid distribution due to multiple nozzles using a common pump, leading to inefficiencies, increased costs, and potential clogging, while separate pumps for each nozzle increase complexity and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single precision pump connected to an oscillating fluidic jet nozzle for cleaning containers, which adjusts parameters like acceleration, deceleration, and volume flow to ensure homogeneous distribution and efficient cleaning without moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple nozzles are used with a common pump, then cleaning coverage area is increased, but liquid distribution reliability deteriorates due to clogging and uneven dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the cleaning function into multiple oscillating nozzles that can be independently controlled. Each nozzle is equipped with its own pump, allowing independent operation and preventing cross-contamination between channels. This segmentation ensures that if one nozzle experiences issues, others continue to function reliably, thus maintaining overall system reliability while achieving comprehensive cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an oscillation mechanism as an intermediary between the pump and the cleaning surface. The oscillating motion of the nozzles enhances fluid distribution uniformity and prevents clogging by continuously varying the discharge direction. This intermediary mechanism allows reliable liquid distribution across large areas without requiring multiple static nozzles that would be prone to clogging.
2Reliability
If separate pumps are used for each nozzle, then liquid distribution reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple nozzle assemblies into a coordinated system where each nozzle-pump unit is modular but operates within a unified control framework. The oscillation mechanisms are synchronized to work together, creating a integrated cleaning system that achieves the reliability of separate pumps while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
Each nozzle-pump-oscillation unit is designed as a universal module that can be configured for different cleaning applications. The same basic module serves multiple functions: pumping, oscillating, and cleaning, eliminating the need for specialized components for each nozzle and thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Device complexity
If a single precision pump with oscillating jet is used, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning coverage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs dynamic oscillation of the single precision pump's fluidic jet to expand its effective coverage area. By oscillating the jet direction and position, a single nozzle can cover a larger surface area compared to a static nozzle, thereby compensating for the reduced number of nozzles while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating jet operates with periodic motion patterns that systematically cover different areas of the cleaning surface. The periodic oscillation ensures comprehensive coverage over time, allowing a single nozzle to achieve the cleaning effect of multiple static nozzles while maintaining low device 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
Ensures reliable and efficient cleaning of container surfaces with minimal constructional effort, avoiding residue formation and ensuring uniform fluid dispensing across large areas.
Implementation Method 1
a single injection nozzle (21) configured to provide an oscillating fluidic jet
Implementation Method 2
The liquid can be applied via an injector by means of a fluid jet into the container
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for purifying fluids in a container and providing a system for the cleaning of a container in automated analyser systems, comprising a pump which is connected to a single injection nozzle, wherein the single injection nozzle is configured to provide an oscillating fluidic jet, as well as a method for the cleaning of a container in automated analyser systems, comprising the following steps of arranging a container in a mount below a single oscillation nozzle; providing a cleaning fluid to a pump, which is connected to a controller and the oscillation nozzle; aligning the oscillating fluidic jet to a surface of the container which is to be cleaned; applying a cleaning fluid through the pump to the oscillation nozzle; and cleaning a surface of the container with the cleaning fluid.