Oscillating Nozzles for Vehicle Underbody Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle washing apparatuses are ineffective in cleaning the underbody of vehicles and distribute wash liquid in a non-homogeneous manner due to the arrangement of washing nozzles, leading to incomplete cleaning.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features additional washing nozzles in the side walls that can oscillate, allowing for precise cleaning of the underbody and side walls, with high-pressure and low-pressure wash liquid distribution capabilities, and a control system to manage nozzle activation for optimal cleaning sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If washing nozzles are arranged in the side walls of the containment structure, then the vehicle can be washed automatically, but the below part of the vehicle or underbody cannot be washed effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The washing system is segmented into multiple independent nozzle groups: fixed nozzles for general washing, movable nozzles for underbody cleaning, and oscillating nozzles for side wall treatment. Each segment performs a specific washing function, collectively achieving complete vehicle coverage while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces movable and oscillating nozzle components that can dynamically adjust their positions and orientations. The movable nozzles translate along guides to reach the underbody, while oscillating nozzles sweep across side walls, transforming the static washing system into a dynamic one capable of adapting to different vehicle surfaces.
2Device complexity
If washing nozzles discharge jets of wash liquid along rectilinear trajectories, then the washing process is simple, but the wash liquid is distributed in a non-homogenous manner over the vehicle surface
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating nozzles perform periodic back-and-forth movements, delivering wash liquid in rhythmic pulses across the side walls. This periodic action transforms the rectilinear jet into a sweeping coverage pattern, ensuring homogeneous distribution while maintaining relatively simple nozzle mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the nozzles oscillate rather than fixed, the system dynamically redistributes the wash liquid across different zones. The oscillating motion converts a single-direction rectilinear jet into a multi-directional coverage pattern, achieving uniform distribution without complex multi-nozzle arrays.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional washing nozzles and movement means are added to clean the underbody and side walls, then washing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex washing task is divided into manageable segments handled by different nozzle types: fixed nozzles for accessible areas, movable nozzles on guides for underbody regions, and oscillating nozzles for side walls. This segmentation allows each component to be relatively simple while the system as a whole achieves comprehensive precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable and oscillating nozzle mechanisms serve multiple functions: they can clean different vehicle surfaces (underbody, side walls, panels), adjust to different positions, and work in coordination with fixed nozzles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely separate systems for each washing zone, moderating the overall complexity increase.
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
This solution enables thorough cleaning of the underbody and side walls, improving the removal of debris and mud, and ensures a more uniform distribution of wash liquid, resulting in a more efficient and complete vehicle washing process.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of washing nozzles (31) arranged in a middle area (11) of the base structure (1) for cleaning the below part of the vehicle or underbody
Implementation Method 2
movement means of the washing nozzles of said other plurality of washing nozzles adapted to move said washing nozzles according to an oscillating movement with respect to the containment structure of the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described an apparatus suitable for cleaning vehicles, comprising: a base structure (1) for positioning the vehicle; a containment structure (2) of the vehicle associated with the base structure, and comprising at least two side walls (22) opposite to the side surfaces of the vehicle once the vehicle has been arranged on the base structure; at least one plurality of washing nozzles (31) arranged in the base structure (1) and opposite to the below part of the vehicle once the vehicle has been placed on the base structure.