Oscillating Spray Arm for Polygonal Bin Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for cleaning agricultural bins are inadequate, as they fail to thoroughly clean the interior due to the bins' size and shape, leading to accumulation of organic material and contamination, and are either labor-intensive or economically infeasible for large-scale operations.
Innovation Solution
A rotating spraying apparatus with an extendable and articulating arm mechanism that adjusts its radial distance to maintain consistent pressure on the interior surfaces, including corners, allowing for thorough cleaning of polygonal bins by rotating and oscillating within the bin to reach all areas effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual washing with hand held spray gun is used, then cleaning coverage can reach all areas including corners, but the process is very time and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm incorporates an oscillating mechanism that dynamically adjusts the spray direction and coverage area. The arm oscillates between extreme positions to sweep across the bin interior surfaces, including corners, maintaining effective cleaning coverage while automating the process to eliminate manual labor intensity.
2Productivity
If automated spraying apparatus is used, then productivity increases, but the apparatus fails to thoroughly clean corners and interior surfaces due to bin size and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arm oscillates between extreme positions to dynamically adjust spray coverage across varying bin geometries. This oscillating motion ensures that all interior surfaces, including corners and hard-to-reach areas, receive thorough cleaning attention while maintaining automated high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple spray nozzles positioned at different locations and angles on the spray arm. Each nozzle is directed to cover specific areas, with particular attention to corner regions, ensuring that each part of the bin interior receives appropriate cleaning intensity and coverage tailored to its geometric characteristics.
3Area of stationary object
If spray arm extends to reach corners, then cleaning coverage improves, but water pressure consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating mechanism dynamically adjusts the spray arm position and angle during operation. By controlling the oscillation speed and range, the system maintains optimal water pressure delivery to all areas including corners, preventing pressure loss that would occur with static extended positioning.
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 system enables automated, efficient, and thorough cleaning of agricultural bins, reducing contamination and debris accumulation while conserving water and minimizing labor costs, capable of handling multiple bins in succession.
Implementation Method 1
spraying apparatus...in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source...spray cleaning fluid under pressure into the bin
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to apparatuses, machines, systems and methods for periodically washing and/or disinfecting the interior of individual containers having a polygonal base (e.g., rectangular), such as bins of the type used for the used for agricultural commodity collection, storage, and transport (agricultural bins), as well as other types of bins and containers. The systems of the present invention may be operable to automatically and thoroughly clean the interior of such bins.