Pressure Switch Pump Control for Washing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure washing systems continue to operate the drive pump even when the washing spray gun is not in use, leading to unnecessary energy consumption as the pump maintains system pressure.
Innovation Solution
A device with two pressure switches and a three-way two-position discharge valve, along with a non-return valve, is integrated into the pressurized water system to detect pressure changes and send signals to control the drive pump's operation, stopping it when the gun is not in use and restarting it when the gun is actuated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the drive pump continues to operate to maintain system pressure when the gun is not in use, then the pressure in the system circuit is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressure switches to continuously monitor the pressure state of the water circuit and provides feedback to the control system. When pressure drops (indicating no water flow), the control system automatically stops the pump, and when pressure is restored (water flow detected), the pump is restarted. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining pressure only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects water flow conditions through pressure sensing and autonomously controls the pump operation without requiring manual intervention. The pressure switches and control system work together to self-regulate pump operation based on actual water flow requirements, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring while optimizing energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the drive pump stops when the gun is not in use, then energy consumption is reduced, but pressure maintenance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure switches provide continuous feedback on the water circuit pressure state to the control system. When the pump stops and pressure drops below a threshold, the feedback signal automatically triggers pump restart, ensuring pressure is maintained only when water flow is detected. This resolves the contradiction by dynamically adjusting pump operation based on real-time pressure feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of water flow conditions through pressure sensing before making pump operation decisions. By continuously monitoring pressure and detecting the absence of water flow, the system can proactively stop the pump to save energy while maintaining pressure through rapid restart capability when flow is detected.
3Reliability
If a discharge valve is used to limit pressure when the gun valve is closed, then component damage is prevented, but the pump must continue operating to maintain pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure switches provide feedback that detects when water flow stops, allowing the control system to stop the pump automatically. This eliminates the need for the pump to continue operating with the discharge valve open, thereby preventing component damage while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption. The feedback mechanism enables intelligent pump control based on actual water flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service pressure detection to automatically control pump operation. When water flow stops, the pressure switches detect this condition and autonomously stop the pump, eliminating the need for continuous pump operation with pressure limiting valves. This self-regulating mechanism protects components while optimizing energy usage.
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 effectively reduces energy consumption by ensuring the drive pump only operates when the washing spray gun is in use, optimizing energy usage and preventing potential damage from excess pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the two pressure switches detect pressure in the circuit and said pressure switches generate electrical signals which keep the motor rotating
Implementation Method 2
a non-return valve and a three-way two-position discharge valve
Implementation Method 3
a three-way two-position discharge valve having a hydraulic pilot acting against the resistance of a spring
Implementation Method 4
a three-way two-position discharge valve having a hydraulic pilot acting against the resistance of a spring
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a water system comprising a circuit with a water drive pump that rotates due to the action of a motor, a discharge valve, and a washing spray gun including an activation trigger. When the trigger is actuated, pressurised water flows from the outlet nozzle of the gun and, when the trigger is released, the flow of water from the nozzle is interrupted, thereby stopping the rotation of both the motor and the drive pump. The device comprises a first pressure switch (1) and a second pressure switch (2) together with a non-return valve (6) and a discharge valve (3) having a hydraulic pilot acting against the resistance of a spring (3b).