Pressure Washer Engine Auto-Start Control Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gasoline engine powered pressure washers produce continuous noise and require manual engine starting, leading to overheating issues due to pump recirculation when not in use, while electric pressure washers have safety risks and noise disadvantages.
Innovation Solution
A gasoline-powered pressure washer with a combustion engine driving a pump, equipped with a flow sensor and electronic control module that automatically starts the engine when the spray gun is activated and shuts it off after a predetermined time of inactivity, reducing noise and overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the engine runs continuously to ensure immediate spray readiness, then the spray washer is always ready to use, but noise and exhaust increase continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically starting the engine before spray operation is needed. The control module detects when the spray gun trigger is pulled and automatically cranks and starts the engine, so the engine is ready immediately when spray is needed, eliminating the need for manual starting while avoiding continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic engine control. The control module continuously monitors spray gun trigger status and automatically manages engine start/stop operations without user intervention. This eliminates manual starting steps and ensures the engine operates only when needed, reducing noise and exhaust while maintaining readiness.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the engine is manually started to reduce noise, then noise decreases, but time is lost due to manual starting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The control module provides self-service by automatically detecting trigger activation and initiating engine start sequences without requiring the operator to manually start the engine. This eliminates the time loss associated with manual starting while keeping the engine quiet when not in use, as it only starts when spray operation is actually needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the spray gun trigger switch to control engine operation. When the trigger is pulled, the control module receives a signal and automatically starts the engine. This feedback mechanism ensures the engine starts exactly when needed without manual intervention, reducing both time loss and unnecessary noise from continuous operation.
3Ease of operation
If the pump recirculates water when not spraying, then the pump remains ready for immediate use, but the pump and water overheat
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-filling the pump with water through the inlet coupling before operation. This ensures the pump is ready for immediate use when the trigger is pulled, eliminating the need for recirculation mode. The pump starts with adequate water already in the system, avoiding overheating while maintaining readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the recirculation function from the pump system. Instead of having a recirculation mode that causes overheating, the pump is designed to operate only in forward pump mode, pumping water through the spray gun. The system ensures readiness by pre-filling rather than recirculating, removing the harmful overheating effect entirely.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If an electric compressor is used to eliminate noise, then noise when trigger is released is eliminated, but safety risks increase due to electrical cables around water
Solution Approach 1:
The control module provides self-service by automatically managing the gasoline engine based on spray gun trigger status. This eliminates the need for electrical cables and associated safety risks while maintaining the benefit of reduced noise when not in use. The engine automatically starts when needed and stops when not needed, providing versatility without electrical hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the electrical motor system with a gasoline engine system controlled by automated logic. This replacement eliminates the safety risks of electrical cables around water while using automated control to achieve the noise reduction benefits. The mechanical engine system with electronic control replaces the electrical motor, providing both safety and noise advantages.
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 reduces noise and fuel consumption by automatically managing engine operation based on spray gun usage, minimizing engine runtime and preventing overheating, thus enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to provide flow and no flow indications in response to a change in pressure or flow at the location of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus is provided for starting and stopping a high pressure spray washer having a combustion engine driving a pump to provide high pressure fluid to a spray gun activated by a trigger. Pulling the trigger causes water to flow through the nozzle and pump and a sensor by the pump sends a flow start signal to a control module that activates an electric starter when an engine switch is turned on, thus starting the engine when it wasn't running. When the trigger is released flow to the pump stops and the sensor sends a flow stop signal to the control module. If a predetermined time passes before the sensor detects fluid flow to the pump as occurs when the trigger is pulled, then the engine is shut off. The time can be varied to adjust the time between releasing the trigger and shutting off the engine.