High-Pressure Pump Return-Line Control for Stable Cleaning Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-pressure cleaning devices lack reliable regulation of liquid pressure, leading to inconsistent performance and inefficient use of cleaning chemicals.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a return line with a valve unit controlled by a drive unit and pressure sensor, allowing for adjustable free cross-sectional area to regulate liquid pressure based on measured pressure, enabling precise control of liquid flow and chemical concentration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a return line with valve unit and control system is added to regulate liquid pressure, then liquid pressure regulation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid pressure regulation reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where a pressure sensor detects the actual liquid pressure in the pressure chamber and sends signals to a control unit. The control unit compares the measured pressure with the desired pressure and automatically adjusts the valve unit's opening degree to maintain stable pressure. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable pressure regulation despite variations in operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system automatically regulates liquid pressure without requiring manual intervention. The control unit autonomously processes pressure sensor signals and actuates the valve unit based on real-time pressure conditions, enabling the system to self-adjust and maintain optimal pressure levels continuously during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If the free cross-sectional area of the return line is made adjustable to control liquid flow, then liquid pressure control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid pressure control precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve unit is designed with an adjustable opening degree that can dynamically change the free cross-sectional area of the return line. The drive mechanism actuates the valve body to position it at different opening degrees, allowing precise control of liquid flow rate and corresponding liquid pressure. This dynamic adjustment capability enables fine-tuned pressure control adapted to varying operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a pressure sensor and control unit are added to monitor and regulate liquid pressure, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensor continuously monitors the actual liquid pressure in the pressure chamber and feeds this information to the control unit. The control unit processes the pressure signal and automatically adjusts the valve unit's opening degree to maintain the desired pressure level. This closed-loop feedback ensures stable and reliable operation by continuously compensating for pressure deviations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual pressure adjustment mechanisms with an automated electronic control system. The pressure sensor and control unit electronically monitor and regulate liquid pressure, substituting mechanical manual adjustment with automated electronic control. This enhances operational reliability through precise, consistent, and repeatable pressure regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides reliable regulation of liquid pressure and efficient use of cleaning chemicals, enhancing the operational reliability and versatility of high-pressure cleaning devices.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor which supplies the control unit with a signal that has information about the measured liquid pressure on the pressure side of the pump chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

the free cross-sectional area of the return line can be changed... liquid can flow from the pressure chamber to the suction chamber and entails a change in the liquid pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow regulation:

Data Source

PatentEP3237125B1High-pressure cleaning device
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG
  • EP3237125B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3237125B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3237125B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a high-pressure cleaning device (10) having a high-pressure pump (16) that comprises a suction chamber (50), at least one pump chamber (52) which is arranged downstream thereof and in which liquid is pressurised, and a pressure chamber (56) which is arranged downstream of said pump chamber (52). According to the invention, in order to obtain such a high-pressure cleaning device which allows a more reliable operation, said high-pressure pump (16) comprises a return line (92) by means of which the pressure chamber (56) is fluidically connected to the suction chamber (50), as well as a valve unit (102) by means of which a free cross-sectional area of the return line (92) can be modified; said high-pressure cleaning device (10) comprises a drive unit (116) associated with the valve unit (102), a control unit (76) that is coupled to said drive unit (116), and a pressure sensor (138) which is coupled to said control unit (76) and by means of which a liquid pressure on the pressure side of the pump chamber (52) can be detected; and the liquid pressure can be regulated, depending on the signal of said pressure sensor (138), to a predetermined or predefinable liquid pressure by altering the free cross-sectional area of said return line (92).