Remote Power Washer Flow Control via Variable Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Professional power washers face inefficiencies in quickly and easily modifying water flow ratings during jobs, as existing devices typically require multiple machines and manual adjustments, leading to wasted time and resources.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled power washing system with a computerized receiver connected to a motor and pump, allowing for varying motor speeds and water flow rates through radio signal control, enabling quick adjustments without physical interaction or device changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power washer devices are acquired to provide various flow ratings, then the adaptability to different cleaning applications is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power washer device is designed with a universal capability to provide multiple flow ratings (5, 7.5, 10, and 12 gallons per minute) through a single device. The system includes a variable resistance circuit with multiple circuits (first, second, third, and fourth circuits) that can be selectively activated to deliver different flow rates, eliminating the need for multiple separate power washer devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical resistance parameter by providing variable resistance through different circuits. Each circuit has a different resistance level that when activated changes the motor speed and consequently the water flow rate. This parameter change allows a single device to operate at multiple flow ratings, improving adaptability without increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustments or physical interaction are used to modify water flow ratings, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual mechanical adjustments with an automated electrical control system. A microprocessor-controlled variable resistance circuit uses electrical signals to automatically switch between different circuits based on the desired flow rate. This eliminates the need for manual physical interaction with the motor or pump, allowing for rapid electronic adjustment of flow rates without time-consuming mechanical modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the user can select desired flow rates through simple interface interactions, and the microprocessor automatically executes the circuit switching and motor speed adjustment. The system serves itself by automatically adjusting the resistance and motor parameters without requiring manual intervention or physical reconfiguration, thereby reducing adjustment time while maintaining ease of use.
3Productivity
If the motor speed is varied through electrical circuit selection, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control where the microprocessor monitors the selected circuit and automatically adjusts the resistance accordingly. The variable resistance circuit provides feedback on the electrical characteristics, and the microprocessor uses this information to maintain the desired motor speed and flow rate. This feedback mechanism enables rapid productivity improvement while managing complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a microprocessor as an intermediary between the user input and the motor control. The microprocessor receives user selections, processes the desired flow rate requirements, and automatically selects the appropriate circuit configuration. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the control logic, allowing for rapid flow rate variation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
Enables rapid and efficient variation of water flow rates from 5 to 12 gallons per minute using a single device, reducing the need for multiple machines and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The receiver is adapted to receive signals from a hand-held wireless transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A system and device for remote control operated power washing includes a wireless radio transmitter and a receiver in communication with the transmitter. The transmitter in preferred embodiments has a water flow rate selector which provides for selecting between various water flow rate settings. When the receiver is electronically connected to a motor which is physically connected to a pump supplied with a water source and a hose, and at least the motor has been started, using the transmitter to select between the various water flow rate settings enables the water flow rate output by the hose to change without having to change attachments that might be utilized in conjunction with a power washer.