Retaining Bracket for Applicator Rod in Fluid Spray Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coil cleaning apparatuses for HVAC systems face difficulties in effectively applying cleaning fluids to hard-to-reach areas due to the disengagement of applicator wands under operating pressures, leading to inefficiencies and safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A fluid spray delivery apparatus with a retaining bracket that secures the applicator rod to the siphon gun assembly, ensuring it remains attached and in fluid communication, even under hydraulic pressure, along with a hand-held spraying assembly that includes a siphon gun, tubing, and a retaining bracket to maintain connection during pressurized fluid application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an applicator wand is used to apply cleaning fluid under pressure, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the applicator may disengage from the spray unit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidapplicator retention
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator rod is nested within a retaining bracket that has an opening configured to receive the applicator rod. The retaining bracket is secured to the spray unit such that the applicator rod passes through the bracket, providing secure retention while allowing fluid application. This nesting structure prevents disengagement under pressure while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining bracket serves as an intermediary component between the spray unit and the applicator rod. It provides a mechanical connection that secures the applicator rod to the spray unit, acting as a mediator that transfers and stabilizes the connection under hydraulic pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the applicator rod is securely retained to prevent disengagement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicator retentionVSAvoidretention mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention system is segmented into distinct functional components: the spray unit, the retaining bracket, and the applicator rod. The retaining bracket is a separate component with a specific geometric feature (opening) that receives the applicator rod, creating a simple yet effective retention mechanism without requiring complex assembly or additional fastening elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 efficient and safe application of cleaning fluids to internal components of HVAC systems, including coils and fins, by preventing disconnection of the applicator rod and ensuring consistent fluid delivery, thereby improving cleaning efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a siphon gun assembly including said cap, said siphon gun assembly having a fluid passage for delivery of fluid contained in said container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSiphon: Syphon

Data Source

PatentUS11548020B2Retaining bracket for applicator rod, fluid spray application system including the same, and method of applying a fluid to a target object
Publication Date: 2023.01.10 UNIWELD PRODUCTS INC
  • US11548020B2 patent drawing
  • US11548020B2 patent drawing
  • US11548020B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Retaining bracket for a fluid spray delivery apparatus to ensure that an applicator rod remains properly attached to the apparatus and in fluid communication with the fluid even when subjected to a driving force. Also disclosed is a fluid application system or assembly, and a method of applying fluid using the same, the system or assembly including a source of fluid to be applied to a target object, a siphon gun assembly, an applicator rod, tubing for placing the applicator rod in fluid communication with the siphon gun assembly, and a retaining bracket that secures the tubing to the siphon gun assembly such that the tubing remains in place and does not disconnect from the siphon gun assembly when subjected to a driving force such as water under pressure.