Retractable Spray Head for Extended Pipe Cleaning Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable cleaning apparatuses for pipes and vessels have inefficient spray lengths, requiring multiple installations and excessive cleaning liquid usage, leading to increased costs, maintenance workload, and risk of malfunctions and leakages.
Innovation Solution
A retractable cleaning apparatus with a rotatable spray head that is linearly movable between retracted and cleaning positions, capable of independent rotation about its longitudinal axis without relying on cleaning liquid flow, allowing for controlled reciprocating rotation and efficient spray pattern control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If free spinning rotatable spray part is used driven by liquid pressure, then the spray part rotates during cleaning, but the spray length is limited and multiple cleaning apparatuses must be installed at regular intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the liquid-pressure-driven free spinning mechanism with an electric motor-driven rotation system. The electric motor (130) provides controlled rotational movement to the spray head (102) independent of liquid flow, enabling precise control over rotation speed and spray pattern. This substitution allows for extended spray length while maintaining effective cleaning coverage, eliminating the need for multiple apparatus installations.
2Productivity
If multiple cleaning apparatuses are installed at regular intervals, then satisfactory coverage of duct interior is achieved, but the cost and maintenance workload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal cleaning apparatus that can effectively clean entire long ducts and large tanks individually. The spray head (102) with its controlled rotation mechanism and retractable design provides versatile cleaning capability that replaces multiple specialized installations. The apparatus can be positioned and operated to cover extensive areas, making it a multi-functional solution that reduces the total number of required installations.
3Productivity
If free spinning rotatable spray part is used, then liquid is sprayed and impinges on surfaces, but excessive cleaning liquid is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements controlled rotation of the spray head (102) at specific speeds (0.1-1.3 radians per second) to optimize spray pattern and liquid distribution. This controlled feedback mechanism ensures that cleaning liquid is applied efficiently to surfaces, preventing excessive consumption while maintaining effective cleaning. The electric motor provides precise rotational control that regulates liquid spray distribution.
4Productivity
If more cleaning apparatuses are installed, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the risk of malfunctions and leakages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning functions into a single integrated apparatus. The spray head (102) integrates rotation, spraying, and retraction functions, while the drive mechanism (128) with electric motor (130) provides unified power delivery. This consolidation reduces the number of separate installations and their associated sealing interfaces, thereby improving overall system reliability and reducing malfunction risks.
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 apparatus achieves extended spray lengths with fewer installations, reduces cleaning liquid consumption, and enhances operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability, while minimizing the risk of malfunctions and leakages.
Implementation Method 1
Spray cleaning systems are available that clean debris and residue from the interior of ducts, tanks and other vessels through the use of what is commonly known as spray cleaning or impingement cleaning.
Implementation Method 2
the rotatable spray head being rotatable with an angular velocity within a range of 0.1 - 1.3 radians per second... a pneumatically or hydraulically driven unit, wherein the pneumatically or hydraulically driven unit is configured to convert a reciprocatingly translational drive movement to a reciprocatingly rotational movement
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A retractable cleaning apparatus (100) for spray cleaning of pipes (202) or vessels (204) is disclosed. The retractable cleaning apparatus (100) comprises a rotatable spray head (102) configured to spray the interior (206) of the pipes (202) or vessels (204) with a cleaning liquid (L). The rotatable spray head (102) is linearly movable between a retracted position (RP) and a cleaning position (CP) along a longitudinal axis (LA) of the rotatable spray head (102). The rotatable spray head (102) is rotatable about the longitudinal axis (LA) of the rotatable spray head (102) independent of a flow of the cleaning liquid (L). The rotatable spray head (102) is rotatable with an angular velocity within a range of 0.1 - 1.3 radians per second. A system (200) including a retractable cleaning apparatus (100) is also disclosed.