Reversible Drum Washing Device for Pipe Surface Scratch Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machines for cleaning long profile sections, particularly pipes, often scratch the outer surfaces due to inadequate diameter adjustment and handling, leading to damage during the washing process.

Innovation Solution

A washing device with an adjustable cover and transport path that allows pipes to roll instead of slide, preventing scratches by adjusting the opening width of the dispensing opening to match the pipe diameter and using a reversible drum for upper and lower transport paths, ensuring gentle handling of pipes of varying diameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If pipes are transported along the lower transport path below the drum's axis of rotation, then the washing process can be simplified, but the pipes slide and become scratched on the outer surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing process complexityVSAvoidsurface scratches
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional lower transport path to an upper transport path above the drum's axis of rotation. This inversion changes the gravitational force direction acting on the pipes, causing them to roll instead of slide within the receptacles, thereby preventing surface scratches while maintaining washing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transport path parameter from below to above the drum's axis of rotation. This parameter change fundamentally alters the motion mode of pipes from sliding to rolling, eliminating the harmful scratching effect while preserving the washing function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the opening width of the dispensing opening is fixed, then the device structure is simplified, but pipes of different diameters cannot be accommodated and may fall out too early

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidpipe diameter accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adjustable opening width mechanism that allows the dispensing opening to be dynamically adapted to different pipe diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to accommodate various pipe sizes without falling out too early, while the adjustable nature maintains reasonable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable opening width mechanism provides universal adaptability for pipes of different diameters. A single device structure can handle multiple pipe sizes by adjusting the opening width, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate devices for each pipe diameter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If pipes are held in fixed positions in the receptacles, then handling is simplified, but small-diameter pipes fall out too early during the washing process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling simplicityVSAvoidpipe retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by providing adjustable holders that can be pre-configured to match the specific diameter of pipes before the washing process begins. This preliminary adjustment ensures that small-diameter pipes are securely retained throughout the washing process, preventing early dropout while maintaining handling simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3086888B1Cleaning device and method for pipe sections
Publication Date: 2020.01.22 RATTUNDE
  • EP3086888B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3086888B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a washing device for elongated profiled sections (7) which have been cut to length, comprising a drum (5, 6) which can be rotated about a horizontally aligned rotational axis (3, 4) and which comprises a plurality of receiving areas (8, 9) that are arranged adjacently along the circumference of the drum, elongated profiled sections (7) aligned along the longitudinal direction (L) being insertable into said receiving areas, and comprising a receiving opening (11) for the elongated profiled sections (7), a discharge opening (12) for the elongated profiled sections (7), and an upper transport path (To) for the elongated profiled sections (7), said transport path running between the receiving opening (11) and the discharge opening (12). The upper transport path (To) passes the rotational axis (3, 4) on the transport path side facing away from the ground, and an opening width of the discharge opening (12) can be adjusted in the circumferential direction.