Rinsing Apparatus Continuous Agent Flow for Color Changers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rinsing apparatuses for color changers and atomizers suffer from high rinsing agent consumption, inefficient rinsing time, residual agent contamination, foaming issues with pulsed air, and valve clogging due to paint residues.
Innovation Solution
A rinsing apparatus that allows for a continuous inflow of rinsing agent into a flow of rinsing air, using a main line and a rinsing-agent line that connect via a mouth opening or nozzle, reducing agent consumption and improving mixing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If cyclical rinsing with alternate opening and closing of pulsed air valve and rinsing-agent valve is used, then rinsing function is achieved, but rinsing agent consumption becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous rinsing by keeping the rinsing-agent valve permanently open and continuously supplying rinsing agent through the main paint channel, eliminating the cyclical switching between pulsed air and rinsing agent. This continuous action maintains constant rinsing effectiveness while significantly reducing overall rinsing agent consumption compared to repeated cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the rinsing agent supply path with the main paint channel by connecting the rinsing-agent line directly to the main paint channel, allowing rinsing agent to flow continuously through the same path used for paint delivery. This integration eliminates separate rinsing cycles and reduces agent consumption by utilizing the existing flow path efficiently.
2Loss of time
If cyclical rinsing process is used, then rinsing function is achieved, but rinsing time becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous rinsing approach maintains constant rinsing action throughout the color change process, eliminating the need for multiple cyclical switches between pulsed air and rinsing agent phases. This continuous operation completes the rinsing function in less total time while using less rinsing agent, as the agent is continuously present to dissolve and flush paint residues.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If pulsed air is used for drying, then drying effect is achieved, but foaming increases with aqueous rinsing agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic pulsed air drying function from the rinsing system, eliminating the source of foaming issues. By continuously supplying rinsing agent through the main paint channel and allowing natural drainage, the system achieves drying without relying on pulsed air that would create excessive foam with aqueous rinsing agents.
4Reliability
If pulsed air valve disposed directly on paint circuit is used, then rinsing function is achieved, but valve clogging occurs due to paint residues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pulsed air valve from its position directly on the main paint channel, extracting it from the environment where paint residues cause clogging. The valve is relocated to a position where it is not exposed to the same paint residue contamination, thereby maintaining reliable operation without clogging issues while still enabling the rinsing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary rinsing agent supply line that connects to the main paint channel downstream of the valve position. This intermediary path allows rinsing agent to reach and flush the paint channel without requiring the pulsed air valve to be directly exposed to paint residues, protecting the valve from clogging while maintaining rinsing effectiveness.
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 solution reduces rinsing agent consumption, enhances rinsing efficiency by ensuring continuous agent flow, minimizes residual agent contamination, reduces foaming issues, and prevents valve clogging, thereby improving overall rinsing performance.
Implementation Method 1
continuous inflow of a rinsing agent into a flow of rinsing air
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a rinsing apparatus for connection to an application-agent main channel of an application-agent changeover unit and preferably for the continuous inflow of a rinsing agent into a flow of rinsing air, having a main line for transporting rinsing air and having a rinsing-agent line for transporting a rinsing agent. The rinsing apparatus is distinguished in particular in that the rinsing-agent line opens out into the main line by way of a mouth opening in order to generate a preferable y continuous flow of a rinsing-air/rinsing-agent mixture for introduction into the application-agent main channel. The disclosure also relates to a corresponding rinsing method.