Rotating Lance Collector for Integrated Control and Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-pressure jet washing stations for light vehicles, the need to manually switch between different washing liquids at a control box results in unnecessary time loss and liquid wastage, as the user must travel to the control box, causing the liquid to flow unnecessarily during this time.
Innovation Solution
A washing device with a lance equipped with a handle, integrated water and electricity supply means, and a collector system allowing for continuous electrical and water supply during rotation, enabling the user to select washing liquid composition directly on the lance without leaving the washing area, with features like electrical control for selecting washing programs, lighting, and heating to prevent freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the user moves to a control box to select washing liquid type, then the control function is separated from the washing operation, but time is lost and liquid flows unnecessarily during the travel time
Solution Approach 1:
The control means are integrated directly into the lance handle, merging the control function with the washing operation. The user can now select washing liquid types and control washing parameters directly at the lance without needing to move to a separate control box, thereby eliminating travel time and preventing unnecessary liquid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service control where the user can independently adjust washing parameters directly at the lance handle. The control means allow the user to select between different washing programs (washing, rinsing, protection) and adjust water flow rate and temperature directly at the point of use, without requiring assistance or movement to a centralized control station.
2Device complexity
If the user moves to a control box to select washing liquid type, then centralized control is maintained, but liquid flows during travel time to no purpose
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous controlled action by allowing the user to stop the water flow immediately at the lance handle when not needed. The control means include a flow rate adjustment mechanism that can reduce or stop water flow during pauses in washing operations, preventing wasteful continuous flow that occurs when the user travels to and from a centralized control box.
Solution Approach 2:
The user has direct control over water flow rate and washing program selection at the lance handle, enabling immediate response to washing needs. This self-service capability allows the user to stop or reduce flow instantly when pausing between washing zones, preventing the continuous wasteful flow that occurs with centralized control systems during user travel time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lance can rotate substantially without constraint all around the vehicle, then washing coverage is maximized, but electrical supply continuity becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical supply system uses a flexible cable with a commutator mechanism that can accommodate the rotation of the lance. The flexible cable design allows the lance to rotate substantially without constraint around the vehicle while maintaining continuous electrical connection to the control means and heating elements within the handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The commutator acts as an intermediary between the fixed electrical supply source and the rotating lance. It enables continuous rotation of the lance while maintaining electrical continuity by allowing the flexible cable to rotate and pay out or wind in as needed, mediating between the stationary power source and the moving control elements.
4Temperature
If electrical heating means are added to prevent freezing, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical heating means are integrated into the lance handle structure, merging the temperature control function with the existing control system. The heating elements are positioned to directly heat the water in the supply lines leading to the spray nozzles, and are controlled through the same handle interface that controls water flow rate and washing program selection, rather than being a separate external system.
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
This solution reduces time and liquid wastage by allowing users to select washing liquid compositions directly on the lance, enhancing operational efficiency and convenience while maintaining continuous supply and temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
Each ring can form a groove that is substantially toroidal and radially open towards the outside, the other part comprising conductive rings, each designed to slide in a respective groove and electrically connected to a respective conductor of the downstream cable
Implementation Method 2
The electrical power supply means may be provided to supply electrical heating means, said electrical heating means being provided to heat the water supply means, in particular so as to avoid freezing problems in winter
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
A washing device (3) comprising a lance (9) provided with a handle for the handling thereof, a water supply for the lance (9) and characterised in that it further comprises power supply means of the lance (9), in particular an electric collector allowing 360° rotation about the support (6) of same. Such a device is particularly suited for use in a washing station or on a vehicle for washing streets using a pressurised jet. In particular, it has the advantage of being able to power a washing programme selector arranged on the handle of the lance, as well as warning lights or sounds.