Rotating Nozzle Assembly for High-Pressure Surface Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a cleaning machine capable of effectively removing a variety of difficult-to-remove substances from diverse surfaces in industrial, marine, and military settings, such as non-skid materials, lead-based paint, and chemical spills, which existing technologies struggle to address efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus featuring a disc plate assembly rotating about a first axis and a nozzle assembly rotating about a second axis at a higher speed, delivering high-pressure water jets while being pneumatically operated, with a skirt for containment and a vacuum system for fluid removal, allowing for adjustable nozzle positioning and surface cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-pressure water jets are used to remove difficult substances, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly rotates periodically to deliver high-pressure water jets in a scanning motion across the surface, concentrating energy on small areas over time rather than applying low pressure over the entire surface simultaneously. This periodic concentrated action removes difficult substances effectively while managing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses rotating motion to dynamically position the high-pressure nozzles, allowing the same nozzle to clean different areas sequentially. This dynamic approach enables effective cleaning with fewer nozzles and lower total energy input compared to static multi-nozzle systems.
2Productivity
If multiple rotating components are used to achieve high-speed cleaning, then cleaning productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is combined with the disc plate assembly such that the nozzle assembly rotates on the disc plate. This merging of functions allows the system to achieve both the sweeping motion of the disc plate and the concentrated high-pressure jet rotation, maximizing cleaning productivity while minimizing the number of separate drive mechanisms needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating nozzle assembly serves multiple functions: it rotates to scan across the surface, the nozzles deliver high-pressure jets, and the entire assembly can be positioned at different heights. This multi-functionality increases cleaning productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If the nozzle assembly rotates at high speed, then cleaning coverage area increases, but control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two rotational dimensions: the disc plate assembly provides slow rotation for broad coverage, while the nozzle assembly provides fast rotation for concentrated cleaning. This two-dimensional rotational approach allows large area coverage while maintaining precise cleaning action through the high-speed nozzle rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable nozzle positioning system allows dynamic adjustment of the nozzle assembly's position and angle during operation. This dynamic control compensates for the reduced precision inherent in high-speed rotation, allowing operators to target specific areas that require more precise cleaning attention.
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 efficiently removes a range of substances from various surfaces by combining high-speed water jets with adjustable nozzle positioning and a vacuum system, enhancing cleaning efficacy and mobility across different surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
delivering high pressure water jets from the nozzles of the rotating nozzle assembly
Implementation Method 2
delivering high pressure water jets
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum port is provided on the frame to enable dirty fluid to be removed from a chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for cleaning a surface. The apparatus includes a frame having wheels and a handle extending outwardly therefrom. A disc plate assembly is mounted on the frame for rotation about a first vertical axis and a nozzle assembly is mounted on the disc plate assembly for rotation about a second vertical axis. The disc plate assembly is rotated at a lower speed than the nozzle assembly. Separate pneumatically-operable motors drive the wheels, the disc plate assembly and nozzle assembly. A skirt extends downwardly from the frame and outwardly from nozzles on the nozzle assembly. The nozzles may be raised or lowered relative to the surface to be cleaned. Fluid is delivered from a fluid source to the nozzles and a vacuum port is provided on the frame to enable dirty fluid to be removed from a chamber bounded by the skirt.