Self-Cleaning Panel Tank with Directional Sprinkler Nozzles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional cleaning methods for sectional panel tanks are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and often insufficient, leading to contamination risks and difficulties in complying with health and safety regulations, especially in industrial settings where continuous water supply is critical.

Innovation Solution

A self-cleaning sectional panel tank system with integrated directional sprinkler nozzles for automated distribution of cleaning solutions, mixed on-site and controlled via IoT technology, along with sensors for water quality monitoring and compliance reporting, to ensure thorough and consistent cleaning with minimal manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual cleaning methods are used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but cleaning effectiveness and consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidmanual labor requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tank system performs cleaning automatically without requiring manual intervention. The self-cleaning mechanism includes spray nozzles that distribute cleaning solution, circulation pumps that move the solution throughout the tank, and drainage systems that remove contaminants, enabling the tank to clean itself reliably and consistently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical cleaning actions are replaced by an automated fluid-based system. Instead of manual scrubbing and rinsing, the system uses pressurized spray nozzles, circulation pumps, and automated drainage to achieve thorough cleaning with consistent results

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual cleaning is performed, then operational flexibility is maintained, but time consumption and operational downtime increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning speedVSAvoidtank downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The self-cleaning system operates continuously through automated cycles that spray cleaning solution, circulate it throughout the tank interior, drain contaminants, and rinse surfaces without interruption. This continuous automated process eliminates the downtime associated with manual cleaning operations and maintains high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If traditional cleaning methods are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but cleaning thoroughness and contamination prevention deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehygiene standardVSAvoidcleaning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system integrates multiple functions into a unified automated platform: spray nozzles for solution distribution, circulation pumps for fluid movement, drainage systems for contaminant removal, and control mechanisms for cycle management. This multi-functional system achieves thorough cleaning and contamination prevention while managing complexity through integration

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

4Ease of manufacture

If manual cleaning is performed, then cost simplicity is maintained, but labor costs and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation costVSAvoidsafety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The automated self-cleaning system eliminates the need for personnel to enter confined tank spaces or handle cleaning chemicals manually. The system performs all cleaning operations autonomously, removing workers from hazardous environments and eliminating safety risks associated with manual cleaning while managing implementation costs through automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system provides efficient, consistent, and safe cleaning with reduced downtime, precise chemical usage, and enhanced compliance with health and safety regulations, reducing labor costs and environmental impact while maintaining high hygiene standards.

Implementation Method 1

at least one directional sprinkler nozzle connected to the at least one side wall configured to discharge a cleaning and/or disinfectant solution onto interior surfaces of the self-cleaning sectional panel tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpray: Spray

Data Source

PatentUS20240174437A1Self-cleaning sectional panel tank
Publication Date: 2024.05.30 POLY LINE PTE LTD
  • US20240174437A1 patent drawing
  • US20240174437A1 patent drawing

AI summary

According to a first aspect of the present application, a self-cleaning sectional panel tank is provided. The tank comprises at least one side wall for joining other side walls in forming the sectional panel tank. The at least one side wall comprises: a first unit panel having a first extension at its edge for supporting the first unit panel; and a second unit panel having a second extension at its edge. The first unit panel and the second unit panel are joined together contiguously at the first extension and the second extension by at least one fastener; and at least one directional sprinkler nozzle connected to the at least one side wall configured to discharge a cleaning and/or disinfectant solution onto interior surfaces of the self-cleaning sectional panel tank.