Solid-Chemistry Spray Wand for One-Handed Cleaning Reach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose-end type cleaning devices are heavy, bulky, and ergonomically displeasing, limiting motion range and requiring two hands for operation, with water flow restrictors diminishing spray reach.
Innovation Solution
A spray wand that uses a solid chemistry formulation, allowing one-handed operation with improved ergonomics and enhanced spray reach, featuring a cartridge assembly with apertures and a valve assembly for consistent dilution and fluid control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid based hose-end type products are used, then the cleaning solution can be diluted correctly, but the device becomes heavy and bulky requiring two hands for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the chemistry from liquid to solid form. The solid chemistry cartridges provide the same cleaning functionality with significantly reduced weight compared to liquid reservoir systems, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining proper dilution through the solid-to-liquid dissolution mechanism in the spray wand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the heavy liquid concentrate storage from the spray wand by using solid chemistry cartridges that dissolve as needed. This separates the weight burden from the operational component, allowing the spray wand itself to be lightweight and easily maneuverable with one hand.
2Manufacturing precision
If water flow restrictors are used to ensure correct dilution ratio, then the dilution is controlled, but the spray reach is greatly diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flow restrictors with a dissolution-based dilution system. Solid chemistry cartridges dissolve in the water stream within the spray wand, providing precise dilution control through chemical dissolution rather than mechanical restriction, thereby maintaining spray reach while ensuring correct dilution ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from a mechanical flow control approach to a chemical dissolution approach. The solid chemistry dissolves in the water, automatically providing the correct dilution ratio without restricting water flow, thus maintaining maximum spray reach while ensuring proper chemistry concentration.
3Ease of operation
If the hose hooks into the device at a fixed location, then the connection is secure, but the range of motion when cleaning is greatly hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric connection design where the hose connection is positioned at the bottom of the spray wand rather than at the top or side. This asymmetric placement allows the user to hold the wand naturally with one hand while the hose connects at the lowest point, maximizing range of motion and flexibility during cleaning operations.
4Weight of moving object
If solid chemistry formulation is used, then the device weight is reduced, but consistent dilution must be maintained for EPA compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The solid chemistry cartridges are designed to dissolve automatically in the water stream passing through the spray wand. This self-dissolving mechanism ensures consistent and reliable dilution without requiring external control systems, maintaining EPA compliance while keeping the device lightweight and simple in operation.
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
Enables efficient, ergonomic cleaning of large outdoor surfaces with consistent chemical dilution, ensuring compliance with EPA regulations and achieving greater spray reach without hindering motion.
Implementation Method 1
The final cleaning solution is created when a hose is attached to the nozzle of the device and water passes through the hose. Liquid concentrate is drawn up a dip tube and mixed with the water passing through the nozzle of the device.
Implementation Method 2
The diluted chemistry is then dispensed onto the surface to be cleaned.
Data Source
AI summary
A spray wand is disclosed. The spray wand comprises a spray body provided with a nozzle, a cartridge assembly having a replaceable cartridge disposed in the spray body, and a flow control valve for controlling a fluid flow through the spray wand. A movable member of the nozzle has an inwardly tapered orifice from which the fluid flow exits the spray wand in certain modes of operation. A cartridge of the cartridge assembly has an array of apertures to allow particles of solid chemistry of a desired size to flow from the cartridge assembly. The flow control valve comprises a piston, a sealing element disposed on the piston, and a biasing element to apply a biasing force on the piston. In some embodiments, the sealing element is over-molded on the piston to militate against deformation and leakage.