Spraying Device Deflector for Wheel Washing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior wheel washing machines are ineffective in cleaning the spokes of vehicle wheels with rims having spokes oriented parallel to the central axis of rotation, as the washing liquid jets hit the lateral faces in a tangential direction, lacking sufficient force to remove tough dirt, and larger wheel diameters result in inadequate washing due to changing impact direction.

Innovation Solution

A spraying device with a cylindrical body and a deflector element having two deflecting surfaces forming a dihedral, which directs washing liquid jets in diverging directions, including orthogonal and oblique angles, to ensure thorough coverage of the wheel surface, including hidden areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If washing nozzles are positioned to spray washing liquid onto rotating wheels, then the wheel surface is cleaned, but the jets hit the lateral faces of spokes in a tangential direction with insufficient force to remove tough dirt

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing effectivenessVSAvoidimpact force of washing liquid
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a deflector element with two deflecting surfaces that redirect the washing liquid jets from a tangential direction to include orthogonal and oblique angles. This dimensional change in spray trajectory allows the liquid to impact the lateral faces of spokes with sufficient perpendicular force to remove tough dirt, while still covering the overall wheel surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If washing liquid jets are directed to hit the entire wheel surface, then coverage is improved, but washing cycle time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel surface coverageVSAvoidwashing cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector element is segmented into two distinct deflecting surfaces that divide and redirect the washing liquid into multiple targeted streams. This segmentation allows simultaneous coverage of different wheel areas (face and lateral surfaces of spokes) with optimized spray angles, maintaining thorough coverage while reducing the time needed for effective cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If washing nozzles are positioned for optimal impact on small diameter wheels, then cleaning effectiveness is maximized for small wheels, but larger diameter wheels receive inadequate washing due to changing impact direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel size adaptabilityVSAvoidwashing consistency across wheel sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector element with its two deflecting surfaces creates a universal spraying mechanism that adapts to different wheel diameters. By redirecting jets at multiple angles (orthogonal and oblique), the system maintains effective washing impact on both small and large diameter wheels, eliminating the need for diameter-specific nozzle positioning and ensuring consistent cleaning quality across all wheel sizes.

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

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 improved spraying device achieves a full and satisfactory washing effect on wheels with inclined or parallel-spoke rims, reducing washing cycle times and water usage, ensuring effective dirt removal from all wheel surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a deflector element (19) having two deflecting surfaces (20, 21) forming a dihedral, which directs washing liquid jets in diverging directions, including orthogonal and oblique angles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid jet deflection: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP2832594B1Spraying device for wheel washing machines
Publication Date: 2020.10.28 NEXION SPA
  • EP2832594B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2832594B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2832594B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A spraying device (13; 100; 200; 600) for wheel washing machines (1) comprises a three-dimensional body (15; 215) which defines a longitudinal axis (A) and a longitudinal inner chamber (23) for the passage of washing liquid flows; spraying means (18; 118) formed in said three-dimensional body (15; 115) for spraying said flows out of said inner chamber (23); deflector means for deflecting the flows sprayed out of said inner chamber (23) toward a wheel (2) to be washed; said deflector means comprising at least one deflector element (19) which has at least two deflecting surfaces (20, 21) providing deflection in at least two directions, which is supported by said three-dimensional body in a longitudinal position in which said deflecting surfaces (20, 21) have said spraying means in front of them (18; 118).