Suction Nozzle Liquid Separation With Float Valve Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction-powered devices for lifting liquids from surfaces often fail to effectively separate liquids from airflow, leading to moisture being carried back to the vacuum cleaner and requiring manual operation of a trigger mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A device with a liquid collection tank, intake opening, and a plurality of liquid separation passages that utilize a flow of air from a suction source to separate and collect liquids before they reach the suction source, featuring a plenum for tangential air flow and a float valve to prevent liquid from being drawn through as the tank fills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a wet vacuum attachment is used to separate liquid from airflow, then liquid can be removed from the working surface, but moisture is carried back to the vacuum cleaner and separation effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the airflow into multiple separate streams by passing it through a bundle of elongate passages. Each passage acts as an independent separation channel, allowing liquid to be removed from the airflow more effectively while preventing moisture from reaching the vacuum cleaner.
Solution Approach 2:
The bundle of elongate passages serves as an intermediary structure between the airflow and the vacuum cleaner. This intermediate component facilitates liquid separation by providing multiple pathways that allow liquid to be extracted from the airflow before it reaches the main vacuum system.
2Ease of operation
If a trigger mechanism is used to control the wet vacuum operation, then the device can be operated manually, but the operation is not automatic and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a float valve mechanism that automatically controls the operation of the wet vacuum. When liquid accumulates in the collection tank, the float rises and automatically closes the valve, stopping the suction process without requiring manual intervention. This self-regulating system eliminates the need for a trigger mechanism while maintaining ease of operation.
3Quantity of substance
If the collection tank fills with liquid, then liquid collection capacity increases, but liquid may be drawn through the suction source causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The float valve mechanism provides automatic feedback control based on the liquid level in the collection tank. When the tank fills to a certain level, the float rises and triggers the valve to close, preventing further liquid accumulation and eliminating the risk of liquid being drawn through the suction source. This feedback system protects the vacuum cleaner while maximizing liquid collection capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The float valve mechanism acts as a preventive measure by closing the suction path before liquid can reach a level that would cause harmful effects. This prior cushioning approach ensures that the suction source is protected from liquid ingress before any damage can occur.
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 device automatically separates liquids from airflow and collects them in a tank without carrying moisture back to the vacuum cleaner, eliminating the need for a trigger mechanism and ensuring efficient liquid collection.
Implementation Method 1
an inlet passage that directs the flow of air into the plenum at an indirect angle to the openings of the liquid separation passages. The plenum may comprise a substantially cylindrical wall extending annularly about the intake end of the bundle of liquid separation passages, the inlet passage directing the flow of air in a substantially tangential direction against the cylindrical wall so that the flow of air swirls within the plenum
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of liquid separation passages into which the flow of air is divided between the intake opening and the collection tank, so that the liquid is separated from the flow of air and collected in the tank
Implementation Method 3
a float valve that automatically closes a suction passage when the liquid level rises, preventing liquid from reaching the suction source
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid separation nozzle utilized with a suction source, such as a vacuum cleaner. Liquid and air are drawn through an intake by the suction, and pass through a plurality of liquid separation passages. The liquid separation passages divide the flow and separate the liquid from the air. The liquid drops out from the separation passages and accumulates in the bottom of the collection tank, while the air is drawn out through the upper part of the tank. A float valve prevents liquid from being drawn out with the air as the tank becomes full.