Tangential Solvent Jet Rotation for Roller Brush Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Roller applicator brushes for coatings are difficult to clean, especially with water-based coatings like latex paint, as residual material often hardens within the nap, requiring disposal and inefficient water soaking methods that can lead to uneven cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A roller brush cleaning apparatus with a handle connected to a pressurized cleaning solvent source, featuring a splayed end with jet spray nozzles that tangentially direct the solvent against the roller brush, inducing rotation and centrifugal ejection of coating material, along with a cleaning casement and trap to collect and direct the solvent and paint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hose is used to direct water at the exterior surface of the roller, then water can be applied to the roller, but the residual coating may sling in an undirected manner leaving numerous spots in the area where the roller is being cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system segments the water flow into multiple directed jets through separate nozzles, each targeting specific areas of the roller. This segmentation allows controlled distribution of cleaning solvent across the roller surface, preventing undirected splashing while ensuring comprehensive coverage of all areas including the nap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary containment structure (casing or housing) that guides and directs the water jets. This intermediary component channels the cleaning solvent along the roller and directs it into the nap, ensuring uniform distribution while containing the spray to prevent messy splashing outside the target area.
2Reliability
If soaking in a bath of water is used to clean the roller, then the coating can be removed from the roller, but multiple emptying and replenishment of the water in the bath is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous flow of cleaning solvent through the roller and into the nap during rotation, eliminating the need for batch soaking and multiple water replacements. The continuous pressurized flow ensures constant cleaning action throughout the process, maintaining effective cleaning without interruption for water changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pressurized hydraulic flow to deliver cleaning solvent directly into the roller nap through specialized nozzles. This pressurized injection method penetrates deep into the nap to remove coating material efficiently, replacing the need for prolonged soaking while reducing total water consumption and time required.
3Productivity
If residual coating material is retained within the nap, then the roller brush head can be reused, but the roller brush head will need to be thrown away if the coating material hardens within the nap
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by injecting pressurized solvent into the nap before coating material can harden. The continuous flow and deep penetration remove loosened coating material immediately during the cleaning process, preventing it from re-hardening and ensuring the roller remains reusable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cleaning process by using pressurized liquid flow at controlled velocities to penetrate and flush out coating material from the nap. This parameter-controlled approach ensures thorough removal of residual material, transforming the roller from a contaminated state to a clean, reusable state reliably.
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
Effectively cleans roller brushes by rotating the brush to dislodge and remove residual coating material efficiently, preventing hardening and disposal, while ensuring thorough and even cleaning with minimal water usage.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one jet spray nozzle communicates the cleaning solvent from the splayed end into the cleaning casement. The at least one jet spray nozzle is oriented to tangentially direct the cleaning solvent against a circumferential aspect of the roller brush.
Implementation Method 2
inducing rotation and centrifugal ejection of coating material
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for cleaning a paint roller. The apparatus includes a handle configured to communicate a cleaning solvent to a cleaning casement. The solvent is tangentially directed at a surface of a roller brush contained within the cleaning casement to impart a rotation of the paint roller to dissolve and release the paint or other coating composition from the paint roller. The cleaning casement may include a top casement segment and a bottom casement segment hingedly connected to enclose the roller brush. In use the roller brush may be inserted into the cleaning casement while attached to the roller handle assembly. Removed paint and solvent are collected through an exhaust.