Variable Bypass Valve for Pressure Washing Lance Thrust Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional telescoping pressure washing poles are difficult to maneuver, especially when cleaning distant surfaces, due to fixed pressure and volume of fluid, leading to unwanted bending and increased control force, requiring assistance and straining the operator's hands.

Innovation Solution

A variable bypass valve and dump tube system that modulates fluid flow to control reactive thrust, allowing for adjustable fluid ejection from a secondary output to assist in pole positioning and balance, reducing operator effort by varying the kinetic energy and direction of the fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a fixed pressure level and fixed volume of fluid exits from the nozzle, then the pressure washing function is performed, but significant bend in the pole is created and control force increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure washing powerVSAvoidpole maneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from fixed pressure to variable pressure by introducing a control valve that allows dynamic adjustment of fluid flow rate. The valve modulates the opening to vary the volume of fluid exiting the nozzle, enabling the operator to adjust reactive thrust according to operational needs, thus improving pole maneuverability while maintaining pressure washing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of fluid flow rate from fixed to variable. By controlling the valve opening degree, the system can adjust the volume of fluid exiting the nozzle, which directly affects the reactive thrust. This parameter change allows the operator to reduce bend in the pole and control force by lowering flow rate when maneuvering, while maintaining sufficient pressure for cleaning when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the nozzle becomes misaligned, then the force of the pressure works against the operator, but the operator can interrupt the high pressure water and realign the nozzle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure forceVSAvoidoperator control

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control valve enables dynamic adjustment of fluid flow rate, allowing the operator to reduce the volume of fluid exiting the nozzle when alignment issues occur. By partially closing the valve, the operator can decrease reactive thrust to a manageable level, enabling realignment without completely interrupting the water flow, thus maintaining continuous operation while improving control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If telescoping poles are made heavy for structural support, then the pole can support the high pressure hose and nozzle, but the operator must lift the pole into the desired cleaning position with assistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural support strengthVSAvoidpole positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The variable flow rate control allows the operator to adjust the volume of fluid exiting the nozzle to match the weight and balance characteristics of the telescoping pole. By reducing flow rate during positioning maneuvers, the operator can decrease reactive thrust to a manageable level, making it easier to maneuver the heavy pole into desired positions without requiring assistance, while maintaining full pressure capability when cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This system enhances the operator's ability to efficiently maneuver and position the telescoping pole by reducing the force required to maintain balance and alignment, allowing for easier cleaning of distant surfaces without assistance.

Implementation Method 1

establishing a controllable reactive thrust in a pressure washing lance linked to an extension member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReactive thrust: Reaction (physics)

Implementation Method 2

modulates fluid flow to control reactive thrust, allowing for adjustable fluid ejection from a secondary output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid momentum: Conservation of Momentum

Data Source

PatentUS7624933B2Variable reactive force arrangement for pole mounted, pressure washing lances

Publication Date: 2009.12.01 BOEKELMAN TIMOTHY RAYMOND

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for establishing a controllable reactive thrust in a pressure washing lance (40) linked to an extension member (20) through use of a variable bypass valve (52) and dump tube (66) combination. The bypass valve (52) is coupled to a source of high pressure fluid by a system high pressure or primary circuit (26,38). The bypass valve (52) preferably has at least one bypass input (56), which is intended to be fluidly coupled with the high pressure or primary circuit (38), and at least one each of a bypass primary output (58) and a bypass secondary output (60). Operation of the bypass valve (52) selectively couples the bypass input (56) with the bypass primary output (58) and/or the bypass secondary output (60). Fluid from the bypass primary output (58) is directed to the lance ejection nozzle (44) while fluid from the bypass secondary output (60) (secondary fluid) is directed to the dump tube (66). Dump tube output can also be modified to provide a reactive thrust and vectored by adjustment of the tube bend (67b) and a nozzle (68) thereon.