Variable Flow Fluid Delivery Nozzle for Vehicle Wash
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle wash systems waste significant water and energy due to constant fluid emission from nozzles, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery system with variable and pulsed fluid emission capabilities, controlled by a central controller and solenoid valves, allowing for optimized fluid flow rates and reduced water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant fluid emission from nozzles is used, then continuous cleaning coverage is maintained, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs solenoid valves to pulse fluid emission from nozzles in periodic on-off cycles during the wash process. This periodic action maintains cleaning effectiveness by periodically wetting the vehicle surface and brushes while dramatically reducing overall water consumption compared to continuous emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid delivery system dynamically adjusts emission characteristics by varying pulse duration, frequency, and timing based on wash process requirements. The controller modifies fluid flow parameters in real-time to optimize both cleaning performance and water efficiency throughout different stages of the wash cycle.
2Reliability
If constant fluid emission is used, then cleaning continuity is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By pulsing fluid emission rather than maintaining constant flow, the system reduces the operational time of fluid delivery components and associated pumping systems, thereby lowering energy consumption while preserving cleaning continuity through strategically timed fluid application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies fluid in partial bursts rather than continuous flow, providing sufficient moisture for cleaning at critical moments while avoiding excessive fluid application during less critical phases, thus optimizing energy efficiency.
3Productivity
If variable fluid flow rates are implemented, then wash process optimization is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions by managing solenoid valve actuation, coordinating with conveyor speed, and adjusting fluid flow rates based on detected vehicle conditions. This multi-functionality consolidates control complexity into a single intelligent component rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect vehicle presence, size, and soiling conditions, providing feedback to the controller which then adjusts fluid flow rates accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables automatic optimization of wash parameters without requiring complex manual programming or multiple independent control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle wash system (12) includes a vehicle treatment component (10) located adjacent a vehicle treatment area (14) for treating a vehicle exterior. The system includes at least one fluid delivery nozzle (28) associated with the vehicle treatment component. The fluid delivery nozzle is in communication with a source of fluid and includes a first state of operation with a first flow rate and a second state of operation with a second flow rate. The first and second flow rates are different The system allows the fluid flow through the fluid delivery nozzle to be selectively varied while a vehicle is disposed in the vehicle treatment area adjacent the vehicle treatment component.