Vessel Cleaning Apparatus Suction Flushing Contradiction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual and automated handling of laboratory vessels filled with liquids poses risks of substance release and contamination, and existing methods are inefficient and costly, especially for large quantities, with a need for safer and more homogeneous flushing processes.
Innovation Solution
A vessel cleaning apparatus with a suction lance and a flushing lance that allows for the suction and flushing of liquids from laboratory vessels in their normal position, using a suction tube connected to a disposal system and a flushing tube connected to a cleaning liquid supply, enabling efficient and safe disposal and cleaning without manual handling or vessel rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling of laboratory vessels is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but safety risks increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic system that uses a specialized cleaning apparatus. The robot arm positions the cleaning apparatus into vessels, and the system automatically performs suction and flushing operations without human intervention, thereby eliminating safety risks associated with manual handling while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning apparatus enables vessels to be cleaned autonomously without manual intervention. The system self-regulates the cleaning process by coordinating the suction lance and flushing lance operations, allowing continuous automated processing of multiple vessels in sequence
2Productivity
If automated robot handling is used, then productivity increases, but safety risks persist due to collisions and unpredictable events
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus acts as an intermediary between the robot arm and the vessels. Instead of the robot directly manipulating vessels (which risks collisions and spills), the apparatus is inserted into vessels and performs cleaning operations from within, providing a safer interface that eliminates collision risks while maintaining automated productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning apparatus combines multiple functions in a single integrated system: the suction lance removes liquids, the flushing lance cleans vessel walls, and both can operate simultaneously or sequentially. This multi-functional design allows one apparatus to handle various cleaning scenarios without requiring complex robot programming or multiple specialized tools
3Device complexity
If vessels are emptied and cleaned in separate locations, then process simplicity is maintained, but time loss increases and contamination risk persists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the emptying and cleaning operations into a single integrated process performed at the same location. The cleaning apparatus simultaneously or sequentially uses the suction lance to remove liquids and the flushing lance to clean vessel walls without requiring vessel relocation, thereby eliminating transport time and preventing contamination that could occur during transfer between locations
4Device complexity
If mechanical flushing only is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but cleaning homogeneity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process is segmented into two distinct functional components: the suction lance for liquid removal and the flushing lance for wall cleaning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the flushing lance providing targeted cleaning of vessel walls that mechanical flushing alone cannot achieve, thereby improving overall cleaning homogeneity while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
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 apparatus allows for safe, efficient, and economical disposal and cleaning of laboratory vessels by suctioning and flushing liquids in place, reducing the risk of contamination and improving the homogeneity of the cleaning process, while also enabling drying functions and improved cleaning effects through rotatable and strategically designed flushing heads.
Implementation Method 1
The suction lance (20) is connectable via its disposal connection end (26) to a disposal system, which has a vacuum applied to it
Implementation Method 2
the suction lance is configured to suck off fluid from a vessel, in particular from a laboratory vessel, at its suction end, preferably against the direction of effect of gravity
Implementation Method 3
the flushing lance is configured to receive fluid, such as cleaning liquid and/or compressed air, at its supply connection end (46) and to expel it at its flushing end (44)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for cleaning vessels. The vessel cleaning apparatus (10) has a suction lance (20) and a flushing lance (40). The flushing lance (40) is configured to receive fluid, such as cleaning liquid and/or compressed air, and to expel it against an inner wall of a vessel to be cleaned. The suction lance (20) is configured to suck off and lead off fluids present in the vessel as well as cleaning liquid supplied through the flushing lance (40) from the vessel, preferably against the direction of effect of gravity.