Vehicle Wash Bubble Emitter Plenum and Foaming Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle wash devices that emit bubbles are limited by their inability to uniformly distribute bubbles across a vehicle's exterior surface, requiring excessive chemical use and resulting in inadequate cleaning and an aesthetically unappealing appearance.
Innovation Solution
A device with a plenum and foaming chamber system that uses air flow regulation and aerating media elements to forcefully emit bubbles onto a vehicle's exterior, allowing for uniform coverage and reduced chemical consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If current bubbling arches are used to convey bubbles to the vehicle exterior, then bubbles can be formed and conveyed to the vehicle, but the bubbles cannot be uniformly distributed across the exterior surface and require excessive chemical use
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the bubble generation and delivery system into multiple independent nozzle assemblies arranged in arrays. Each nozzle operates independently to create bubbles that are then distributed across different zones of the vehicle exterior, enabling uniform coverage while reducing the total chemical required compared to a single large bubbling arch
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressurized air flow through the plenum chamber and controlled fluid dispensing mechanisms to generate and propel bubbles. The pneumatic force allows bubbles to be forcefully transmitted to vertical surfaces and wheels, improving distribution uniformity while reducing reliance on excessive chemical foam
2Ease of manufacture
If foam is generated using current bubbling devices, then bubbles are created, but the foam has a heavy appearance and is not aesthetically attractive
Solution Approach 1:
The device creates bubbles with specific local characteristics through controlled fluid dispensing and air mixing in the plenum chamber. By adjusting the fluid dispensing rate and air flow parameters, bubbles are generated with lighter, more aesthetically pleasing appearance while maintaining effective cleaning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls bubble characteristics by adjusting parameters such as air pressure, fluid dispensing rate, and nozzle configuration. These parameter changes enable generation of bubbles with desired size, density, and appearance qualities that are aesthetically attractive while still effective for cleaning
3Device complexity
If gravitational forces alone are used to convey bubbles, then the system is simple, but bubbles cannot contact the entire exterior surface including vertical surfaces and wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates pressurized air flow through the plenum chamber and nozzle assemblies to forcefully propel bubbles toward vertical surfaces, wheels, and other hard-to-reach areas. This pneumatic propulsion mechanism extends bubble coverage to the entire vehicle exterior without significantly increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system arranges multiple nozzle assemblies in three-dimensional arrays positioned to target different zones of the vehicle exterior including vertical surfaces, wheels, and horizontal surfaces. This spatial arrangement ensures comprehensive coverage across all dimensions of the vehicle 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 device ensures thorough vehicle cleaning with reduced chemical usage, providing aesthetically pleasing, larger bubbles that effectively cover vertical surfaces and wheels, enhancing the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
A device with a plenum and foaming chamber system that uses air flow regulation and aerating media elements to forcefully emit bubbles onto a vehicle's exterior
Implementation Method 2
The foaming chamber includes an aerating media element disposed therein. A fluid dispensing mechanism is disposed in the foaming chamber and in communication with a source of chemical. The fluid dispensing mechanism is configured to emit a chemical onto the aerating media element
Data Source
AI summary
A device for emitting bubbles in a vehicle wash facility includes a plenum supported with respect to ground. The plenum includes an air inlet with a first area and an air outlet with a second area. The plenum air outlet is in communication with at least one foaming chamber. The foaming chamber includes a generally planar media element disposed therein. The foaming chamber includes a spray jet located therein, which is in communication with a source of chemical. The spray jet configured to emit a chemical onto the generally planar media element. The device also includes a plurality of nozzle portions in communication with the foaming chamber for emitting bubbles therefrom.