Wash Chamber Nozzle Layout for Faster, Safer Hand Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated hand-washing devices with rotating cylinders lack features for improved coverage, faster cycle completion, safer operation, and easier assembly, as well as fail to optimize nozzle orientations and arrangements for enhanced fluid flow and turbulence reduction.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a wash cylinder with a flow guidance structure to reduce turbulence, a sealing mechanism for reliability under high pressure, drain holes to prevent finger or jewelry entrapment, and a three-set nozzle arrangement with progressively steeper helical nozzles and off-helix nozzles for improved coverage, along with a fluid conveyance feature to limit volumes and decrease cycle time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional nozzle arrangement is used in the rotating cylinder, then the device structure is simple, but the coverage of hand and forearm is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system is segmented into three distinct sets: a first set on the closed end, a second set in a ring near the open end, and a third set in a helical array along the cylinder length. Each set serves a specific function to cover different areas of the hand and forearm, thereby increasing overall coverage without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The third set of nozzles is arranged in a helical array along the length of the cylinder, adding a dimensional aspect to the nozzle distribution. This helical arrangement, combined with cylinder rotation, creates a sweeping spray pattern that covers the forearm area, expanding the effective coverage area.
2Area of stationary object
If the cylinder rotates to provide spray pattern coverage, then the coverage of hand and forearm is improved, but the cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first set of nozzles on the closed end is positioned to spray cleaning fluid directly onto the hand and fingernails before the cylinder rotation begins or during the initial phase. This preliminary action ensures that critical areas are covered immediately, reducing the time needed for thorough cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical arrangement of the third set of nozzles ensures continuous coverage of the forearm as the cylinder rotates. The helical pattern maintains a consistent spray trajectory that sweeps across the forearm surface throughout the rotation, providing uninterrupted cleaning action that reduces overall cycle time.
3Productivity
If drain holes are made larger to improve fluid drainage, then the drainage efficiency is improved, but the risk of finger or jewelry entrapment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drain holes are designed with specific local characteristics: they are positioned in the frusto-conical end portion and have dimensions that balance drainage efficiency with safety. The local geometry of the drain holes allows adequate fluid passage while maintaining edges and spacing that prevent finger or jewelry entrapment.
4Area of stationary object
If the nozzle spray angle is increased to improve coverage, then the coverage area is improved, but the fluid turbulence increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different nozzle sets have different spray characteristics optimized for their specific locations and functions. The first set on the closed end has spray angles optimized for direct hand coverage, while the third set in the helical array has angles optimized for forearm coverage. This localized optimization allows adequate coverage without excessive turbulence in each region.
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 solution enables faster, more reliable, and thorough hand washing with enhanced coverage and safety, reducing cycle time and preventing fluid leakage, while ensuring efficient fluid delivery and assembly ease.
Implementation Method 1
disposed on the inner cylinder in line with the inlet is a flow guidance structure that reduces turbulence of the incoming fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
cleaning fluid is forced out of a nozzle arrangement on the inner surface of the cylinder and into the interior of the cylinder
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A wash cylinder or chamber for an automated cleaning station to clean an object or a person's body part includes nozzles on the interior of the cylinder, the nozzles of one embodiment comprising an increasing roll angle providing a novel spray pattern. Additionally, embodiments of the invention include fluid guidance and conveyance structures, angled nozzles, sealing structures, finger guards, nozzle ribs, wash chamber seating mechanisms and drains, and nozzle inlays having a plurality of nozzles. Also disclosed are methods of washing an object or body part using a wash cylinder or chamber and methods of assembling a wash cylinder or chamber.