Wash Chamber Nozzle Geometry for Forearm Coverage and Safe Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated hand-washing devices with rotating cylinders lack effective nozzle orientations and features for improved coverage, faster cycle completion, safer operation, and easier assembly, as well as efficient fluid delivery and drainage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wash chamber with a novel nozzle arrangement featuring progressively steeper helical nozzles, off-helix nozzles, and a flow guidance structure to reduce turbulence, combined with a sealing mechanism for reliability and drain holes to prevent finger or jewelry entrapment, enhances fluid delivery and drainage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional nozzle arrangements are used in rotating cylinders, then basic cleaning function is provided, but hand and forearm coverage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system is segmented into multiple 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. Each set serves a specific coverage zone, collectively achieving comprehensive hand and forearm coverage while maintaining manageable individual nozzle configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The third set of nozzles is arranged in a helical array along the length of the cylinder, adding a longitudinal dimension to the spray coverage. This helical configuration, combined with cylinder rotation, creates a sweeping spray pattern that covers the entire forearm area, transitioning from simple radial coverage to three-dimensional coverage
2Productivity
If standard fluid delivery systems are used, then basic washing is achieved, but cycle completion time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The frusto-conical closed end is pre-configured with a drain and positioned to receive spent cleaning fluid during rotation. This preliminary positioning allows spent fluid to be efficiently collected and removed during the wash cycle, preventing accumulation and enabling faster cycle completion without requiring additional drainage steps
3Reliability
If simple cylinder design is used, then manufacturing is easier, but fluid leakage occurs and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inner cylinder is nested within the outer cylinder, creating a concentric dual-cylinder structure. This nested configuration provides inherent sealing surfaces and structural support, improving reliability by preventing fluid leakage while maintaining a compact design that is relatively straightforward to manufacture and assemble
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional drain openings are used, then fluid drainage is achieved, but finger or jewelry entrapment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The drain openings in the frusto-conical closed end are specifically designed with controlled size and distribution patterns. This local optimization allows sufficient fluid drainage while preventing finger or jewelry entrapment, creating a selective permeability that distinguishes between fluid flow requirements and safety constraints
5Use of energy by moving object
If uniform nozzle spray patterns are used, then simple nozzle design is maintained, but turbulence increases and fluid delivery efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A flow guidance structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the fluid source and the nozzles. This structure conditions the fluid flow, reducing turbulence and optimizing spray patterns before the fluid reaches the nozzles, thereby improving fluid delivery efficiency without requiring complex nozzle designs
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 configuration results in improved hand and forearm coverage, faster and more reliable wash cycles, safer operation, and reduced cycle time, while preventing fluid leakage and entrapment issues.
Implementation Method 1
A flow guidance structure disposed on a surface of the inner cylinder 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
Implementation Method 3
the cylinders are rotated to provide a spray pattern
Implementation Method 4
drain holes to prevent finger or jewelry entrapment
Data Source
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.