Wash Chamber Nozzle Layout for Hand Coverage and Splash Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated hand-washing devices with rotating cylinders lack efficient nozzle arrangements for optimal hand and forearm coverage, leading to incomplete washing cycles and potential splashing of cleaning fluid, while also facing challenges in assembly and reliability under high pressure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wash cylinder with a novel nozzle arrangement featuring a helical array of nozzles with progressively steeper rotational angles, combined with a flow guidance structure and sealing mechanisms to reduce turbulence and prevent fluid leakage, along with drain holes to prevent finger or jewelry entrapment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional nozzle arrangement is used in the rotating cylinder, then the device structure is simple, but the hand and forearm coverage is incomplete and fluid splashing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle arrangement 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 achieve complete hand and forearm coverage while preventing fluid splashing.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzles are oriented at specific angles relative to the cylinder axis and tangent to the rotation axis, creating spray patterns in multiple dimensions. The helical arrangement adds a rotational dimension to the spray coverage, ensuring complete coverage of the hand and forearm during cylinder rotation.
2Area of stationary object
If the cylinder rotates to provide spray coverage, then hand and forearm coverage is improved, but cleaning fluid splashes out of the cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
The second set of nozzles arranged in a ring near the open end are oriented to spray downward at an angle, creating a pre-emptive barrier or 'curtain' of cleaning fluid that prevents spent fluid from splashing out of the cylinder during rotation. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the harmful splashing effect before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The downwardly angled spray from the second set of nozzles, which could be considered excessive fluid application, is converted into a beneficial protective curtain that prevents fluid splashing outside the cylinder, turning a potential waste into a protective function.
3Power
If high pressure is used for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but fluid leakage and reliability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
An O-ring seal is installed beforehand between the inner and outer cylinders to create a cushioning barrier that prevents fluid leakage under high pressure conditions. This preliminary protective measure ensures reliability by compensating for potential pressure-induced sealing failures.
4Productivity
If drain holes are made larger for better fluid drainage, then drainage efficiency is improved, but finger or jewelry entrapment risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drain holes are designed with specific local dimensions - large enough to provide efficient fluid drainage but precisely controlled to be too small to entrap fingers or jewelry. This local quality optimization balances drainage efficiency with safety by making the hole size location-specific and dimensionally constrained.
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 enhances the coverage and efficiency of hand washing, reduces cycle time, and ensures reliable operation under high pressure, while preventing fluid splashing and entrapment of foreign objects.
Implementation Method 1
The flow guidance structure 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 third set of nozzles are disposed in a left-hand helical pattern which, when combined with the clock-wise rotation of the cylinders, results in a succession of sprays that travel down the arm from above the wrist towards the fingertips
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.