High-Pressure Washer Actuation Using Universal Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-pressure washers face challenges in allowing a displaced arrangement of the control element and actuator, limiting their flexibility and ability to accommodate vibrating components like pumps, where a rigid connection is difficult to maintain due to coaxial rotation axis requirements.
Innovation Solution
The use of universal joints to connect the control element and actuator for joint rotation, enabling a non-coaxial arrangement and allowing movement relative to each other, with two universal joints providing additional flexibility in positioning and movement, including perpendicular arrangements without tilting, and a releasable locking connection for easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the control element and actuator are connected with a rigid connection requiring coaxial rotation axes, then the connection is stable and simple, but the arrangement flexibility is limited and cannot accommodate displaced or non-coaxial positions
Solution Approach 1:
A universal joint is introduced as an intermediary component between the control element and the actuator. This universal joint serves as a mediator that transmits rotational motion while accommodating non-coaxial arrangements and displaced positions, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and arrangement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is made dynamic by incorporating a universal joint that allows relative movement and adjustment between the control element and actuator. This enables the system to adapt to different positions and orientations while maintaining functional connection, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic adaptable one.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control element and actuator are arranged at a distance with non-coaxial rotation axes, then the arrangement flexibility is improved, but the actuation reliability deteriorates due to difficulty in maintaining rigid connection
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint acts as a reliable intermediary that ensures consistent actuation transmission even when the control element and actuator are positioned at distances with non-coaxial rotation axes. It maintains the functional relationship between control input and actuator output despite the spatial separation and misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accommodates changes in spatial parameters (distance, angle, position) between the control element and actuator by using a universal joint. This allows the connection to adapt to varying geometric parameters while maintaining reliable actuation, effectively handling parameter variations that would compromise rigid connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two universal joints are used to connect the control element and actuator, then the positioning flexibility and movement capability are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each universal joint is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple degrees of freedom and various positioning requirements. By using standardized universal joints, the system achieves multi-functionality and enhanced movement capability without proportionally increasing complexity, as each joint handles multiple spatial variations.
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 solution allows for effective actuation of vibrating components like pumps, enabling the high-pressure washer to bridge various distances and maintain actuation functionality while accommodating non-coaxial rotations, enhancing the washer's operational flexibility and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the control element and the actuator are connected to each other for joint rotation by means of at least one universal joint
Implementation Method 2
the control element is secured at the housing of the high-pressure washer
Data Source
AI summary
A high-pressure washer has a housing and an actuator rotatably supported about an actuator rotation axis. A control element is arranged rotatably at the housing and is provided to control the actuator. The control element and the actuator are fixedly connected to each other for joint rotation by one or more universal joints.