Dynamic Pump Pressure for Washing Apparatus Fluid Homogenization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing apparatuses face challenges in efficiently cleaning protective equipment, including difficulty in handling coarse particles, long startup times, and fluctuating fluid temperatures during wash cycles.

Innovation Solution

The method involves pumping fluid at an operating pressure to wash protective equipment and at a lower circulation pressure through a circulation loop back to the tank, ensuring fluid properties are homogenized, and the washing apparatus is maintained at a consistent temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fluid is pumped continuously at high operating pressure to wash protective equipment, then washing efficiency is improved, but fluid temperature fluctuates and startup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidfluid temperature stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary homogenization of fluid temperature and properties during idle periods before the wash cycle begins. The circulation pump operates during idle time to pre-condition the fluid, ensuring stable temperature and uniform properties are established before high-pressure washing starts, thereby reducing startup time and temperature fluctuations during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic alternation between circulation mode (at circulation pressure) and washing mode (at operating pressure). During idle periods, the pump operates at circulation pressure to homogenize fluid properties; during wash cycles, it switches to operating pressure for washing. This periodic switching optimizes both temperature stability and washing efficiency without continuous high-pressure operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Stability of the object's composition

If fluid circulation is increased to homogenize fluid properties, then temperature uniformity is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid property uniformityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts pump pressure between two distinct levels: circulation pressure (lower) for homogenization during idle periods, and operating pressure (higher) for washing during active cycles. This dynamic pressure adjustment ensures adequate fluid property uniformity while minimizing energy consumption by using lower pressure when washing is not occurring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the pressure parameter of the pump based on operational state. During idle periods, pressure is reduced to circulation pressure for efficient homogenization; during wash cycles, pressure is increased to operating pressure for effective washing. This parameter change optimizes the balance between fluid uniformity and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If particles are removed from protective equipment during washing, then cleaning quality is improved, but washing apparatus functionality deteriorates due to particle buildup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning qualityVSAvoidapparatus functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary high-pressure flushing at the beginning of wash cycles to clear accumulated particles from the washing chamber and fluid paths before the main washing process. This preliminary action prevents particle buildup from interfering with washing quality while maintaining apparatus functionality throughout the cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous particle removal through the circulation system during idle periods between wash cycles. The circulation pump continuously moves fluid through the system, preventing particle settlement and buildup, thereby maintaining apparatus reliability and readiness for the next wash cycle without interrupting the useful washing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 approach ensures a consistent fluid temperature during wash cycles, improves the quality of cleaning, reduces startup time, and enhances the operational reliability of the washing apparatus by preventing particle buildup.

Implementation Method 1

pumping fluid at a circulation pressure from the tank through a circulation loop back to the tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid circulation:

Implementation Method 2

pumping fluid at an operating pressure from the tank to a washing chamber of the washing apparatus configured to receive the protective equipment so as to wash the equipment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-driven fluid delivery: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4566729A1Washing apparatus with dynamic pump pressure
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 RESCUE INTELLITECH AB
  • EP4566729A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4566729A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4566729A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided a method of homogenizing at least one property of a fluid in a tank (102) of a washing apparatus (100) for washing protective equipment, the fluid being a fluid for washing of the protective equipment, the method comprising the steps of: pumping fluid at an operating pressure from the tank (102) to a washing chamber (101) of the washing apparatus (100) configured to receive the protective equipment so as to wash the equipment; and pumping fluid at a circulation pressure from the tank (102) through a circulation loop (105) back to the tank (102), wherein the circulation pressure is lower than the operating pressure.