Washing Machine Nozzle Carrier Adjustment for Crate Width
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face challenges in maintaining a constant cleaning intensity for boxes of different dimensions due to fixed nozzle distances, which can lead to reduced cleaning effectiveness in narrower boxes and non-uniform cleaning in wider boxes.
Innovation Solution
A central nozzle carrier adjusting device allows for external, tool-free adjustment of nozzle distances relative to the box width, enabling equal and opposite adjustments of all nozzles on both sides of the conveyor, which can be manually or motor-operated, with optional automated control and feedback mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If nozzles are fixed at the same distance from box outer walls, then the structure is simple, but cleaning intensity varies with box dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable nozzle carriers that can be positioned at different distances from the box outer walls, transforming the static fixed-distance mounting into a dynamic adjustable system. This allows the cleaning system to adapt to different box dimensions while maintaining optimal cleaning intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables changing the distance parameter between nozzles and box walls through adjustable nozzle carriers. By modifying this key parameter, the system can optimize cleaning intensity for various box sizes without compromising structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If nozzles are adjusted manually with locknuts in support plate, then distance adjustment is possible, but operation becomes complex requiring interior access and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment mechanism from the interior of the washing channel and places it on the exterior. The adjustment device is now accessible from outside the washing channel, eliminating the need for interior access and tool manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be operable without tools, allowing users to adjust nozzle distances directly by hand. This self-service design simplifies operation and eliminates the need for specialized tools or interior access.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple individual nozzle adjustments are provided, then each nozzle can be optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual adjustment mechanisms into a single centralized adjustment device. By merging the adjustment functions, the system maintains the ability to position each nozzle carrier independently while reducing overall device complexity and eliminating redundant components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
In a washing machine (M) for bottle crates (K), with a washing channel (1) having a conveyor (2) which in at least one section has at least one nozzle carrier (3a, 3b) on both sides of the conveyor (2) with nozzles (20) distributed thereon in a vertical direction for spraying opposite crate outer walls (4a, 4b), the nozzle carriers (3a, 3b) in the washing channel (1) are adjustable transversely to the transport direction and a central nozzle carrier adjusting device (Z) is provided on at least one side of the conveyor (2) for adjusting the distance of the nozzles (20).