Water Cleaner Machine Pump Control via Single Pressure Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-pressure water cleaner machines are overly complex and lack automatic adaptation to operator needs, despite providing energy savings by using multiple pumps with different power levels and operating modes.
Innovation Solution
A simplified design with two electric pumps connected via three-way connectors to a single high-pressure lance, controlled by a three-way switch and a single pressure switch that activates or deactivates the motors based on pressure and operator input, allowing for efficient and economical operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If multiple pumps with different power levels and operating modes are used to provide energy savings, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple pressure switches into a single pressure switch that monitors the common outlet conduit. This single pressure switch controls both the first and second electric pumps through a unified control circuit, reducing the number of control components while maintaining the ability to provide different pressure levels through the two pumps with different power ratings.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressure switch serves multiple functions: it monitors pressure for both pumps, controls the operation of both motors, and enables the system to automatically adapt to operator needs by regulating when each pump operates. This multi-functional approach reduces complexity while preserving energy efficiency benefits.
2Device complexity
If a single pressure switch controls both pumps through a common outlet conduit, then device complexity is reduced, but pressure control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The common outlet conduit acts as an intermediary that allows a single pressure switch to monitor the combined output of both pumps. The pressure switch responds to pressure changes in the common conduit, which reflects the operational state of both pumps, enabling centralized control without requiring separate pressure sensors for each pump.
3Ease of operation
If automatic adaptation to operator needs is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service through the single pressure switch that automatically detects when pressure needs regulation and controls the operation of one or both pumps accordingly. The pressure switch autonomously manages pump activation and deactivation based on pressure thresholds, eliminating the need for complex manual control mechanisms while achieving automatic adaptation to operational requirements.
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
The solution simplifies the machine's operation, reduces complexity, and allows for automatic adaptation to operator needs by using a three-way switch and pressure sensor to manage pump activation, enhancing energy efficiency and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
A single pressure switch, located on the delivery conduit of one of the two electric pumps, in turn connected to the dispensing lance. The pressure switch is normally-closed, in the ON position, and opens into the OFF position when the pressure exceeds a predetermined value.
Data Source
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AI summary
A water cleaner machine comprising at least two motors (M1, M2) each activating a respective pump (P1, P2), the pumps being connected in parallel to a water supply line and leading a common dispensing conduit comprising a high-pressure lance activated by a trigger; the machine comprises a single switch (2) having a manual activation which can be positioned in a first position in which both the motors (M1, M2) are disconnected from an electric power source (figure 1), in a second position in which only one motor (M1) is connected to the electric power source (figure 2) and in a third position in which both the motors (M1, M2) are connected to an electric power source (1); a normally-closed pressure switch (5) is placed on a delivery conduit of one of the pumps (P1, P2), which pressure switch (5) is adapted to open when the pressure exceeds a calibration value.