Wireless Trigger Control for Pressure Washer Chemical Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure washers require users to dispose of unused chemicals or physically change containers to switch between different chemicals, making it inconvenient to use multiple chemicals with the same spray gun.
Innovation Solution
A pressure washer system with a wireless control mechanism that allows users to remotely switch between multiple chemical tanks using a spray gun interface, enabling seamless selection between different chemicals without needing to be near the base unit, utilizing wireless systems to control solenoid valves and a prime mover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users physically change chemical containers or adjust input valves to switch between chemicals, then chemical switching capability is achieved, but user convenience and ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to be near the base unit and manually handle container changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of physically changing containers or adjusting valves with a wireless electronic control system. The spray gun includes a wireless transmitter that communicates with the base unit's controller, which automatically actuates solenoid valves to switch between chemical containers. This substitution eliminates the need for users to manually handle container changes or adjust physical valves, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining chemical switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the user's manual trigger pull and the chemical switching mechanism. The wireless transmitter in the spray gun and the wireless receiver in the base unit create a remote control link, allowing the user to switch chemicals from a distance without being near the base unit. This intermediary system resolves the contradiction by enabling convenient remote operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users dispose of unused chemical and refill containers to switch chemicals, then chemical switching is achieved, but time loss and productivity deteriorates due to the refilling process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple chemical containers in the base unit and configuring the control system to automatically switch between them. The solenoid valves are pre-configured to direct flow from different containers, and the wireless control system is pre-programmed to activate the appropriate valve based on user input. This eliminates the need for users to perform time-consuming refilling operations, as the system is prepared in advance to provide different chemicals on demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to serve itself by automatically managing chemical switching without user intervention in the refilling process. The controller automatically actuates the appropriate solenoid valves based on wireless signals from the spray gun, allowing the system to switch between pre-loaded chemical containers autonomously. This self-service capability eliminates the time users would otherwise spend on manual refilling operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chemical containers are provided at the base unit, then chemical versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional valves and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single wireless control system that can manage multiple chemical containers through a standardized interface. The controller uses the same wireless communication protocol and control logic regardless of how many chemical containers are connected, allowing the system to universally handle any number of chemicals. The solenoid valves are designed with a uniform structure that can be replicated for different containers, reducing the complexity increase that would otherwise result from adding multiple different control mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If wireless control systems are added to enable remote operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost worsen due to additional electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex wireless control electronics from the spray gun and places them primarily in the base unit. The spray gun contains only a simple wireless transmitter that sends basic trigger and chemical selection signals, while the base unit houses the sophisticated wireless receiver, controller, and solenoid valve actuation system. This extraction reduces the electronic complexity in the handheld spray gun, making it simpler to manufacture and operate, while still providing full remote control functionality through the base unit's more capable electronics.
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
Enables easy and convenient switching between chemicals without waste, allowing users to perform multiple tasks with the same spray gun by remotely controlling the chemical supply system, improving user experience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first wireless system electrically coupled to the sensor... a second wireless system electrically coupled to the prime mover
Implementation Method 2
The first chemical control valve is electrically coupled to the second wireless system. The second chemical control valve is fluidly coupled between the second chemical container and the spray gun
Implementation Method 3
a pump driven by the prime mover... signals the prime mover to start to drive the pump to provide fluid to the spray gun
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure washer includes a prime mover, a pump driven by the prime mover, and a spray gun fluidly coupled to the pump. The spray gun includes a flow-control valve movable between an open position and a closed position to control a fluid flow from the spray gun, a user interface for controlling the flow-control valve, a sensor configured to detect the state of the user interface, and a first wireless system electrically coupled to the sensor. In a first state of the user interface, the flow-control valve is in the closed position. In a second state of the user interface, the flow-control valve is in the open position. The pressure washer further includes a second wireless system electrically coupled to the prime mover. The second wireless system signals the prime mover to start to drive the pump to provide fluid to the spray gun upon receiving a start signal from the first wireless system indicating that the sensor detects the user interface in the second state.