An apparatus for cleaning a surface of a vehicle

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for cleaning a surface (102) of a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus (100) includes a first cleaning unit (106) to perform dry cleaning to remove and absorb contaminants from the surface (102), where the first cleaning unit (106) is movable away from the surface (102). Further, the apparatus (100) includes a second cleaning unit (108) removably attached to the first cleaning unit (106) and to perform at least one of wet cleaning and dry cleaning. Furthermore, the apparatus (100) has an airflow generation unit (110) removably attached to the second cleaning unit (108) and in fluid, communication with the first cleaning unit (106) and the second cleaning unit (108). The first cleaning unit (106) and the second cleaning unit (108) are adapted, to clean the surface (102) at least sequentially or individually and perform at least one of dry cleaning, wet. cleaning, and a combination thereof.

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR CLEANING A SURFACE OF A VEHICLE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for cleaning and more particularly, relates to an apparatus for cleaning a surface of a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, a surface of a vehicle is generally subjected to various types of contaminants. For instance, the contaminants include settled dust, an electrostatically charged dust, liquid stains, slush stains, wet bird dropping, dry bird dropping, debris, fingerprints, leaves, pollens, and the like.

[0003] Techniques adapted to clean the surface of the vehicle may depend on the state of contaminant on the surface. The state of contaminant is any one of dust, slush, liquid-dirt, and the like. Based on the state of contaminants, the user adopts techniques specific to the state of contaminant to clean the surface. The techniques include any one of dry cleaning, wet cleaning, and a combination of the two with dry cleaning to remove dampness.

[0004] Generally, in order to clean the surface of the vehicle, a user can one of manually clean the surface of the vehicle, hire someone to clean for them, and through a washer centre.

[0005] In case the user manually cleans the surface one or more cleaning components are used. The cleaning components include one of a duster component for dry cleaning purposes, a water source for rinsing purposes, and a cloth or a scrubbing component for wiping purposes. The manual cleaning process by the user requires the user to wipe and clean, and the entire process of cleaning manually is time consuming and physically exhaustive for the user. For instance, in order to clean the entire vehicle, the user may either be required to carry containers filled with water to the car, which may be exhausting, or direct pressurized water at thesurface of vehicle water, which may lead to wastage of water. In both instances, in order to rinse the surface with water, the user will be required to put in a lot of effort to rinse each and every part of the surface, while going about cleaning each portion of the surface. Further to wet cleaning in order to dry, the user is required to again go about each portion of the surface of the vehicle and wipe the surface of the vehicle with cleaning component, which also requires the user to put in a lot of effort by wiping and cleaning every part of the surface to clean efficiently, which may be exhaustive for the user and time consuming.

[0006] Additionally, in case the user hires someone to clean the surface of the vehicle for them or gets the car cleaned at the washer centre, not only the whole process of cleaning will be time consuming but well as costly for the user.

[0007] As stated above, the user is required to put in a lot of physical effort to clean the surface, generally, the wiping action along with one or more cleaning components on the surface, creates micro scratches on the surface.

[0008] Further, there can be instances when the one or more cleaning components used for cleaning, wiping, and the like, may have contaminants absorbed therein, which when used for further cleaning may leave a trace on the surface or fail to effectively clean the surface of the vehicle. In this regard, the user is required clean such cleaning component within frequent intervals, to remove the contaminants absorbed therein before performing subsequent cleaning operation using the same cleaning component. This is time consuming and exhausting for the user. Additionally, cleaning the cleaning component after the cleaning operation has been completed is another hassle for the user.

[0009] There may be instances when the cleaning interfaces for different purposes i.e., for dry cleaning purpose and for wet cleaning purpose are not separated from one another, which may not only affect the efficiency of cleaning by the cleaning interface but also affect the cleaning. As a result, cleaning of the surface through the cleaning interface shall not be clean and may leave one of strands and particulates on the surface of the vehicle.

[0010] However, there exist certain limitations with the existing techniques, for instance, the conventional techniques are time-consuming, necessitate user to put in a lot of efforts while cleaning with the cleaning component, resource intensive as well and do not provide efficient cleaning, and fail to provide a hybrid apparatus that separates dry cleaning and wet cleaning based on the state of contaminant and the requirement at the time.

[0011] Accordingly, there is a need to provide techniques to solve the above- mentioned and other related problems. SUMMARY

[0012] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

[0013] In one embodiment, an apparatus for cleaning a surface of a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cleaning unit and an airflow generation unit. The cleaning unit is adapted to perform at least one of wet cleaning and dry cleaning to scrub and absorb the contaminants from the surface. The airflow generation unit is removably attached to the cleaning unit and is adapted to be in fluid communication with the cleaning unit. The airflow generation unit is adapted to at least one of blow air towards the surface through the cleaning unit to remove the contaminants from the surface and generate air suction flow in a direction towards the cleaning unit to collect the contaminants from the surface. The apparatus is moved along the surface such that the cleaning unit is adapted to clean the surface and perform wet cleaning.

[0014] In another embodiment, an apparatus for cleaning a surface of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a first cleaning unit adapted to perform dry cleaning to removeand absorb contaminants from the surface, wherein the first cleaning unit is adapted to be movable away from the surface. Further, the apparatus includes a second cleaning unit removably attached to the first cleaning unit and adapted to perform at least one of wet cleaning and dry cleaning to scrub and absorb the contaminants from the surface. Furthermore, the apparatus has an airflow generation unit removably attached to the second cleaning unit and adapted to be in fluid communication with the first cleaning unit and the second cleaning unit. The airflow generation unit is adapted to at least one of blow air towards the surface through the second cleaning unit to remove the contaminants from the surface and generate air suction flow in a direction towards at least one of the first cleaning unit and the second cleaning unit to collect the contaminants from the surface. The apparatus is moved along the surface of the vehicle in a linear direction such that the first cleaning unit is located at a leading end of the apparatus and the second cleaning unit is located at a trailing end of the apparatus. The first cleaning unit and the second cleaning unit are adapted to clean the surface at least simultaneously or individually and perform at least one of dry cleaning, wet cleaning, and a combination thereof.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first cleaning unit of the apparatus includes, a dust- absorbing component removably attached to a frame of the first cleaning unit adapted to wipe and absorb dry contaminants, and is embodied as at least one of a strands, a sponge, a cloth, a bristles, and a roller. Further, the first cleaning unit includes a dry contaminant bin adapted to store the dry contaminants absorbed by the dust-absorbing component. The air suction flow generated by the airflow generation unit is adapted to force dry contaminants absorbed by the dust-absorbing component along with the suction air to be moved towards the dry contaminant bin, where the dry contaminants are stored in the dry contaminant bin. Further, force suction air from the dry contaminant bin to be passed through an air filter towards the airflow generation unit, where the air filter is to allow filtered air to be released towards the airflow generation unit.

[0016] In another embodiment, the dust-absorbing component has at least one of a dust repelling coating, water repelling coating, and a dust attracting coating to reduce friction between the dust-absorbing component and the surface.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first cleaning unit is adapted to be removably attached to the second cleaning unit via a moving mechanism located on one of side walls of a housing of the second cleaning unit, where the first cleaning unit is adapted to be moved using the moving mechanism away from the surface when the surface is detected to be wet.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, the second cleaning unit includes a housing having a top wall and a plurality of side walls, where a bottom end of the housing defines an opening. The second cleaning unit includes a spraying unit positioned within the housing and adapted to at least one of spray and drip cleaning fluid on the surface of the vehicle through the opening of the housing, where the spraying unit comprises one or more fluid protection sheets adapted to restrict dispersion of the cleaning fluid beyond the one or more fluid protection sheets. Further, the second cleaning unit includes a cleaning interface unit positioned within the housing and located adjacent to the spraying unit, where the cleaning interface unit is projecting through the opening of the housing and adapted to scrub and absorb dirt contaminants from the surface wetted by the spraying unit. Further, the second cleaning unit has a wiping unit positioned within the housing and located adjacent to the cleaning interface unit, where the wiping unit is adapted to remove dampness from the surface. Furthermore, the second cleaning unit has a wringing unit positioned within the housing adapted to auto-clean the cleaning interface unit and the wiping unit for subsequent wet cleaning by the second cleaning unit.

[0019] In one embodiment, the housing is adapted to be flexible, such that the housing is adapted to bend based on contour of the surface when moved for cleaning, where the housing mounts a plurality of elastic members connected through one elastic-end to the housing and another elastic-end connected to the cleaning interface unit. Further, each of the plurality of elastic members are adapted to suspend based on the contour of the surface.

[0020] In an embodiment, the spraying unit comprises at least one fluid storage tank adapted to store cleaning fluid to be sprayed on the surface, and the spraying unit includes at least one pressure pump adapted to pressurize the cleaning fluid in the at least one fluid storage tank. Further, the spraying unit has at least one nozzle fluidly coupled to the at least one fluid storage tank and adapted to receive the cleaning fluid pressurized from the at least one pressure pump, where the at least one nozzle is directed towards the surface and is adapted to spray a pressurized cleaning fluid on the surface.

[0021] In an embodiment, the spraying unit comprises a rail pipe having a plurality of drip holes, wherein the rail pipe is fluidly coupled to the at least one fluid storage tank and adapted to receive the cleaning fluid pressurized from the at least one pressure pump, and where the rail pipe is adapted to drip cleaning fluid over a dirt- absorbing component, and where the dirt-absorbing component is embodied as one or more rollers.

[0022] In an embodiment, the at least one pressure pump is at least one of a manually-operated pump and an electrically-operated pump.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cleaning interface unit has a dirt-absorbing component adapted to scrub and absorb dirt contaminant along with cleaning fluid from the surface. The dirt-absorbing component is embodied as at least one of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge, microfiber, strands, a sponge, a cloth, a bristles, and one or more rollers.

[0024] In an embodiment, the airflow generation unit may be fluidly coupled to a dirt-storage tank adapted to store dirt contaminants, where the dirt-storage tank may be fluidly coupled to a wringing component disposed in proximity to the cleaning interface unit and adapted to scrub the contaminants collected by the cleaning interface unit. The airflow generation unit may be adapted to generate the air suction flow to remove the contaminants from the wringing component and store the removed dirt contaminants within the dirt storage tank.

[0025] In an embodiment, the wiping unit may include an absorbing component adapted to remove dampness from the surface subsequent to the scrubbing andabsorbing of the dirt contaminants from the surface by the cleaning interface unit, and the absorbing component may be embodied as least one of a strands, a sponge, a cloth, a bristles, and a roller.

[0026] In an embodiment, the airflow generation unit may be disposed in proximity to the wiping unit and may be adapted to blow air through the wiping unit on the surface such that the wiping unit and the air blown by the airflow generation unit simultaneously remove dampness from the surface.

[0027] In an embodiment, the wiping unit may be fluidly coupled to the airflow generation unit via a conduit, where the airflow generation unit is adapted to blow air through the conduit towards the wiping unit to reduce dampness of the surface.

[0028] In an embodiment, the wringing unit, integrated with at least one of the cleaning interface unit and the wiping unit, may include at least one wringing component adapted to be operated to wring at least one of the wiping unit and the cleaning interface unit to one of expel and absorb the dirt contaminants or excess cleaning fluid absorbed by the cleaning interface unit and the wiping unit. Further, the wringing component may be embodied as at least one of a scrubbing component, a wringing disc and a combination of the spraying unit and the airflow generation unit.

[0029] In an embodiment, wherein the wringing unit may be at least one of a manual-operated wringing unit and an electrically-operated wringing unit.

[0030] In an embodiment, each of the cleaning interface unit and the wiping unit may be removably attached to a housing of the second cleaning unit, where at least one of the cleaning interface unit and the wiping unit is adapted to be replaced with a dust-absorbing component.

[0031] In yet another embodiment, the apparatus has a polishing unit detachably attached to one of a plurality of side walls of a housing of the second cleaning unit and positioned at the trailing end of the apparatus, where the polishing unit may be adapted to polish the surface subsequent to the dry cleaning or the wet cleaning performed by at least one of the first cleaning unit and the second cleaning unit.

[0032] In an embodiment, the polishing unit may include a polish storage tank having liquid polish stored therein. Further, the polishing unit may have a polish sprayer positioned below the polish storage tank and fluidly coupled to the polish storage tank, where the polish sprayer may be adapted to spray liquid polish in atomized form on to the surface. Further, the polishing unit may have a polish applicator that may be positioned below the polish storage tank and disposed adjacent to the polish sprayer, where the polish applicator may be adapted to spread and apply the sprayed polish on the surface. In an example, the polish applicator is embodied as one of a sponge and a microfiber.

[0033] In one embodiment, the apparatus may have a holding member disposed at a top wall of a housing of the second cleaning unit, where the holding member may be adapted to be held to move the apparatus in the linear direction on the surface. The holding member may be embodied as at least one of a static bar handle, a strap- shaped handle, a glove-style handle, and a telescopic handle.

[0034] In an embodiment, the at least one fluid storage tank may be removably attached to the spraying unit of the second cleaning unit, the dirt-storage tank may be removably attached to the second cleaning unit, the polish storage tank may be removably attached to the polishing unit, and the dry contaminant bin may be removably attached to the first cleaning unit.

[0035] In an embodiment, the apparatus has a plurality of sensors. The at least one of the plurality of sensors includes at least one of a surface type detection sensor, a tank level sensor, a pressure sensor, a motion detection sensor and a dirt tank level sensor. The apparatus also includes a plurality of control switches, where at least one of the plurality of control switches may be adapted to be operated to control operation of at least one of the first cleaning unit, the second cleaning unit, and the airflow generation unit.

[0036] In an embodiment, the apparatus may have a control unit in communication with the plurality of sensors and the plurality of control switches. The control unit may be configured to receive one or more inputs from the plurality of sensor and at least one of the plurality control switches, and control operation of at least one ofthe first cleaning unit, the second cleaning unit, the airflow generation unit, and the polishing unit based the received inputs.

[0037] In an embodiment, the control unit may be configured to monitor operation of the first cleaning unit, the second cleaning unit, the airflow generation unit, and the polishing unit. Further, the control unit may be configured to generate at least one output indicative of an operational status of at least one of the first cleaning unit, the second cleaning unit, the airflow generation unit, and the polishing unit. Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to display information associated with the generated output on a display interface, where the display interface may be embodied as at least one of a display unit attached to the apparatus and a remote display unit.

[0038] In an embodiment, the apparatus may have least one display interface in communication with the control unit and configured to be operated by the control unit to indicate an operational status of at least one of the first cleaning unit, the second cleaning unit, the airflow generation unit, and the polishing unit.

[0039] In an embodiment, the at least one of the first cleaning apparatus, the second cleaning apparatus, the airflow generation unit, and the polishing unit is adapted to receive power from a battery.

[0040] In an embodiment, the apparatus may have an illumination unit positioned in the apparatus such that the surface may be illuminated by the illuminated unit when the apparatus may be positioned on the surface for cleaning, where the illumination unit comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED).

[0041] In an embodiment, the apparatus may have an on-board storage to store add- on components of the apparatus.

[0042] In another embodiment, the present disclosure suggests a hand-held portable apparatus for cleaning a surface of an automobile vehicle. The apparatus has a first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit. The first cleaning unit may be adapted to perform dry cleaning to remove and absorb contaminants from the surface, wherein the first cleaning unit is adapted to be moved away from the surface. The secondcleaning unit may be removably attached to the first cleaning unit and adapted to perform at least one of wet cleaning and dry cleaning to scrub and absorb the contaminants from the surface. The second cleaning unit may include a housing, a spraying unit, a cleaning interface unit, a wiping unit, a wringing unit and an airflow generation unit. The housing may have a top wall and a plurality of side walls, wherein a bottom end of the housing defines an opening. The spraying unit may be positioned within the housing and adapted to spray cleaning fluid on the surface of the vehicle through the opening of the housing. The spraying unit includes one or more fluid protection sheets adapted to restrict dispersion of the cleaning fluid beyond the one or more fluid protection sheets. The cleaning interface unit may be positioned within the housing and located adjacent to the spraying unit, where the cleaning interface unit may be projecting through the opening of the housing and adapted to scrub and absorb contaminants from the surface wetted by the spraying unit. The wiping unit may be positioned within the housing and located adjacent to the wringing unit, wherein the wiping unit is adapted to remove dampness from the surface. The wringing unit may be positioned within the housing adapted to auto- clean the cleaning interface unit and the wiping unit for subsequent wet cleaning by the second cleaning unit. Further, the airflow generation unit may be removably attached to the second cleaning unit and may be adapted to be in fluid communication with the first cleaning unit and the second cleaning unit. The airflow generation unit is adapted to at least one of blow air towards the surface through the second cleaning unit to remove the contaminants from the surface and generate air suction flow in a direction towards at least one of the first cleaning unit and the second cleaning unit to collect the contaminants from the surface. The apparatus may be moved along the surface of the vehicle in a linear direction such that the first cleaning unit is located at a leading end of the apparatus and the second cleaning unit is located at a trailing end of the apparatus. The first cleaning unit and the second cleaning unit may be adapted to clean the surface at least simultaneously or individually, and perform at least one of dry cleaning, wet cleaning, and a combination thereof.

[0043] In an example, the hand-held apparatus may have a polishing unit detachably attached to one of the plurality of side walls of the housing of the secondcleaning unit and positioned at the trailing end of the apparatus. The polishing unit may be adapted to polish the surface subsequent to the dry cleaning or the wet cleaning performed by at least one of the first cleaning unit and the second cleaning unit.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method for cleaning a vehicle using a hand-held apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] In an example, positioning the hand-held apparatus on a surface (102) of the vehicle to be cleaned. Receiving an input, by at least one of a display interface, a plurality of sensors and a user equipment, indicative of selection of one of the plurality of modes, wherein the plurality of modes includes at least one of a primary mode, a wet cleaning mode, a dry cleaning mode, a wringing mode, a vacuum accessory mode and a blower accessory mode. Thereafter, performing cleaning operations, through at least one of a first cleaning unit, a second cleaning unit and an airflow generation unit to clean the surface at least simultaneously or individually, based on the received input indicative of the mode selected. Further, moving the hand-held apparatus over the surface of the vehicle, to clean the surface, during the cleaning operations being performed.

[0046] In an example, in the primary mode, the first cleaning unit and the second cleaning unit along with the airflow generation unit are adapted to simultaneously initiate the cleaning operations to clean the contaminant off of the surface.

[0047] In an example, in the wet cleaning mode, the second cleaning unit is adapted to initiate the cleaning operations to clean the contaminant off of the surface.

[0048] In an example, in the dry cleaning mode, the first cleaning unit and the second cleaning unit 108 along with the airflow generation unit are adapted to initiate the cleaning operations to dry clean the contaminant off of the surface.

[0049] In an example, in the wringing mode, a wringing unit of the second cleaning unit along with the airflow generation unit is adapted to initiate the cleaning operations of a cleaning interface unit and a wiping unit of the second cleaning unit.

[0050] In an example, in the vacuum accessory mode, the airflow generation unit is adapted to initiate the cleaning operations to clean the contaminant off of the surface by generating an air suction flow towards at least one of the first cleaning unit and the second cleaning unit to collect the contaminants from the surface.

[0051] In an example, in the blower accessory mode, the airflow generation unit is adapted to initiate the cleaning operations to clean the contaminant off of the surface by blowing air towards the surface through the second cleaning unit to remove the contaminants from the surface.

[0052] In view of the above embodiments, the present disclosure provides an apparatus that may be easy to handle and may facilitate dry cleaning and wet cleaning together in a single action in a significantly shorter duration. The apparatus of the present disclosure effectively cleans the surface while also preventing formation of any scratches, such as circular scratches created through usage of conventional techniques. The apparatus of the present disclosure may be moved in a linear motion to clean the surface to allow simultaneous cleaning through the first cleaning unit and the second cleaning unit. As a result, such linear movements of the apparatus with respect to the surface prevents formation of circular scratches.

[0053] The present disclosure eliminates the need for rinsing and water changing, since the apparatus has the wringing unit. The user may not be required to put in effort to wring the components of the apparatus while cleaning operation and even after the cleaning is completed. The apparatus of the present disclosure may reduce the costs of using diverse equipments, hiring someone to clean and cleaning centres to clean the vehicle, since the apparatus provides an efficient, easy-to-use hand-held apparatus that effectively cleans the surface based on the requirement of cleaning. Additionally, the apparatus also prevents wastage of cleaning fluid, since the apparatus has at least one fluid storage tank to store the cleaning fluid therein. Further, the apparatus also prevents wastage of cleaning fluid during injection since the control unit effectively controls the usage thereof based on the contaminant and the requirement for effective cleaning. As a result, the apparatus of the present disclosure consumes less cleaning fluid in comparison to the conventional techniques. Additionally, the apparatus facilitates effective storage of contaminantsin the dirt-storage tank which may provide user an advantage of proper-waste management since storing contaminants allows the user to safely dispose the contaminants. Additionally, user experience may be optimized, since any spillage of contaminants around the user during the cleaning action may be prevented. In the present disclosure, the apparatus allows the user to efficiently clean the surface in one-go, since wet cleaning, dry cleaning, wiping, polishing, and the like, may be implemented in a single stroke of motion and may eliminate the need for the user to hover around the vehicle multiple times for different operations. Additionally, the apparatus may be used as a separate vacuum cleaner, a blower and a duster. The technique of dry cleaning prior to wet cleaning, aids in removing the dry contaminants prior to wet cleaning, such that only stubborn contaminants stuck to the surface may be left on the surface. As a result, the contaminant may not be sludgy during wet cleaning operation and the surface may be easily cleaned. Further, usage of battery allows reduced consumption of electricity, since the apparatus requires nominal power for only charging the battery. In addition, the apparatus is designed to auto-clean through the wringing unit, based on the requirements. In this regard, the user may not have to get into the hassle of cleaning the components of the apparatus prior to another cleaning action. Additionally, the user may not have to put in an effort for cleaning the components of the apparatus also the hands of the user may remain clean during car cleaning phase. In view of the above, the apparatus of the present disclosure provides the user with optimal cleaning experience, while effectively cleaning the surface and reducing efforts in cleaning the surface. Through above-mentioned techniques the apparatus discloses techniques hybrid cleaning i.e., incorporating both dry cleaning and wet cleaning in the same apparatus, and using the same based on the requirement. Additionally, the self-cleaning and auto-cleaning technique of the apparatus reduces physical efforts by the user of cleaning prior to other cleaning action. Also, the apparatus consumes less water, stores contaminant for proper contaminant disposal and not spilling the same on the user or around the user while cleaning. Additionally, since there are no spillage the user’s hands may not get dirty.

[0054] Furthermore, the components of the apparatus may be mounted to the frame and the housing, such that there may be no loose cords, thereby reducing risk of electrical safety.

[0055] To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0057] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for cleaning a surface of a vehicle; according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 2A-2B illustrate a side view of the apparatus for cleaning the surface of the vehicle; according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the apparatus for cleaning the surface of the vehicle with a first cleaning unit being lifted; according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the apparatus for cleaning the surface of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] Figure 5 illustrates a bottom view of the apparatus for cleaning the surface of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] Figure 6 illustrates a front view of the apparatus for cleaning the surface of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] Figure 7 illustrates a rear view of the apparatus for cleaning the surface of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] Figure 8 illustrates a side-perspective view of the apparatus for cleaning the surface of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] Figure 9 illustrates a side view of the apparatus for cleaning the surface of the vehicle with second cleaning unit and the airflow generation unit, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] Figure 10 illustrates a block diagram of connection and architecture of control unit of the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] Figure 11 illustrates a side view of the apparatus for cleaning a surface of a vehicle without connection of airflow generation unit with the first cleaning unit, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] Figure 12 illustrates a side view of an apparatus for cleaning a surface of a vehicle without a connection of airflow generation unit with a cleaning interface unit, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0069] Figure 13 illustrates a side view of an apparatus for cleaning a surface of a vehicle with rollers as absorbing component, dirt-absorbing component and polish applicator, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0070] Figure 14 illustrates a side view of an apparatus for cleaning a surface of a vehicle with rollers as absorbing component and polish applicator and split rollers as dirt-absorbing component, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0071] Figure 15 illustrates a side view of an apparatus for cleaning a surface without wringing unit connected to the cleaning interface unit and with strands as absorbing component and dirt-absorbing component, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0072] Figure 16 illustrates a side view of an apparatus for cleaning a surface of the vehicle with spraying unit connected to cleaning interface unit with strands as absorbing component and dirt-absorbing component, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] Figures 17A-17B illustrate side views of an apparatus for cleaning a surface of the vehicle with spraying unit connected to cleaning interface unit, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0074] Figure 18 illustrates a bottom view of an apparatus for cleaning a surface of a vehicle with split rollers as polish applicator and dirt-absorbing component, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Figure 19 illustrates a process flow of a method for cleaning a vehicle using a hand-held apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0077] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which theinvention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which invention belongs. The system and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0078] For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict, or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0079] For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

[0080] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more...” or “one or more elements is required.”

[0081] Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and / or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

[0082] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and / or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and / or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

[0083] Use of the phrases and / or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and / or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and / or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and / or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and / or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

[0084] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

[0085] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] Figure 1 illustrate a block diagram of an apparatus 100 and Figures 2A-8 illustrate different schematic views of the apparatus 100, and are therefore, for the sake of brevity, illustrated in conjunction with one another.

[0087] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus 100 for cleaning a surface 102 of a vehicle; according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2A-2B illustrate a side view of the apparatus 100 for cleaning the surface 102 of the vehicle; according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the apparatus 100 for cleaning the surface of the vehicle with a first cleaning unit 106 being lifted; according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the apparatus 100 for cleaning the surface 102 of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 illustrates a bottom view of the apparatus 100 for cleaning the surface 102 of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 illustrates a front view of the apparatus 100 for cleaning the surface 102 of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 illustrates a rear view of the apparatus 100 for cleaning the surface 102 of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 illustrates a side-perspective view of the apparatus 100 for cleaning the surface 102 of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] The apparatus 100 may be used for cleaning a surface 102 of a vehicle (not shown) from contaminants. The contaminants may include, a dry contaminant and a wet contaminant. A dry contaminant may for instance include contaminants that may be cleaned through dry cleaning, such as, but are not limited thereto, settled dust, an electrostatically charged dust, debris, leaves, pollens, and the like. Further wet contaminant(s), but are not limited thereto, may include liquid-dirt, mud, sludge, stains, fingerprint impressions, liquid stains, slush stains, wet bird dropping, dry bird dropping, fingerprints, and the like, which may require cleaning through either wet cleaning or a combination of dry cleaning and wet cleaning.

[0089] Dirt contaminant may also be referred to as wet contaminants. For the sake of brevity, dirt contaminant(s) is hereinafter interchangeably and collectively referred to as one of contaminant(s) and dirt contaminant(s).

[0090] In an example, the apparatus 100 may be a hand-held apparatus, which may aid in cleaning the surface 102 of the vehicle. In one example, the apparatus 100 may provide hybrid-cleaning, such that plurality of modes of cleaning operations may be conducted simultaneously through the apparatus 100, as will be explained in the foregoing paragraphs. The plurality of mode of cleaning operations may for instance includes at least one of dry cleaning of the surface 102, wet cleaning of the surface, polishing of the surface, self-cleaning after cleaning of the surface, and any combination thereof, as will be explained later. The apparatus 100 may, based on the contaminants on the surface, conduct different cleaning operations and provide a hybrid cleaning. In an example, the apparatus 100 may have a control unit 103 that may detect through a plurality of sensors in the apparatus 100 and indicate an alert for the user on a display interface 105. The control unit 103, the display interface 105, and the plurality of sensors have been explained later in detail with respect to figure 10.

[0091] As illustrated in Figure 1, the apparatus 100 may include a first cleaning unit 106, a second cleaning unit 108, and an at least one airflow generation unit 110. The first cleaning unit 106 may be adapted to perform dry cleaning to remove and absorb contaminants from the surface 102, as will be explained in the subsequent paragraphs. Further, the second cleaning unit 108 may be adapted to perform at least one of wet cleaning and dry cleaning to scrub and absorb the contaminants from the surface 102, as will also be explained in the subsequent paragraphs. Furthermore, the airflow generation unit 110 may be removably attached to the second cleaning unit 108 and may be adapted to be in fluid communication with the first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 108. In one example, the airflow generation unit 110 may be adapted to blow air towards the surface 102 through the second cleaning unit to remove the contaminants from the surface. In another example, the airflow generation unit 110 may generate air suction flow in a direction towards at least one of the first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 108 to collect the contaminants from the surface 102. The first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 108 may be adapted to clean the surface 102 at least simultaneously or individually and perform at least one of dry cleaning, wet cleaning, and a combination thereof, as will be explained in the subsequentparagraphs. Further, the control unit 103, as illustrated in Figure 1, may control the operations of the first cleaning unit 106, the second cleaning unit 108 and the airflow generation unit 110. The control unit 103 may control the operations of the apparatus 100 based on an input from at least one of the user and the plurality of sensors, as will be explained later in detail. Figure 1 broadly illustrates components of the apparatus 100 in a block diagram and a connection therebetween, and the same has been illustrated in the foregoing paragraphs. The at least one airflow generation unit 110 is hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the airflow generation unit 110 for the sake of brevity. The second cleaning unit 108 may be interchangeably referred to as the cleaning unit 108.

[0092] The first cleaning unit 106 may be adapted to perform dry cleaning to remove and absorb contaminants from the surface 102. The second cleaning unit 108 may be adapted to perform at least one of wet cleaning and dry cleaning to scrub and absorb the contaminants from the surface 102. The second cleaning unit 108 may include a housing 124 having a top wall 126 and a plurality of side walls 128. The first cleaning unit 106 may be removably attached to the second cleaning unit 108 via a moving mechanism 122 located on one of the plurality of side walls 128 of the housing 124 of the second cleaning unit 108. Further, the airflow generation unit 110 may be adapted to be in a fluid communication with the first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 108 to one of blow air towards the surface to remove the contaminants from the surface 102 and generate air suction flow to collect contaminants from the surface 102. The first cleaning unit 106, the second cleaning unit 108, and the airflow generation unit 110 have been explained in detail in the foregoing paragraphs.

[0093] In the present disclosure, in order to clean the surface 102, the apparatus 100 may be moved along the surface 102 of the vehicle in a linear direction. In an example, the apparatus 100 may have a holding member 104 as illustrated in Figures 2A, 3-4, 6-8, where the holding member 104 may be adapted to be held to move the apparatus 100 in the linear direction on the surface 102. In an instance, for effective cleaning, the user while holding the holding member 104 may move the apparatus 100 in a row-by-row action in the linear direction on the surface 102.The row-by-row action of cleaning through the apparatus 100 about the surface 102 may provide effective cleaning while preventing formation of any circular micro- scratches on the surface 102. In an example, the holding member 104 may be embodied as at least one of a static bar handle, a strap-shaped handle, a glove-style handle, and a telescopic handle. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may have one or more holding members 104 to provide ease to the user to hold the apparatus 100 while cleaning in different orientations and around contours of the surface 102.

[0094] As illustrated in Figures 2A-2B, 3, 5 and 6, the first cleaning unit 106 may be located at a leading end 100-1 of the apparatus 100, and the second cleaning unit 108 may be located at a trailing end 100-2 of the apparatus 100. As stated above, the apparatus 100 provides a hybrid cleaning, in this regard, the first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 108 may be adapted to clean the surface at least sequentially or individually. Further, the first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 108 may be adapted to perform at least one of dry cleaning, wet cleaning, and a combination thereof.

[0095] In an example, the first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 108 along with the airflow generation unit 110 may clean the surface sequentially. In another example, the first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 108 along with the airflow generation unit 110 may clean the surface simultaneously. In another example, the first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 108 along with the airflow generation unit 110 may clean the surface individually. In another example, the first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 108 may clean the surface either simultaneously or individually. In yet another example, the first cleaning unit 106, the second cleaning unit 108 and the airflow generation unit 110 may work selectively, such that based on the requirements of cleaning at least one of the first cleaning unit 106, the second cleaning unit 108 and the airflow generation unit 110 may be used for cleaning the surface 102. In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include at least two airflow generation unit 110. One of the at least two airflow generation unit 110 may clean in connection with the first cleaning unit 106 and another of the at least two airflow generation unit 110 may clean in connection with the second cleaning unit 108.

[0096] Prior to initiating cleaning by the apparatus 100, a surface type detection sensor 112 of one of the plurality of sensors provided on a frame of the first cleaning unit 106 at the leading end 100-1 of the apparatus 100, that may establish conditions of the contaminants on the surface 102 and conditions of the surface 102 for cleaning. The conditions of the surface 102 may include whether the surface 102 is at least one of wet and dry. The conditions of the contaminant may include whether the contaminant is at least one of a dry contaminant and dirt contaminant. Upon detecting the same, the control unit 103 may establish based on the inputs from the surface type detection sensor 112, if any one of dry cleaning, wet cleaning or a combination thereof is required. Based on the detection by the control unit 103 cleaning may be processed.

[0097] In another example, the user may establish the conditions of the surface and the contaminant for cleaning and may manually operate the apparatus 100 for cleaning, based on the requirement.

[0098] In view of the above, in case it is established that dry cleaning is required, the first cleaning unit 106 may be adapted for dry cleaning.

[0099] As stated above and as illustrated in Figures 2A-2B, 3, 5 and 6, the first cleaning unit 106 may be located at the leading end 100-1 of the apparatus 100. In this regard, while moving the apparatus 100 along the surface 102 in the linear direction, the first cleaning unit 106 may initially form contact with contaminant for cleaning the surface 102. The first cleaning unit 106 may be adapted to perform dry cleaning to remove and absorb contaminants from the surface 102. In order to do so, the first cleaning unit 106 may include a dust-absorbing component 116, a dry contaminant bin 118 and an air filter 120, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2A. The dust-absorbing component 116 may be removably attached to the frame of the first cleaning unit 106 of the apparatus and may be adapted to wipe and absorb dry contaminants. In an example, the dust-absorbing component 116 may be removably attached to the frame of the first cleaning unit 106 of the apparatus 100. In another example, the dust-absorbing component 116 may be embodied as at least one of a strands, a sponge, a cloth, a bristles, and a roller. In an example, the dust-absorbing component 116 may be made of at least one of cotton material, microfibre, woollen,polyester, synthetic, silicone, and the like. In one example, the dust-absorbing component 116 used in the first cleaning unit 106 embodied as above, may have low friction with the surface 102, when moved about the surface 102 and may be soft and flexible to adjust around the contours of the surface 102 and clean more efficiently by adapting to curves and contours of the surface 102 of the vehicle. Accordingly, any marks and scratches on the surface 102 during cleaning through the dirt-absorbing component 156 may be prevented.

[0100] In one example, the dust-absorbing component 116 may have at least one of a dust repelling coating, a dust attracting coating and a water repelling coating to reduce friction between the dust-absorbing component 116 and the surface 102. In an example, dust repelling coating may include at least one of hydrophobic nanocoating and silicone-based coatings. In one example, dust attracting coatings may include at least one of wax coatings, polyethylene glycol. In yet another example, water repelling coatings may include at least one of hydrophobic nano coatings, silicone-based coatings and fluoropolymer coatings.

[0101] In one example, the dry contaminant bin 118 may be adapted to store the dry contaminants absorbed by the dust-absorbing component 116.

[0102] As shown in Figure 1, the airflow generation unit 110 may be adapted to be in a fluid communication with the first cleaning unit 106 to generate air suction flow therethrough to collect contaminants from the surface 102. In one example, the airflow generation unit 110 may be adapted to be in a fluid communication with the first cleaning unit 106 through an airflow hose 125, as illustrated in Figures 2A and 3, to generate air suction flow therethrough to collect contaminants from the surface 102. In other words, the airflow generation unit 110 may generate a suction flow to force dry contaminants absorbed by the dust- absorbing component 116 while the dust-absorbing component 116 may wipe and absorb dry contaminants. The dry contaminants along with the suction air may be forced to be moved in the dry contaminant bin 118. As the dry contaminants may be moved and stored in the dry contaminant bin 118 because of the suction flow by the airflow generation unit 110, subsequently, the suction air from the dry contaminant bin 118 may be forced to pass through the air filter 120 towards theairflow generation unit 110. As a result, only air i.e., free from dry contaminants may pass through the air filter 120 towards the airflow generation unit 110 to exit through a vacuum accessory port 127. The air filter 120 may absorb dry contaminants from the air passing therethrough. In an example, the air filter 120 may be removable to initiate cleaning when the air filter 120 may be clogged with dry contaminants.

[0103] The dust-absorbing components 116 as embodied above, may facilitate proper air flow towards the airflow generation unit 110. After the dust- absorbing component 116 may have at least one of wiped, absorbed, displaced and dislodged the dry contaminants from the surface 102, the airflow generation unit 110 may generate the suction flow to force dry contaminants absorbed by the dust- absorbing component 116 to be moved and stored in the dry contaminant bin 118. Also, the suction flow to cause the air to be passed into the dry contaminant bin 118 along with the dry contaminant. Further, the suction flow may cause the air to be passed through the air filter 120 towards the airflow generation unit 110. In other words, the airflow generation unit 110 may generate air suction flow from the surface 102 in a direction towards the dry contaminant bin 118 of the first cleaning unit 106 to collect dry contaminants from the surface 102. The air filter 120 may separate air from the dry contaminant and may allow the air to be released through the airflow generation unit 110. In view of the above dry cleaning, slush formation of dirt and wet contaminants may be prevented in case wet cleaning is performed after dry cleaning, since the surface 102 may be cleaned from dry contaminants.

[0104] In one example, the dry contaminant bin 118 may be removably attached to the frame of the first cleaning unit 106. In this example, the dry contaminant bin 118 may be removably attached to the frame through at least one of a snap-fit connection, a slotted joint, a sliding dove-tail joint, clamp connection, Velcro connection, clip locks, and the like. In this example, the dry contaminant bin 118 and the frame may be designed to have corresponding features to easily at least one of connect and remove the connection between the two. In another example, the dry contaminant bin 118 may be fixedly attached to the frame of the first cleaning unit 106. In another example, the at least one fluid storage tank 140 mayhave an O-ring provided at an inlet port 146 and another point of connection with the at least one nozzle 144 to prevent leakage. The at least one fluid storage tank 140 may have the inlet port 146 through which the cleaning fluid may be filled in the at least one fluid storage tank 140. In an example, the inlet port 146 may be connectable to a hose (not shown) that may supply cleaning fluid to fill the at least one fluid storage tank 140.

[0105] In one example, the second cleaning unit 108 may be removably attached to the apparatus 100, such that the first cleaning unit 106 may be directly used for dry cleaning. In an example, the airflow generation unit 110 along with the first cleaning unit 106 may be used, such that the apparatus 100 may be used as a vacuum through a vacuum accessory port 127. In this example, the airflow generation unit 110 may create suction air flow from the surface 102 to absorb and remove the dry contaminants from the surface 102, such that in this mode other cleaning operations of the apparatus 100 may be disabled. In another example, the airflow generation unit 110 may blow air towards the surface 102 to remove the dry contaminants from the surface 102, such that the airflow generation unit 110 may act as a blower. In this regard, the airflow generation unit 110 may be accessed as the blower through a blower accessory port 129, such that in this mode other cleaning operations of the apparatus 100 may be disabled.

[0106] In another example, the first cleaning unit 106 may not be in fluid communication with the airflow generation unit 110, in such an instance, the dry contaminants absorbed may be absorbed by the dust-absorbing component 116. In an example, the dry contaminants absorbed by the dust-absorbing component 116 may be one of manually brushed off and automatically brushed off.

[0107] In an instance, if the control unit 103 through the surface type detection sensor 112 establishes that the surface 102 is wet or that the contaminant is dirt contaminant, i.e., contaminant is in one of liquid state and a slush form, the first cleaning unit 106 may be adapted to be movable away from the surface 102 using the moving mechanism 122, as illustrated in Figure 3. In an example, the first cleaning unit 106 may be movable at least one of manually by a user’s action. In another example, the first cleaning unit 106 may be movable through the movingmechanism 122 automatically by the control unit 103 of the apparatus 100. In an example, the first cleaning unit 106 may be moved away from the surface 102 by at least one of, linearly lifting away from the surface, rotating away from the surface 102. In this manner, the first cleaning unit 106 may not be affected by the wetness of the surface 102 when wet cleaning by the apparatus 100 may be directly conducted.

[0108] In case it is established by the control unit 103 by the surface type detection sensor 112 that either the surface 102 is wet or that the nature of contaminant necessitates wet cleaning, such as in case the contaminant is a bird dropping (without limiting thereto) the second cleaning unit 108 may be used directly Further, the second cleaning unit 108 may also be used for cleaning, when the dry cleaning has been completed by the first cleaning unit 106 and wet cleaning is required by the second cleaning unit 108. In another example, for efficient cleaning of contaminants that require wet cleaning, such as in case the contaminant is bird dropping (without limiting thereto), a spraying component (not shown) may be stored in the apparatus 100. The spraying component may be used by the user to pre-soak the contaminant on the surface 102, such that the second cleaning unit 108 may be used directly for cleaning thereafter. The spraying component may be adapted to store cleaning fluid, such as water and cleaning agent. In one example, the cleaning agent may be made of compositions specific for cleaning the contaminant, such as but not limited to, having bird dropping removal chemicals.

[0109] As stated above, the second cleaning unit 108 may have the housing 124 having the top wall 126 and the plurality of side walls 128. The housing 124 may have a bottom end (not shown) that may define an opening (not shown). The components of the second cleaning unit 108 may be accommodated in the opening facing the surface 102.

[0110] As illustrated in Figures 1, 2A-2B, the second cleaning unit 108 may have a spraying unit 130, a cleaning interface unit 132, a wiping unit 134, and a wringing unit 136.

[0111] The housing 124 of the second cleaning unit 108 may be mounted on the frame of the apparatus 100 and may be adapted to house the components of the second cleaning unit 108, as stated above. The housing 124 may be designed in a manner to flex based on the contour of the surface 102 when moved for cleaning. In this regard, the housing 124 mounts a plurality of elastic members 138, where each of the plurality of elastic members 138 includes one elastic-end 138-1 and another elastic-end 138-2, as illustrated in Figure 2B. The one elastic-end 138-1 may be connected to the housing 124 and the other elastic-end 138-2 may be connected to any component of the second cleaning unit 108. In one example, at least one of the plurality of elastic members 138 may be mounted on at least one of the component of the apparatus 100 that is adaptable to make contact with the surface 102. In this regard, one elastic-end 138-1 of each of such components may be connected to the housing 124 and the other elastic-end 138-2 may be connectable to respective central axis of the component. Accordingly, each of the plurality of elastic members may be adapted to suspend based on the contour of the surface 102 to provide effective cleaning. In an example, as illustrated in Figure 2B, the one elastic-end 138-1 may be connected to the housing 124, and the other elastic-end 138-2 may be connected to the cleaning interface unit 132. In one example, each of the plurality of elastic members 138 may be a spring.

[0112] Further, the spraying unit 130 may be positioned within the housing 124 and may be adapted to spray cleaning fluid on the surface 102 of the vehicle through the opening of the housing 124. In an example, cleaning fluid may be any one of water, soapy water, rinse less soap, foam, cleaning agent fluid, steam, hot water, and the like. The cleaning fluid is hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the fluid. As shown in Figures 1 and 2A, the spraying unit 130 may include at least one fluid storage tank 140, at least one pressure pump 142, and at least one nozzle 144.

[0113] The at least one fluid storage tank 140 may be adapted to store cleaning fluid to be sprayed on to the surface 102. In one example, the cleaning fluid may be water and the apparatus 100 may have a soap container (not shown). In one example, a soap from the soap container may be mixed through a soap feeder(not shown) in the at least one fluid storage tank 140. In another example, the cleaning fluid may be foam. In this regard, the apparatus 100 may have another nozzle (not shown) that may be a foam nozzle. The mixture of soap water from the at least one fluid storage tank 140 may be passed to the other nozzle to spray foam onto the surface. The other nozzle may create foam by mixing soap water with air. In this example, the apparatus 100 may have at least one nozzle 144 for spraying water as cleaning fluid and another nozzle for spraying foam on to the surface 102. In another example, the at least one nozzle 144 may be foam nozzle.

[0114] In an example, the at least one fluid storage tank 140 may be removably attached to the spraying unit 130 of the second cleaning unit 108. In this example, the at least one fluid storage tank 140 may be removably attached to the spraying unit through at least one of a snap-fit connection, a slotted joint, a sliding dove-tail joint, clamp connection, Velcro connection, clip locks, and the like. In this example, the spraying unit 130 and the at least one fluid storage tank 140 may be designed to have corresponding features to easily at least one of connect and remove the connection between the two. In another example, the at least one fluid storage tank 140 may be fixedly attached to the spraying unit 130 of the second cleaning unit 108. In another example, the at least one fluid storage tank 140 may have an O-ring provided at the inlet port 146 and another point of connections with the at least one nozzle 144 to prevent leakage.

[0115] The at least one fluid storage tank 140 may have a tank level sensor 148. The tank level sensor 148 may detect a level of cleaning fluid available in the at least one fluid storage tank 140 for cleaning. The level of cleaning fluid may be the quantity of available cleaning fluid in the at least one fluid storage tank 140. The tank level sensor 148 may alert the control unit 103 in case the level of cleaning fluid is below a threshold level. The threshold level may indicate the level of cleaning fluid required to efficiently clean the surface 102 without refilling the at least one fluid storage tank 140 during cleaning.

[0116] In one example, the at least one fluid storage tank 140 may have a transparent window that may visibly showcase the user the level of cleaning fluid in the at least one fluid storage tank 140. In this instance, the user may fill the atleast one fluid storage tank 140 with cleaning fluid as per the requirement of the user. In one example, the at least one fluid storage tank 140 may have a capacity of approximately 500 millilitre (ml).

[0117] Further, the at least one pressure pump 142 may be adapted to pressurize the cleaning fluid in the at least one fluid storage tank 140. In an example, the at least one pressure pump 142 may be a manually-operated pump. In another example, the at least one pressure pump 142 may be an electrically-operated pump. In one example, the at least one pressure pump 142 may be a combination of the manually-operated pump and the electrically-operated pump, where the user may initially pressurize the manual pump and the electrically-operated pump may maintain the pressure in the at least one fluid storage tank 140. In order to keep a check that the pressure is duly maintained in the at least one fluid storage tank 140, a pressure sensor 150 may be provided in the at least one fluid storage tank 140 to constantly check whether the pressure is duly maintained in the at least one fluid storage tank 140. In case a threshold pressure, that may be required for spraying fluid on to surface for efficient cleaning is not maintained, the control unit 103 may be notified by the pressure sensor 150. In an example, the control unit 103 may indicate the user to manually pressurise the fluid through the at least one pressure pump 142. In another example, the control unit 103 may through the at least one pressure pump 142 that may be electrically-operated, automatically pressurize the cleaning fluid.

[0118] Further, at least one nozzle 144 may be fluidly coupled to the fluid storage tank 140 and may be adapted to receive the pressurized fluid from the at least one pressure pump 142. The at least one nozzle 144 may be fluidly coupled to the fluid storage tank 140 through a water hose 145, as illustrated in Figures 2A and 3. The water hose 145 may connect the at least one nozzle 144 with the at least one fluid storage tank 140.

[0119] In an example, the at least one nozzle 144 may be directed towards the surface 102 and may be adapted to spray the pressurized cleaning fluid on the surface 102. An amount of the cleaning fluid pressurized sprayed on to the surface 102 by the nozzle 144 may be controlled by the control unit 103. In an example, thecontrol unit 103 may, based on an input from the surface type detection sensor 112 and a motion detection sensor 152, control the spray of pressurized fluid for effective clean. In an example, the input to the control unit 103 from the surface type detection sensor 112 may be about the condition of the contaminant. In an example, the input to the control unit 103 from the motion detection sensor 152 may be about the movement of the apparatus 100 about the surface 102, the speed of movement of the apparatus 100. The motion detection sensor 152 may be positioned in proximity to the moving mechanism 122 and will be explained in detail with respect to Figure 10.

[0120] Therefore, based on the input, the control unit 103 may control an amount of cleaning fluid that may be pressurised to be sprayed on to the surface 102, a duration of one of opening and closing of the at least one nozzle 144 to spray the cleaning fluid that may be pressurized, an extent of opening the at least one nozzle 144, such that the cleaning fluid sprayed through the at least one nozzle 144 may be effectively used for cleaning without any wastage or drippage from the surface 102. In an example, the cleaning fluid sprayed on to the surface 102 from the at least one nozzle 144 may be in mist form. In an example, the cleaning fluid sprayed on to the surface 102 from the at least one nozzle 144 may be in atomised form.

[0121] In an example, the control unit 103 may control the at least one nozzle 144 as above through a solenoid (not shown). The solenoid may be connected to the at least one nozzle, where the solenoid may work as an electromagnetic actuator to control the operations of the at least of nozzle 144 based on an input from the control unit 103.

[0122] In an example, the spraying unit 130 may also have one or more fluid protection sheets 154 that may be adapted to restrict dispersion of the cleaning fluid beyond the one or more fluid protection sheets 154. The one or more fluid protection sheets 154 may be provided in a manner that the cleaning fluid while being sprayed in pressurized form through at least one nozzle 144 may not drip or spill away from required portion on the surface i.e., over the dirt contaminant. In an example, the one or more fluid protection sheets 154 may be provided around theat least nozzle 144 in a manner that the cleaning fluid while being sprayed as pressurized fluid through at least one nozzle 144 may not drip or spill towards the first cleaning unit 106 and the cleaning interface unit 132, and the pressurized fluid may be directed towards the dirt contaminant.

[0123] Further, the cleaning interface unit 132 may be positioned within the housing 124 and may located adjacent to the spraying unit 130. In one example, the cleaning interface unit 132 may be removably attached to the housing 124. In another example, the cleaning interface unit 132 may be adapted to be replaced with the dust-absorbing component 116.

[0124] In case of the cleaning interface unit 132 positioned within the housing 124 and located adjacent to the spraying unit 130, similar to the spraying unit 130, the cleaning interface unit 132 may also be project through the opening of the housing 124 and may be adapted to scrub and absorb contaminants from the surface wetted by the spraying unit 130. In an example, the cleaning interface unit 132 may have a dirt-absorbing component 156, as shown in Figures 1 and 2A. The dirt-absorbing component 156 may be adapted to scrub and absorb contaminant in the form of dirt along with the cleaning fluid sprayed by the at least one of the nozzle 144.

[0125] The dirt-absorbing component 156 that may be used in the cleaning interface unit 132 may be designed in a manner to have low friction with the surface 102, and the dirt-absorbing component 156 may be soft, flexible to adapt to contours of the vehicle and may be made of high-water absorption material. In an example, the high-water absorption material may include any one of hydrophilic nano coatings, superabsorbent polymers, or a combination thereof. Accordingly, the dirt-absorbing component 156 along with the cleaning fluid on the surface 102 may prevent formation of any marks and scratches on the surface 102 during the use of the dirt-absorbing component 156.

[0126] In an example, the dirt-absorbing component 156 may be embodied as at least one of a sponge and a strands. In an example, the dirt-absorbing component 156 embodied as sponge may be flexible and may flex around thecontours of the surface 102. In an example, the dirt-absorbing component 156 embodied as sponge may include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge, a polyurethane (PU) sponge, foam, cellulose, silicone, chamois sponges, and the like. In one example, the dirt-absorbing component 156 embodied as sponge may be mounted on a cylindrical-shaped frame 158, as shown in Figure 2B, of the housing 124. The cylindrical-shaped frame 158 may be a component of the housing 124 to mount the dirt-absorbing component 156, such that the dirt-absorbing component 156 may be capable to rotate about a central axis of the cylindrical-shaped frame 158. The dirt- absorbing component 156 may be rotatable one of manually-operated and motor- operated. In case of being motor-operated, the cleaning interface unit 132 may be in connection with a motor (not shown) and a gearbox (not shown) that may be capable of delivering high torque and reasonably high rotations per minute (RPM). In one example, not limited thereto, the motor with integrated gearbox setup may have specifications, such as no-load speed of 1500 RPM and maximum torque of 28 Newton. Metre (N.M). In one example, the control unit 103 may control the rotation speed and rotatory action of the dirt-absorbing component 156 based on the input from the surface type detection sensor 112. The rotary action controlled by the control unit 103 may include the direction of rotation i.e., either clockwise direction or anti-clockwise direction. The relative motion of the dirt-absorbing component 156 relative to the surface 102 may allow the dirt-absorbing component to absorb dirt contaminant easily.

[0127] Additionally, as stated above, the apparatus 100 may have the plurality of elastic members 138, the other elastic-end 138-2 of the one of the plurality of elastic members 138 may be integrated with the dirt-absorbing component 156 in proximity to the cylindrical-shaped frame 158.

[0128] In another example, the dirt-absorbing component 156 may embody as strands, which may be made of cotton, microfibre, woollen, polyester, and the like.

[0129] In an example, the dirt-absorbing component 156 may be embodied as at least one of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge, strands, a sponge, a cloth, abristles, and one or more rollers. In an example, the dirt-absorbing component 156 may be embodied as the strands, bristles may be made of microfibres.

[0130] The cleaning interface unit 132 may scrub and absorb contaminants from the surface wetted by the spraying unit 130, however, in an instance, some dampness may remain on the surface and water marks on the surface 102. In this regard, the wiping unit 134 may be used.

[0131] The wiping unit 134 may be positioned within the housing 124 of the second cleaning unit 108 and may be located adjacent to the cleaning interface unit 132. Further, the cleaning interface unit 132 may be positioned within the housing 124 and may located adjacent to the spraying unit 130. In one example, the wiping unit 134 may be removably attached to the housing 124. In another example, the wiping unit 134 may be adapted to be replaced with the dust-absorbing component 116.

[0132] The wiping unit may be adapted to remove dampness from the surface 102. The wiping unit 134 may have an absorbing component 160, as shown in Figures 1 and 2A. The absorbing component 160 may be adapted to remove dampness from the surface 102 subsequent to the scrubbing and absorbing of the contaminants from the surface by the cleaning interface unit 106.

[0133] In an example, the absorbing component 160 may be embodied as at least one of a sponge and a strands. In an example, the absorbing component 160 embodied as sponge may be flexible and may flex around the contours of the surface 102. In an example, the absorbing component 160 embodied as sponge may include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge, microfibre a polyurethane (PU) sponge, foam, cellulose, silicone, chamois sponges, and the like. The absorbing component 160 may be made of high-water absorption material. In an example, the high-water absorption material may include any one of hydrophilic nano coatings, superabsorbent polymers, or a combination thereof.

[0134] In one example, the absorbing component 160 embodied as sponge may be mounted on another wiping component frame 162 of the housing 124. The other wiping component frame 162 may be a component of the housing 124 tomount the absorbing component 160, such that the absorbing component 160 may be capable to rotate about a central axis of the other wiping component frame 162. In one example, the other wiping component frame 162 may be a rotatable disk, that may aid in rotating the absorbing component 160. The absorbing component 160 may be rotatable about the surface 102 one of manually-operated and motor- operated. In one example, the control unit 103 may control the rotation speed and rotatory action of the absorbing component 160 based on the input from the surface type detection sensor 112. In one example, the control unit 103 may control the rotation motion to be continuous i.e., rotate the absorbing component 160 entirely through the cleaning action is being performed by the apparatus 100. In another example, the control unit 103 may control the automated rotary movement of the absorbing component 160 to be only performed, when necessary, based on the input from the surface type detection sensor 112. In an instance, when the control unit 103 receives inputs from the surface type detection sensor 112 regarding some contaminants and excess cleaning fluid being left out after cleaning action performed by the cleaning interface unit 132, the control unit 103 may cause the absorbing component 160 to rotate based on the requirement of cleaning. The requirement of cleaning computed by the control unit 103 may be dependent on the input received from the plurality of sensors. In this instance, the rotatory action of the absorbing component 160, initiated by the control unit 103, may absorb the contaminants, such that the contaminants, such as contaminants that may have not been removed through the cleaning interface unit 132 or strands of the cleaning interface unit 132 that may have been left may be wiped, while the apparatus 100 is being moved in linear motion about the surface 102, thereby providing a much cleaner surface.

[0135] In one example, the absorbing component 160 may be embodied as strands, which may be made of cotton, microfibre, woollen, polyester, and the like.

[0136] In an example, the absorbing component 160 of the wiping unit 134 illustrated hereinabove may individually absorb the dampness from the surface 102.

[0137] In another example, the wiping unit 134 along with the airflow generation unit 110 may remove the dampness from the surface 102. In thisinstance, as shown in Figure 1 the airflow generation unit 110 may be in fluidic communication with the absorbing component 160 of the wiping unit 134. Further, as also illustrated in Figure 2A and 2B, the airflow generation unit 110 may be disposed in proximity to the wiping unit 134, such that the wiping unit 134 may be fluidly coupled to the airflow generation unit via a conduit 164, as shown in Figure 2A and 3. In an example, the airflow generation unit 110 may be adapted to blow air through the wiping unit 134 on the surface 102 to reduce dampness on the surface 102. In one example, the air blown by the airflow generation unit 110 may be at least one of a normal air and hot air, where the normal air may be air at ambient temperature. The airflow generation unit 110 may be adapted to blow air through the conduit 164 towards the wiping unit 134 to reduce dampness of the wiping unit 134. Accordingly, the absorbing component 160 of the wiping unit 134 and the air blown by the airflow generation unit 110 may simultaneously remove dampness from the surface 102.

[0138] In addition to removing dampness, the airflow generation unit 110 may also aid self-cleaning components of the wiping unit 134, as will be explained in foregoing paragraphs.

[0139] The wringing unit 136 may be positioned within the housing 124 and may be adapted to auto-clean the cleaning interface unit 132 and the wiping unit 134, such that the cleaning interface unit 132 and the wiping unit 134 may be used for subsequent wet cleaning by the second cleaning unit 108. The subsequent wet cleaning may be another cleaning operation after the second cleaning unit 108 may have already performed wet cleaning, the wringing unit 136 aids in auto- cleaning. In one example, after cleaning operation, the control unit 103 may at least one automatically and upon being manually triggered by the user, initiate operations of the wringing unit 136.

[0140] In an example, the wringing unit 136 may be implemented to auto- clean the cleaning interface unit 132 prior to the wet cleaning by the wiping unit 134.

[0141] The wringing unit 136 may be integrated with the at least one of the cleaning interface unit 132 and the wiping unit 134 to perform wringing.

[0142] In one example, the wringing unit 136 may be at least one of a manual-operated wringing unit and an electrically-operated wringing unit.

[0143] In an example, the apparatus 100 may not have the wringing unit 136, in such an instance, the user may manually squeeze out contaminants or excess cleaning fluid from the cleaning interface unit 132 and the wiping unit 134. In another example, the user may replace the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the absorbing component 160 manually.

[0144] In respect of the electrically-operated wringing unit, the wringing unit 136 may be controlled by the control unit 103 and may be powered by an actuating component 166, shown in Figure 2B. In an example, the actuating component 166 may be a motor.

[0145] In this example, the wringing unit 136 may include at least one wringing component 168 and a dirt-storage tank 170, as shown in Figure 1. The at least one wringing component 168 is hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the wringing component 168.

[0146] As shown in Figure 1, the at least one wringing component 168 may be adapted to be operated to wring at least one of the wiping unit 134 and the cleaning interface unit 132 to one of expel and absorb the dirt contaminants or excess cleaning fluid absorbed by the cleaning interface unit 132 and the wiping unit 134. In other words, as the wet cleaning is performed by the cleaning interface unit 132 and the wiping unit 134, the dirt-absorbing component and the absorbing component 160 may absorb contaminants and excess cleaning fluid, such as water, while removing contaminants from the surface 102. In this regard, the at least one wringing component 168 may wring the cleaning interface unit 132 and the wiping unt 134 to either expel at least one of the contaminants and excess cleaning fluid therefrom. By expelling the at least one wringing component 168 may absorb the at least one of the contaminants and excess cleaning fluid therefrom or may cause just expulsion. The wringing component 168 of the wringing unit 136 may bepositioned in proximity to at least one of the dust-absorbing component 116 and the dirt-absorbing component 156, such that to form a surface contact therewith. In one example, the wringing unit 136 may auto-clean at least one of the cleaning interface unit 132 and the wiping unit 134 while wet cleaning is being performed. In this manner, at least one of the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the absorbing component 160 may remain consistently clean and relatively dry, allowing at least one of the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the absorbing component 160 to absorb dirt component and excess cleaning fluid effectively. In an example, the wringing unit 136 may auto-clean the cleaning interface unit 132 during operations of wet cleaning being performed. In this case, at least one of the dirt-absorbing component 156 may remain consistently clean and relatively dry, allowing at least one of the dirt-absorbing component 156 to absorb dirt component and excess cleaning fluid effectively. Accordingly, load of removing moisture from the surface may be significantly reduced from the absorbing component 160.

[0147] In another example, wringing unit 136 may auto-clean the cleaning interface unit 132 and the wiping unit 134 in an instance when wet cleaning after the cleaning operation has been completed by the apparatus 100 for subsequent cleaning. In one example, for auto-cleaning, at least one nozzle 144 may be adapted to directly spill water on to the cleaning interface unit 132 and the wiping unit 134. In this instance, the dirt-absorbing component 156 of the cleaning interface unit 132 may be caused to rotate and the absorbing component 160 of the wiping unit 134 may be caused to actuate by the control unit 103. The action of repeatedly directing water on to the cleaning interface unit 132 and the wiping unit 134, may cause auto- cleaning through the centrifugal force. The cycles of spillage, quantity of water spilled, the speed of spillage of water onto the cleaning interface unit 132 and the wiping unit 134 from the at least one nozzle 144 may be controlled by the control unit 103.

[0148] In an example, the wringing component 168 may be embodied as at least one of a scrubbing component, a wringing disc, a wringing conduit 172 of the airflow generation unit 110 and a combination of the spraying unit 130 and the airflow generation unit 110. In one example, the wringing component 168embodying the scrubbing component may be any one of a roller and a sponge. In another example, the wringing component 168 may be one of cylindrical shaped and spherical shaped.

[0149] In an example, figure 2B illustrates the wringing component 168 in proximity to the cleaning interface unit 132. In this example, the wringing component 168 may be embodied as any of the scrubbing component and the wringing disc, that may be adapted to be in surface contact with the dirt-absorbing component 156 of the cleaning interface unit 132 to scrub the contaminants collected by the cleaning interface unit 132. In this example, the wringing component 168 while being in surface contact may be adapted to scrub the contaminants thereof while the dirt-absorbing component 156 may rotate about its central axis. The wringing component 168 may be designed to have a surface opening that may be tightly coupled with the dirt-absorbing component 156, thereby facilitating the absorption of contaminants thereof. The speed of rotation of the dirt-absorbing component 156 may be controlled by the control unit 103 and has been explained in foregoing paragraphs with respect to Figure 10. In an instance when the dirt-absorbing component 156 may rotate, centrifugal force may be generated in the dirt-absorbing component 156 which may cause the contaminant stay at an outermost surface of the dirt-absorbing component 156 that form contact with the wringing component 168. Accordingly, since the contaminants are caused to move to the outer surface that may make contact with the wringing component 168, the efficiency of removing contaminants may increase.

[0150] As stated above, the airflow generation unit 110 may aid in wringing. In this case, the airflow generation unit 110 may be fluidly coupled to the wringing component 168 and the dirt-storage tank 170, as also shown in Figure 1. In an example, the wringing conduit 172 of the airflow generation unit 110 may be disposed between the wringing component 168 and the dirt-storage tank 170. Additionally, a suction hose 174 may be connected between the airflow generation unit 110 and the dirt-storage tank 170. The dirt-storage tank 170 in fluid connection with the airflow generation unit 110, as shown in Figures 1 and 2A-2B, may be adapted to store dirt contaminants and excess cleaning fluid. In this example, theairflow generation unit 110 may be adapted to generate the air suction flow to remove the contaminants absorbed by the wringing component 168. The surface opening of the wringing component 168 mentioned in afore-mentioned paragraphs may remain sealed from environmental air, thereby preventing any air ingress. Accordingly, a vacuum effect may be created between the wringing component 168 and the dirt-storage tank 170 by the airflow generation unit 110, which may cause contaminants to be drawn towards the dirt-storage tank 170, as also indicated in Figure 1. Additionally, the air suction flow may also cause the removed contaminants to be drawn toward the dirt-storage tank 170, and further, may be stored within the dirt-storage tank 170. The airflow generation unit 110 may generate air suction flow in a direction towards the dirt-storage tank 170 of the second cleaning unit 108 to collect dirt contaminants from the surface 102. In other words, the suction air flow by the airflow generation unit 110 towards the suction hose 174 may draw the contaminants from the wringing component 168 through the wringing conduit 172 towards the dirt-storage tank 170. In view of the above, the air suction flow by the airflow generation unit 110 and the vacuum effect by the wringing component 168 aids in scraping and directing the contaminants scrubbed off by the wringing component 168 towards the dirt-storage tank 170. The storage of contaminants in the dirt-storage tank 170 may provide user an advantage of proper-waste management since storing contaminants allow the user to safely dispose the contaminants. Additionally, user experience may be optimized, since any spillage of contaminants around the user during the cleaning action may be prevented.

[0151] In another example, the wringing unit 136 may not be in fluidic connection with the airflow generation unit 110. In this instance, the wringing component 168 may be wrung by an action of at least one of twisting and squeezing, such that the contaminants may be expelled therefrom. In an embodiment, the action of at least one of twisting and squeezing to wring the wringing component 168 may be done at least one manually and electrically-operated. In one example, the action of at least one of twisting and squeezing to wring the wringing component 168 may be electrically-operated by a motor (not shown). In another example, the action ofat least one of twisting and squeezing to wring the wringing component 168 may be manually executed by the user.

[0152] In one example, the dirt-storage tank 170 may be removably attached to the housing 124 of the second cleaning unit 108. In this example, the dirt-storage tank 170 may be removably attached to the second cleaning unit 108 through at least one of a snap-fit connection, a slotted joint, a sliding dove-tail joint, clamp connection, Velcro connection, clip locks, and the like. In this example, the housing 124 and the dirt-storage tank 170 may be designed to have corresponding features to one of easily connect and remove the connection between the two. In another example, the at least one dirt-storage tank 170 may be fixedly attached to the second cleaning unit 108. In another example, the dirt-storage tank 170 may have an O-ring provided at the point of connection with the suction hose 174 and the wringing conduit 172 to prevent leakage. In another example, the suction hose 174 and the wringing component 168 may have an O-ring provided at the point of connection therebetween to prevent leakage.

[0153] In one example, the dirt-storage tank 170 may have at least one of a floating ball valve and a non-return valve (NRV) at the point of connection between the suction hose 174 and the dirt-storage tank 170, such that the contaminants drawn towards the dirt-storage tank 170 may not be drawn towards the airflow generation unit. Additionally, the at least one of a floating ball valve and a non-return valve (NRV) may aid in preventing any leakage from the dirt-storage tank 170. Accordingly, the dirt-storage tank 170 may be adapted to have a fluid trap mechanism since, the flow of contaminant from the dirt-storage tank 170 towards the airflow generation unit 110, while the apparatus 100 may be operated in different orientations, may be prevented. Accordingly, the user may have the liberty to move the apparatus 100, while cleaning, in different orientations.

[0154] In one example, the dirt-storage tank 170 may have a dirt tank level sensor 176, that may detect the level of contaminants stored in the dirt-storage tank 170. Accordingly, the control unit 103 upon receiving input from the dirt tank level sensor 176 may indicate the user to empty the dirt-storage tank 170 whenever the contaminant exceeds a threshold dirt level. The threshold dirt level may be themaximum amount of contaminant that may be stored in the dirt-storage tank 170. Additionally, the dirt-storage tank 170 may have an access port 178, as shown in Figures 2B, 4, 5 and 8, which may be accessed to empty the contaminants stored therein by the user. In an example, the user may manually empty the dirt-storage tank 170, whenever the user deems necessary. In another example, the dirt-storage tank 170 may have an O-ring provided at the access port 178 to prevent leakage.

[0155] The implementations of the wringing unit 136 explained hereinabove are not limited thereto, and the implementations may vary based on the wringing component 168 that may be implemented. Other illustrations of the wringing unit 136 have been explained later.

[0156] In an example, once the cleaning has been completed, in order to provide the surface 102 a fine finish by polishing the surface 102, the apparatus 100 may have a polishing unit 180. The polishing unit 180 may be detachably attached to one of a plurality of side walls 128 of the housing 124 of the second cleaning unit 108. The polishing unit 180 may be positioned at the trailing end 100-2 of the apparatus 100. The polishing unit 180 may be adapted to polish the surface 102 subsequent to at least one of dry cleaning and the wet cleaning performed by at least one of the first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 108, respectively.

[0157] As shown in Figures 1 and 2A, the polishing unit 180 may include a polish storage tank 182, a polish sprayer 184 and a polish applicator 186. The polish storage tank 182 may include liquid polish stored therein. A polish access 183 may be accessed to re-fill the polish storage tank with polish. The polish sprayer 184 may be positioned below the polish storage tank 182 and may be fluidly coupled to the polish storage tank 182. The polish sprayer 184 may be adapted to spray liquid polish in atomized form on to the surface 102. Further, the polish applicator 186 may be positioned below the polish storage tank 182 and disposed adjacent to the polish sprayer 184. The polish applicator 186 may be adapted to spread and apply the sprayed polish on the surface 102. In an example, the polish applicator 186 may be powered by a motor that may controlled by the control unit 103. In an example, the polish applicator 186 controlled by the motor may be rotatable about the surface 102. The liquid polish in the polish storage tank 182 when sprayed through polishsprayer 184 and when spread and evenly applied throughout the surface of the surface 102 by the polish applicator 186 may not leave any residue. In an example, the polish applicator 186 may be embodied as one of a sponge and a microfiber. In case the polish applicator 186 is the sponge, the polish applicator 186 may have any one of a single sponge pad and a double sponge pad.

[0158] In another example, the polish applicator 186 may be a roller that may be rotatable about its central axis to spread and apply the sprayed polish on the surface 102.

[0159] As stated above, the control unit 103 may control the movement of the polish applicator 186. In this instance, where the polish applicator 186 is either roller or pads, the control unit 103 may control the speed and rotary action. The rotary action controlled by the control unit 103 may include the direction of rotation i.e., either clockwise direction or anti-clockwise direction. In an instance of plurality of pads, such as double sponge pad, the control unit 103 may control rotary action of each of the plurality of pads individually, such that each of the plurality of pads may rotate in either same direction or opposite directions and varying or same speed depending on the requirement of polishing the surface.

[0160] In yet another example, the polishing unit 180 may have the polish storage tank 182 and the polish applicator 186. In this example, the polish storage tank may be a wax polish and the polish applicator 186 may be a roller. The polish applicator 186 may be in contact with the polish storage tank 182 and the surface 102. The polish applicator 186 may be controlled by the control unit 103 and may be rotated by the motor. In this regard, the polish applicator 186 may scrape off wax from the polish storage tank 182 and apply the scraped off wax on to the surface 102.

[0161] In one example, the at least one of the first cleaning unit 106, the second cleaning unit 108, the airflow generation unit 110, and the polishing unit 180 may be adapted to receive power from a battery 188. In an example, the battery 188 may be replaceable. In another example, the apparatus 100 may have a charging port 190 that may charge the battery 188. In one example, the charging port 190may be connectable to an electrical port (not shown) of the vehicle, such that the battery 188 may be charged through a connection between the charging port 190 with the electrical port. In one example, the charging port 190 may be connectable to a power point socket (not shown) wall mounted, such that the battery 188 may be charged through a connection between the charging port 190 with the power point socket. In an example, not limited thereto, the electrical port in the vehicle may be a 12 volt (V) cigarette socket provided in the vehicle. In another example the power point socket may be 250V socket wall mounted at spaces, such as homes, offices, and the like.

[0162] In one example, the apparatus 100 may have a plurality of control switches 192. In an example, the plurality of control switches 192 may be adapted to be accessed by the user to at least one of switch ON and OFF the apparatus 100 for cleaning. In another example, each of the plurality of control switches 192 may be adapted to be operated to control operation of at least one of the first cleaning unit 106, the second cleaning unit 108, and the airflow generation unit 110. In an example, the user may interact with the plurality of control switches 192 to switch cleaning operation between any of dry cleaning by first cleaning unit 106, wet cleaning by any one or more of the components of the second cleaning unit 108, the airflow generation unit 110 for vacuum cleaning, the airflow generation unit for blower and the polishing unit for polishing.

[0163] In one example, an illumination unit 194 may be positioned in the apparatus 100, such that the surface 102 may be illuminated by the illumination unit 194 when the apparatus 100 may be positioned on the surface 102 for cleaning. This may aid cleaning through the apparatus 100 during poor lighting conditions. In an example, the illumination unit 194 may include at least one light emitting diode (LED).

[0164] In another example, the apparatus 100 may have an on-board storage 196 to store add-on components of the apparatus. The add-on components may include additional and spare components of the apparatus 100, such as additional sponge, bristles, microfibre, rollers, external cleaning fluid bottle and the like, in case of requirement by the user. In an example, the on-board storage 196 may bepositioned in proximity to the spraying unit 130 and the cleaning interface unit 132. In an example, the on-board storage 196 may be designed to have a tunnel-shaped design with access panel provided at least on one side and both sides. The user may access the access panel to access the on-board storage 196.

[0165] In an example, the apparatus 100 may be stored in a cover (not shown). The cover may be designed in a manner to safely store the device and accessories thereof. In an example, the cover may be designed in a manner to have charging port provision to access the charging port 190 therethrough. Accordingly, while the apparatus 100 may be stored within cover, the cover may enable charging of the apparatus through the charging port provision. As stated above, the battery 188 of the apparatus 100 may be charged by the electrical port of the vehicle. In this instance when the apparatus 100 may be stored in the cover, the battery 188 of the apparatus 100 may be charged by connecting the charging port provision with the electrical port of the vehicle.

[0166] The cover may be rigid and flat and may be easily stored in boot of a car. The cover may have weight bearing capabilities, such that the cover may be strong enough to withstand load of any components that may be placed thereon. As a result, the cover storing the apparatus 100 may be easily placed in the vehicle, without taking up much storage space in the vehicle.

[0167] In an example, the cover may store the apparatus 100, such that the apparatus 100 may be capable of wringing the components i.e., self-cleaning may be conducted while being stored in the cover. In other words, the cover may be designed in a manner that the wringing unit 136 may be capable of initiating self- cleaning while being stored in the cover. The cover may be designed in a manner that it may not cause the apparatus 100 any hinderance while self-cleaning. For instance, when the apparatus 100 is stored in the cover, none of the components of the apparatus 100 may form contact with the cover and may automatically self- clean.

[0168] The implementations of the present disclosure are not limited to the examples and embodiments hereinabove. In one example, the apparatus 100 maybe accessed by the user to select at least one of the plurality of modes of cleaning operations, based on the requirements of cleaning and the conditions of the contaminant on the surface 102. In another example, the control unit 103 may, on the basis of inputs from the plurality of sensors, determine and select at least one of the plurality of modes of cleaning operations. In an example, the plurality of modes may include, not limited thereto, a primary mode, wet cleaning mode, dry cleaning mode, wringing mode, vacuum accessory mode and blower accessory mode.

[0169] In the primary mode, the first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 108 may along with the airflow generation unit 110 simultaneously clean the contaminant off of the surface 102. In this mode, the dry cleaning may be performed by the first cleaning unit 106 in a manner as stated above and has not been repeated herein again for the sake of brevity. Subsequent to which, the spraying unit 130, the cleaning interface unit 132 the wiping unit 134 may perform wet cleaning, in a manner as stated above and the same not been repeated here again for the sake of brevity. In an example, the wringing unit 136 may wring the through the implementations presented hereinabove may wring the cleaning interface unit 132 prior to cleaning by the wiping unit 134, such that the dampness may be effectively absorbed by the absorbing component 160 and any residual water mark formations may be prevented. Further, the polishing unit 180 may polish the surface 102 after the wet cleaning has been completed by the second cleaning unit 108.

[0170] In the wet cleaning mode, the spraying unit 130, the cleaning interface unit 132, the wiping unit 134 and the wringing unit 136 may simultaneously perform wet cleaning of the surface 102, in a manner as stated above and the same not been repeated here again for the sake of brevity. In an example, the first cleaning unit 106 may be disabled, such that through the moving mechanism 122 the first cleaning unit 106 may be moved away from the surface 102. In another example, the first cleaning unit 106 may be removed from the apparatus 100, such that through the moving mechanism 122 the first cleaning unit 106 may be moved away from the surface 102.

[0171] In the dry cleaning mode, the first cleaning unit 106 may perform dry cleaning of the surface 102, in a manner as stated above and the same has notbeen repeated here again for the sake of brevity. In an example, as also stated above, the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the absorbing component 160 may be de- attachable to be replaced with the dust-absorbing component 116. In this example, the second cleaning unit 108 may perform dry cleaning, such that the apparatus 100 may act as a duster to perform dry cleaning. In this instance, the cleaning action may be performed in any direction by performed random movements of cleaning to perform effective cleaning, such that cleaning in dry cleaning mode does not necessitate cleaning in definite actions and movement.

[0172] In the wringing mode, the wringing unit 136 may operate to auto- clean the cleaning interface unit 132 and the wiping unit 134 for subsequent wet cleaning by the second cleaning unit 108. In this instance, the user may not be required to put in efforts to clean the components of the apparatus for another operation of cleaning. The wringing action may be performed in a similar manner as illustrated in the above paragraphs and the same is not repeated herein again for the sake of brevity. In one example, for auto-cleaning, at least one nozzle 144 may be adapted to directly spill water on to the cleaning interface unit 132 and the wiping unit 134. In one instance, the action of repeatedly directing water on to the cleaning interface unit 132 and the wiping unit 134 may auto-clean. In this instance, the dirt- absorbing component 156 of the cleaning interface unit 132 may be caused to rotate and the absorbing component 160 of the wiping unit 134 may be caused to actuate by the control unit 103. The action of repeatedly directing water on to the cleaning interface unit 132 and the wiping unit 134, while the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the absorbing component 160 are caused to rotate, may cause auto-cleaning through the centrifugal force caused by the rotation and spillage. The cycles of spillage, quantity of water spilled, the speed of spillage of water onto the cleaning interface unit 132 and the wiping unit 134 from the at least one nozzle 144 may be controlled by the control unit 103. In another instance, the airflow generation unit 110 may create vacuum effect to wring.

[0173] In the vacuum accessory mode, other modes of the apparatus 100 may be disabled, and the airflow generation unit 110 may be used as the vacuum cleaner through the vacuum accessory port 127 as illustrated in Figures 2A, 3-5 and8. The vacuum accessory port 127 may be adapted to slot at least one of cleaning attachments and external accessories, such as hoses thereon. The vacuum accessory mode may be used for cleaning interior surfaces of the vehicle.

[0174] In the blower accessory mode, other modes of the apparatus 100 may be disabled, and the airflow generation unit 110 may be used as the blower through the blower accessory port 129, as illustrated in Figures 2A, 3, 7-8. The blower accessory port 129 may be adapted to slot external accessories, such as hoses thereon In an example, the blower accessory mode may be used for blowing out contaminants, such as (not limited thereto) debris, dust, leaves, flowers settled on the surface 102 of the vehicle.

[0175] The implementations of the present disclosure as illustrated above are not limited to the embodiments presented hereinabove, as the apparatus 100 for cleaning may have various other embodiments, as explained with respect to figures 9, 11-18.

[0176] Figure 9 illustrates a side view of the apparatus 100 for cleaning the surface of the vehicle with second cleaning unit 108 and the airflow generation unit 110, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0177] In another embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 9, the apparatus 100 may be embodied to have only the second cleaning unit 108 and the airflow generation unit 110. The apparatus 100 having second cleaning unit 108 and the airflow generation unit 110 as illustrated in Figure 9 may correspond to the second cleaning unit 108 and the airflow generation 110 as illustrated in the above- mentioned paragraphs and the same is not repeated herein for the sake of brevity. The apparatus 100 of the illustrated embodiment at Figure 9, may be devoid of first cleaning unit 106. In one example, the wet cleaning unit 108 of the apparatus 100 as illustrated in Figure 9 may be capable of performing drying cleaning as well.

[0178] The apparatus 100 of Figure 9 may have the spraying unit 130, the cleaning interface unit 132, the wiping unit 134 and the wringing unit 136 simultaneously clean the surface 102 and perform wet cleaning of the surface 102,in a manner as stated above and the same not been repeated here again for the sake of brevity.

[0179] Figure 10 illustrates a block diagram of connection and architecture of the control unit 103 of the apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0180] The control unit 103 of the present disclosure may be an electronic control unit (ECU), that may control the operations and working of the apparatus 100. The control unit 103 may include a processor, memory, module(s), and data. The module(s) and the memory are coupled to the processor. The processor can be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and / or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory. The processor may include one or a plurality of processors.

[0181] The control unit 103 may monitor operation of the first cleaning unit 106, the second cleaning unit 108, the airflow generation unit 110, and the polishing unit 180. In an example, the control unit 103 may generate at least one output indicative of an operational status of at least one of the first cleaning unit 106, the second cleaning unit 108, the airflow generation unit 110, and the polishing unit. In this regard, the control unit 103 may display information associated with the generated output on a display interface 105. In one example, the display interface 105 may be embodied as at least one of a display unit attached to the apparatus and a remote display unit.

[0182] In an example, the control unit 103 may be in communication with the plurality of sensors and the plurality of control switches 192. In an example, the plurality of sensors may include the surface type detection sensor 112, tank levelsensor 148, pressure sensor 150, motion detection sensor 152 and dirt tank level sensor 176.

[0183] Each of the plurality of sensors may send an input to the control unit 103 based on the detection. In an example, each of the plurality of control switches 192 may include user interface through which user may control the operations of the apparatus 100.

[0184] In an example, the plurality of control switches 192 may include at least one of buttons and touch-screen to perform functions, such as apparatus ON / OFF button, moving mechanism switch, initiate wringing through the wringing unit 136, vacuum operation from airflow generation unit 110, blower operation from airflow generation unit 110, initiate dry cleaning, initiate wet cleaning, initiate dry cleaning and wet cleaning, initiate wiping, initiate polishing, and the like.

[0185] In an example, the surface type detection sensor 112 may detect and scan the contaminant existing on the surface 102 prior to cleaning through the apparatus 100. The surface type detection sensor 112 may scan and detect the condition of the surface 102 which may include conditions of the surface 102 and the conditions of the contaminant. The conditions of the surface 102 may include whether the surface 102 is one of wet and dry. The conditions of the contaminant may include whether contaminant is one of a dry contaminant and dirt contaminant. The dry contaminant may for instance include contaminant that may be cleaned through dry cleaning, such as settled dust, an electrostatically charged dust, debris, leaves, pollens, and the like. Further dirt contaminant may include liquid stains, slush stains, wet bird dropping, dry bird dropping, fingerprints, and the like, that may require cleaning through either wet cleaning or a combination of dry cleaning and wet cleaning. In one example, the surface type detection sensor 112 may include a camera, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and the like.

[0186] In an example, the tank level sensor 148 may detect the level of cleaning fluid available in the at least one fluid storage tank 140 for cleaning. The level of cleaning fluid may be the quantity of available cleaning fluid in the at least one fluid storage tank 140. The tank level sensor 148 may alert the control unit 103in case the level of cleaning fluid is below a threshold level. The threshold level may indicate the level of cleaning fluid required to efficiently clean the surface 102 without refilling the at least one fluid storage tank 140 during cleaning. In an example, the tank level sensor 148 may be at least one of a float-type sensor and an electrical level sensor, and the like.

[0187] In an example, the pressure sensor 150 may be provided in the at least one fluid storage tank 140 to constantly check whether the threshold pressure is duly maintained in the at least one fluid storage tank 140. In case the threshold pressure is not maintained, the control unit 103 may be notified by the pressure sensor 150.

[0188] In an example, the motion detection sensor 152 may detect the movement of the apparatus 100 about the surface 102, the speed of movement of the apparatus 100 and the type and condition of the surface 102. The motion detection sensor 152 may be positioned in proximity to the moving mechanism 122, such that the type and condition of the surface may be detected prior to the cleaning. The type and condition of the surface 102 may indicate for instance, the surface 102 is made of metals, plastic, fibre, glass, and the like and in case the surface 102 is at least one of smooth, has patches, rough, and the like. In an example, the motion detection sensor 152 may be at least one an accelerometer, laser sensor, optical sensor, and the like.

[0189] In an example, the dirt tank level sensor 176 may detect the level of contaminants stored in the dirt-storage tank 170. Accordingly, the control unit 103 upon receiving input from the dirt tank level sensor 176 may indicate the user to empty the dirt-storage tank 170 whenever the contaminant exceeds a threshold dirt level. The threshold dirt level may be the maximum amount of contaminant that may be stored in the dirt-storage tank 170. The dirt tank level sensor 176 may be a float-type sensor, an electrical level sensor, and the like.

[0190] In another example, each of the plurality of control switches 192 may be adapted to be operated to control operation of at least one of the first cleaning unit 106, the second cleaning unit 108, and the airflow generation unit 110.In an example, the user may interact with the plurality of control switches 192 to switch cleaning operation between any of dry cleaning by first cleaning unit 106, wet cleaning by any one or more of the components of the second cleaning unit 108, the airflow generation unit 110 for vacuum cleaning, the airflow generation unit 110 for blower and the polishing unit for polishing.

[0191] Further, the control unit 103 may also be connected to the battery 188, to determine the conditions of the battery and charging conditions of the battery 188 i.e., in case re-charging or replacement may be required.

[0192] Upon receiving inputs from the plurality of sensors and the plurality of control switches 192, the control unit may determine through in-built logics to generate outputs and indications therefrom.

[0193] For instance, airflow generation unit logics of control unit 103 may control the airflow generation unit 110 based on inputs from the plurality of sensors and the plurality of control switches.

[0194] In an example, the control unit 103 may be in communication with an audio device (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the audio device may be a microphone.

[0195] In an embodiment, the control unit 103 may include a voice detection module configured to detect an audio input from the audio device. In one example, the audio input may be indicative of performing one or more operations associated with the apparatus 100. In such an example, the one or more operations may be directly performed based on the audio input and the plurality of control switches may be absent. In another example, the audio input may be indicative of at least one of operating and actuating one of the plurality of control switches. In an example, the one or more operations may correspond to plurality of modes of cleaning operations to be performed by the apparatus 100, as illustrated above.

[0196] Tank control logics may control the dirt-storage tank 170 and at least one fluid storage tank 140. In one example, in case the at least one pressure pump 142 is electrically-operated, upon receiving an input from the pressure sensor 150,the control unit 103 may controls the at least one pressure pump 142 and may send signal to the at least one pressure pump 142 to maintain pressure in the at least one fluid tank 140. In another example, in case the at least one pressure pump 142 is mechanically-operated, the control unit 103 may generate a trigger by indicating to the user through display interface 105. In case, the control unit 103 receives an input from the tank level sensor 148 that the at least one fluid storage tank 140 is either empty the level of cleaning fluid is below the threshold level the control unit 103 may stop the apparatus 100 and may generate a trigger by indicating to the user through display interface 105. In another instance, in case the control unit 103 receives an input from the dirt tank level sensor 176 that the dirt-storage tank 170 is full, the control unit 103 may stop the apparatus 100 and may generate a trigger by indicating to the user through display interface 105.

[0197] Further, nozzle control logics to control functions related to at least one nozzle 144. In this case, the control unit 103 may receive inputs from the motion detection sensor 152 regarding the speed of movement of the apparatus 100 while cleaning and the level of cleaning fluid in the at least one fluid storage tank 140. Based on which, the control unit 103 through the nozzle control logics may determine at least one of, duration of opening and closing of the at least one nozzle 144 and extent of opening of the at least one nozzle, such that the cleaning fluid sprayed on the surface 102 may not spill and may be sprayed at the exact required location with the amount of cleaning fluid required for efficient cleaning.

[0198] The cleaning component control logics of the control unit 103 may control the operation of components of first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 108, based on the inputs from the surface type detection sensor 112, tank level sensor 148, pressure sensor 150, motion detection sensor 152 and dirt tank level sensor 176.

[0199] The status logic of the control unit 103 may be for communicating status of the components of the apparatus 100 to the user through the display interface 105. The control unit 103 may display battery level, cleaning fluid level, cleaning speed indication, indication to slow down and indication of the cleaningoperation being used i.e., the first cleaning unit 106, the second cleaning unit 108, the airflow generation unit 110, the polishing unit 180, and the like.

[0200] The speed monitoring logic of the control unit 103 may indicate cleaning speed to the user through display interface 105 based on input from motion detection sensor 152. The cleaning speed indicated may be the speed of cleaning requested to the user to adapt to while cleaning.

[0201] Further, battery management system of the control unit 103 may monitor battery level, charging, discharging and battery temperature.

[0202] Additionally, the control unit 103 may perform controls using plurality of sensors. In one example, the control unit 103 may aid in integration with an electronic device. The control unit 103 may be configured to be in a communication with the electronic device via a network. In an embodiment, the network may be embodied as a wireless network. In one or more embodiments, the wireless network may include any existing wireless technologies without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an example, the electronic device may be, but not limiting to, a smartphone, computer, tablet, instrument panel of a vehicle, and the like. The communication between the control unit 103 may be configured to communicate information associated with one or more parameters with the user equipment. In an example, the one or more parameters may include, not limited thereto, display at least one of status of cleaning, status of the apparatus 100, battery percentage of the apparatus 100, cleaning action history, and the like. In an embodiment, the control unit 103 may be configured to process information associated with one or more parameters using one or more artificial intelligence (AI) modules. In one embodiment, the AI module may be implemented in the control unit 103 of the apparatus 100. In another embodiment, the AI module may be implemented in the one or more electronic devices that may be in communication with the control unit 103 of the apparatus 100. The AI module may be configured to analyse the one or more parameters and generate actionable insights for the user.

[0203] In an embodiment, the control unit 103 may include a processor, memory, module(s), and data. The module(s) and the memory may be coupled to the processor.

[0204] The processor can be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and / or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory. The processor may include one or a plurality of processors. At this time, one or a plurality of processors may be a general purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or the like, a graphics-only processing unit such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), and / or an AI- dedicated processor such as a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0205] The one or a plurality of processors control the processing of the input data in accordance with a predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence (AI) model stored in the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory. The predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence model is provided through training or learning.

[0206] Here, being provided through learning means that, by applying a learning technique to a plurality of learning data, a predefined operating rule or AI model of a desired characteristic is made. The learning may be performed in a device itself in which AI according to an embodiment is performed, and / or may be implemented through a separate server / system.

[0207] The AI model may consist of a plurality of neural network layers. Each layer has a plurality of weight values, and performs a layer operation through calculation of a previous layer and an operation of a plurality of weights. Examples of neural networks include, but are not limited to, convolutional neural network (CNN), deep neural network (DNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), restrictedBoltzmann Machine (RBM), deep belief network (DBN), bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), generative adversarial networks (GAN), and deep Q-networks.

[0208] The artificial intelligence models, explained in the disclosure, may be obtained by training. Here, "obtained by training" means that a predefined operation rule or artificial intelligence model configured to perform a desired feature (or purpose) is obtained by training a basic artificial intelligence model with multiple pieces of training data by a training technique. The training technique is a method for training a predetermined target device (for example, a robot) using a plurality of learning data to cause, allow, or control the target device to make a determination or prediction. Examples of learning techniques include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning.

[0209] The memory may include any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.

[0210] The module(s), amongst other things, include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement data types. The module(s) may also be implemented as, signal processor(s), state machine(s), logic circuitries, and / or any other device or component that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.

[0211] Further, the module(s) may be implemented in hardware, instructions executed by at least one processing unit, for e.g., the processor, or by a combination thereof. The processing unit may comprise a computer, a processor, a state machine, a logic array and / or any other suitable devices capable of processing instructions. The processing unit may be a general-purpose processor which executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processor to perform operations or, the processing unit may be dedicated to perform the required functions. In someexample embodiments, the module(s) may be machine-readable instructions (software, such as web-application, mobile application, program, etc.) which, when executed by a processor / processing unit, perform any of the described functionalities.

[0212] In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors may include a bin sensor 195. The bin sensor 195 may include at least one of an infrared (IR) sensor and a capacitive sensor in the dry contaminant bin 118 of the first cleaning unit 106 to detect in case the dry contaminant bin 118 is full of dry contaminants and needs to be emptied. In another embodiment, the airflow generation unit 110 may have another pressure sensor (not shown) adapted to measure airflow, such that in case it is established that the dry contaminant bin 118 is full, the airflow generation unit 110 may reduce the suction air flow speed.

[0213] In another embodiment, based on the inputs from the plurality of sensors, such inputs with respect to the surface and orientation in which the apparatus 100 may be moved along the surface 102, the control unit 103 may adapt and control the components of the apparatus 100 for effective cleaning. In an instance of horizontal orientation of the apparatus 100 with respect to the surface 102, the control unit 103 may control the flow of cleaning fluid from the spraying unit 130. For instance, the control unit 103 may dispense more cleaning fluid through spraying unit 130, in such orientation when the nature of contaminant necessitates dispensing of more cleaning fluid for efficient cleaning. Additionally, in another instance, the control unit 103 may control the speed of rotation of the dirt-absorbing component 156 since the apparatus 100 in horizontal orientation may directly by placed on the surface 102, causing the apparatus 100 to put pressure on the surface 102. In this regard, based on the nature of contaminant detected and the orientation, the control unit 103 may control the speed of rotation by one of increasing and decreasing the speed, while ensure efficient cleaning and preventing any marks or scratches. The implementation here has been explained with respect to the dirt-absorbing component 156 however, the control unit 103 may similarly control speed of rotation for other components of the apparatus 100 as well, based on the requirement. Correspondingly, in case of orientation of the apparatus 100being moved in a vertical orientation, the control unit 103 may control the flow of cleaning fluid being dispensed and speed of rotation of components of the apparatus 100. The control unit 103 while controlling the same, may ensure that there is no spillage, no marks and scratches are formed on the surface 102 and the surface 102 is effectively cleaned.

[0214] In addition to the above, based on the inputs from the plurality of sensors, such as surface type detection sensor 112, the control unit 103 may ensure that the apparatus 100 adapts to the surface type detected for effective cleaning thereof. The control unit 103 may also ensure that no marks and scratches are formed thereon. In such an instance, the control unit 103 may control the flow of cleaning fluid being dispensed and speed of rotation of components of the apparatus 100. The control unit 103 while controlling the same, may ensure that there is no spillage, no marks and scratches are formed on the surface 102 and the surface 102 is effectively cleaned.

[0215] In case, based on the inputs from the plurality of sensors, such as surface type detection sensor 112, the control unit 103 may detect a region of the vehicle that may be cleaned. Upon detecting the same, the control unit 103 may control the motion patterns for instance, the speed of rotation of the components of the apparatus 100. For instance, in case the control unit 103 detects that a top half surface of the vehicle is being cleaned, the control unit 103 may control the flow of air towards and away the surface by the airflow generation unit 110 to be for instance higher (without limiting thereto). Additionally, speed of rotation of components of the apparatus 100 may be controlled to be comparatively slower in comparison to the cleaning of bottom half of the vehicle (without limiting the implementations thereto), such that the surface 102 may be cleaned with minutest detail. In this regard, since the top half of the vehicle may be more visible and primarily effects the aesthetics and visuals of the vehicle, the apparatus 100 may clean the surface 102 of the vehicle based on the region that may be cleaned and requirements of cleaning.

[0216] Figures 11-18 illustrate various other embodiments of the apparatus 100 illustrated with respect to Figures 1-8 above, where components of theapparatus 100 remain similar as Figures 1-8 and have not been explained again for the sake of brevity. While illustrations of apparatus 100 in Figure 11-18 include similar components as the apparatus 100 in Figures 1-8, there also exist other components and some variations, without limiting thereto.

[0217] Figure 11 illustrates a side view of the apparatus 100 for cleaning a surface 102 of a vehicle without connection of airflow generation unit 110 with the first cleaning unit 106, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0218] In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may not have the polishing unit 180 and the airflow generation unit 110 may not be connected to the first cleaning unit 106. In such an instance, the first cleaning unit 106 may not be in fluid communication with the airflow generation unit 110. The dry contaminants of the surface 102 may be removed and absorbed by the dust-absorbing component 116. In an example, the coating of at least one of dust attracting material, the dust repelling material and water repelling material on the dust-absorbing component 116 may aid in removing and absorbing contaminants on the surface.

[0219] In order to clean the dust-absorbing component 116, the user may manually brush-off the dry contaminants absorbed by the dust-absorbing component 116 after cleaning has been performed.

[0220] In another embodiment, not shown in the attached figures, the apparatus 100 may have the polishing unit 180 however, the airflow generation unit 110 may not be connected to the first cleaning unit 106.

[0221] Figure 12 illustrates a side view of an apparatus 100 for cleaning a surface 102 of a vehicle without a connection of airflow generation unit 110 with a cleaning interface unit 132, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0222] In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may not have the airflow generation unit 110 in connection with the cleaning interface unit 132. In such an instance, the dirt-absorbing component 156 may be connected to the housing 124 through the actuating component 166 similar to the other wiping component frame162 of the absorbing component 160 to rotate about respective central axis. In this example, the dirt-absorbing component 156 may be embodied as strands, which may be made of cotton, microfibre, woollen, polyester, and the like. In an example, the dirt-absorbing component may be embodied as the strands, bristles that may be made of microfibres. Additionally, in an example, the dirt-absorbing component 156 may be coated with the water absorbing material and dust absorbing material. As a result, the dirt contaminants may be easily absorbed by the dirt-absorbing component 156.

[0223] In order to clean the dirt-absorbing component 156, the user may wring the dirt-absorbing component by an action of twisting and squeezing the dirt- absorbing component 156 and manually brush-off the dirt contaminant absorbed by the dirt-absorbing component 156 after cleaning has been performed. In other example, the rotatory action of the dirt-absorbing component 156 after cleaning may be initiated by the control unit 103 through the motor to initiate rotary action on the actuating component 166, may cause the absorbed excess cleaning fluid and dirt contaminants to be expelled because of the centrifugal force to be forced out.

[0224] Figure 13 illustrates a side view of an apparatus 100 for cleaning a surface 102 of a vehicle with rollers as the dust-absorbing component 116, absorbing component 160, dirt-absorbing component 156 and polish applicator 186, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0225] In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may have the dust-absorbing component 116, the absorbing component 160, the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186, each embody as a roller. In this example, the functionality, working, coating, applications shall remain same as illustrated above however, the design may be of a roller. Additionally, each of the dust-absorbing component 116, absorbing component 160, the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186 have at least one of the plurality of elastic members 138 provided thereon. The dust-absorbing component 116, absorbing component 160, the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186 as roller along with the elastic members 138 provided thereon may aid in providing the apparatus 100 the flexibility to flex and adjust along the contours of the surface 102.

[0226] The design of roller for the dust-absorbing component 116, the absorbing component 160, the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186, may cause each of the dust-absorbing component 116, the absorbing component 160, the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186 to rotate about their respective central axis. In one example, the rotation of each of the dust-absorbing component 116, the absorbing component 160, the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186 may be manually-operated. In another example, rotation of each of the dust-absorbing component 116, the absorbing component 160, the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186 may be through a motor (not shown) and may be controlled by the control unit 103. Accordingly, a relative motion may be created between the surface 102 and each of the dust-absorbing component 116, the absorbing component 160, the dirt- absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186, which may aid in cleaning more effectively. Additionally, the dirt-absorbing component 156 may also create a relative motion with respect to the wringing component 168, which for instance may be a scrubbing component, which may increase the wringing and efficiently auto-clean.

[0227] In an example, the polish storage tank 182 may be wax polish.

[0228] Figure 14 illustrates a side view of an apparatus 100 for cleaning a surface 102 of a vehicle with rollers as the dust-absorbing component 116, absorbing component 160 and polish applicator 186 and split rollers as dirt- absorbing component 156, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0229] In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may have the dust-absorbing component 116, the absorbing component 160 and the polish applicator 186, each embody as a roller. Additionally, the dirt-absorbing component 156 may embody as a split-roller. The housing 124 may be provided with provisions to accommodate the split-roller instead of a single roller as the dirt-absorbing component 156. In this example, the functionality, working, coating, applications shall remain same as illustrated above however, the design may be of a roller. In case of the dirt-absorbing component 156, each of the split roller may be suspended independently of one another and may rotate about respective central axis.

[0230] In an example, the dirt-absorbing component 156 being split roller may aid in effectively absorbing and removing dirt contaminant off the surface 102, since each of the split-roller may be suspended independently. Additionally, the dirt-absorbing component 156 being split rollers may aid in flexing and adjusting more to the contours of the surface 102. The side-ways split rollers may adapt effectively to the surface 102 that may be contoured. Each split roller may be independently suspended, allowing each of the split roller to conform individually to varying contours for enhanced cleaning.

[0231] In one example, the rotation of each of the dust-absorbing component 116, the absorbing component 160, the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186 may be manually-operated. In another example, rotation of each of the dust-absorbing component 116, the absorbing component 160, the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186 may be through a motor (not shown) and may be controlled by the control unit 103. Accordingly, a relative motion may be created between the surface 102 and each of the dust-absorbing component 116, the absorbing component 160, the dirt- absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186, which may aid in cleaning more effectively. Additionally, the dirt-absorbing component 156 through split- rollers may also create a relative motion with respect to the wringing component 168, which for instance may be a scrubbing component, which may increase the wringing and efficiently auto-clean. As stated above, the control unit 103 may control the movement of the dirt-absorbing component 156. In this instance, where the dirt-absorbing component are split-rollers, the control unit 103 may control the speed and rotary action. The rotary action controlled by the control unit 103 may include the direction of rotation i.e., either clockwise direction or anti-clockwise direction. Additionally, in respect of split-rollers, the control unit 103 may control rotary action of each of the split-rollers individually, such that each of the split- rollers may rotate in either same direction or opposite directions and varying or same speed depending on the requirement of cleaning the surface.

[0232] Additionally, each of the dust-absorbing component 116, the absorbing component 160, the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186 have at least one of the plurality of elastic members 138 provided thereon. The absorbing component 160, the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186 as rollers along with the elastic members 138 provided thereon may aid in providing the apparatus 100 the flexibility to flex and adjust along the contours of the surface 102.

[0233] Figure 15 illustrates a side view of an apparatus 100 for cleaning a surface 102 without wringing unit 136 connected to the cleaning interface unit 132 and with strands as absorbing component 160 and dirt-absorbing component 156, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0234] In one embodiment, airflow generation unit 110 may only be in connection with the first cleaning unit 106 through the airflow hose 125 and with the wiping unit 134 through the conduit 164. In this embodiment, the apparatus 100 may not have the wringing unit 136 connected to the cleaning interface unit 132. Additionally, the apparatus 100 may not have the airflow generation unit 110 in connection with the cleaning interface unit 132. In this example, the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the absorbing component 160 may embody as strands, bristles which may be made of cotton, microfibre, woollen, polyester, and the like. Additionally, in an example, the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the absorbing component 160 may be coated with the water absorbing material and dust absorbing material. As a result, the dirt contaminants may be easily absorbed by the dirt- absorbing component 156 and the absorbing component 160.

[0235] In order to clean the dirt-absorbing component 156, the user may wring the dirt-absorbing component 156 by a twist and squeeze action the dirt- absorbing component 156 to manually brush-off the dirt contaminant absorbed by the dirt-absorbing component 156 after cleaning has been performed.

[0236] In order to clean the absorbing component 160, the user may twist and squeeze the absorbing component 160 to manually brush-off the dirtcontaminant absorbed by the absorbing component 160 after cleaning has been performed.

[0237] Additionally, the user may either de-attach the absorbing component 160 from the apparatus to clean the same manually by at least one of brushing off the dirt contaminants and cleaning with water. In one example, the user may replace the used the absorbing component 160 with another cleaner the absorbing component 160 for further cleaning operations by the apparatus 100.

[0238] Figure 16 illustrates a side view of an apparatus 100 for cleaning a surface 102 of the vehicle with spraying unit 130 connected to cleaning interface unit 132, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0239] In an embodiment, the spraying unit 130 and the cleaning interface unit 132 may be a single unit, such that the cleaning fluid may be directly poured on the cleaning interface unit 132. In an example, the spraying unit 130 may drip water onto the cleaning interface unit 132 through at least one of the nozzle 144, a water injector and a dripper. In this example, instead of the cleaning fluid being sprayed on the surface 102, the cleaning fluid may be dripped over the dirt- absorbing component 156 to provide the necessary wetness to the surface 102 while cleaning. As a result, the cleaning fluid may be absorbed by the dirt-absorbing component 156 and may along with dirt-absorbing component 156 be used for efficient cleaning.

[0240] Additionally, in an example, the airflow generation unit 110 may not be connected to the dirt absorbing component 156. In this example, the user may manually clean the dirt-absorbing component 156 by wringing it manually to remove the absorbed dirt contaminants and the excess cleaning fluid. Additionally, the user may also replace the dirt-absorbing component 156 after cleaning.

[0241] In an example, the dirt absorbing component 156 may embody as strands, which may be made of cotton, microfibre, woollen, polyester, and the like. In another example, the absorbing component 160 may embody as strands, which may be made of cotton, microfibre, woollen, polyester, and the like. In one example, the polish storage tank 182 may be wax and the polish applicator 186 may be roller.

[0242] Figures 17A-17B illustrate side views of an apparatus 100 for cleaning the surface 102 of the vehicle with spraying unit 130 connected to cleaning interface unit 132, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0243] Figures 17A and 17B illustrate different exemplary embodiments of the spraying unit 130 connected to the cleaning interface unit 132 and have been explained in conjunction with each other for the sake of brevity.

[0244] In the illustrated embodiments, the spraying unit 130 and the cleaning interface unit 132 may be a single unit, such that the cleaning fluid may be directly dripped on the cleaning interface unit 132.

[0245] In an embodiment, the spraying unit 130 may drip water onto the cleaning interface unit 132 through a water injector and a dripper, as shown in Figure 17A. In this embodiment, instead of the cleaning fluid being sprayed on the surface 102, the cleaning fluid may be dripped over the dirt-absorbing component 156 through at least one nozzle 144 of the spraying unit 130 to provide the necessary wetness to the surface 102 while cleaning. In this embodiment, the cleaning fluid may be dripped on the dirt-absorbing component 156 just by accessing the solenoid, there may be no requirement to deliver cleaning fluid in form of spray.

[0246] In another example, as illustrated in Figure 17B, dripping may be done evenly onto the dirt-absorbing component 156 by using a rail pipe 1700 with a plurality of drip holes. In this embodiment, instead of the cleaning fluid being sprayed on the surface 102, the cleaning fluid may be dripped over the dirt- absorbing component 156 through a rail pipe 1700 with the plurality of drip holes of the spraying unit 130 to provide the necessary wetness to the surface 102 while cleaning. In this embodiment, the cleaning fluid may be dripped on the dirt- absorbing component 156 just by accessing the solenoid, there may be no requirement to deliver cleaning fluid in form of spray.

[0247] As a result, the cleaning fluid may be absorbed by the dirt-absorbing component 156 and may along with dirt-absorbing component 156 be used for efficient cleaning in a cost-effective manner.

[0248] In an example, the dirt absorbing component 156 may embody as one or more rollers, that may be cylindrical-shaped. The dirt-absorbing component 156 may be able to rotate about its central axis to create a relative motion against the surface 102, to effectively absorb and remove the contaminants therefrom. Additionally, one of the plurality of elastic members 138 may be provided thereon for effective flexibility to move around the contours of the surface 102. In another example, the absorbing component 160 may embody as strands, which may be made of cotton, microfibre, woollen, polyester, and the like.

[0249] The wringing unit 136 and the airflow generation unit 110 may also be connected to the dirt-absorbing component 156 to effectively clean after the cleaning operation.

[0250] Figure 18 illustrates a bottom view of an apparatus 100 for cleaning a surface 102 of a vehicle with split rollers as polish applicator 186 and dirt- absorbing component, 156 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0251] In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may have the polish applicator 186 and the dirt-absorbing component 156, each may embody as a split- roller. The housing 124 may be provided with provisions to accommodate the split- roller instead of a single roller on the cleaning interface unit 132 and the polishing unit 180. In this example, the functionality, working, coating, applications shall remain same as illustrated above however, the design may be of a split-roller. In case of the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186, each of the split roller may be suspended independently of one another and may rotate about respective central axis.

[0252] In an example, the dirt-absorbing component 156 being split roller may aid in effectively absorbing and removing dirt contaminant off the surface 102, since each of the split-roller may be suspended independently. Additionally, the dirt-absorbing component 156 being split rollers may aid in flexing and adjusting more to the contours of the surface 102. The side-ways split rollers may adapt effectively to the surface 102 that may be contoured. Each split roller may beindependently suspended, allowing each of the split roller to conform individually to varying contours for enhanced cleaning.

[0253] In one example, the rotation of each of the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186 may be manually-operated. In another example, rotation of each of the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186 may be through a motor (not shown) and may be controlled by the control unit 103. Accordingly, a relative motion may be created between the surface 102 and each of dirt-absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186, which may aid in cleaning and polishing, respectively more effectively. Additionally, the dirt- absorbing component 156 through split-rollers may also create a relative motion with respect to the wringing component 168, which for instance may be a scrubbing component, which may increase the wringing and efficiently auto-clean.

[0254] As stated above, the control unit 103 may control the movement of the dirt-absorbing component 156 and the polish applicator 186. In this instance, where the dirt-absorbing component as well as the polish applicator 186 are embodied as split-rollers, the control unit 103 may control the speed and rotary action. The rotary action controlled by the control unit 103 may include the direction of rotation i.e., either clockwise direction or anti-clockwise direction. Additionally, in respect of split-rollers, the control unit 103 may control rotary action of each of the split-rollers individually, such that each of the split-rollers may rotate in opposite directions and speed depending on the requirement of cleaning the surface 102.

[0255] The implementations of the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments illustrated hereinabove, implementations of the apparatus 100 may be varied based on the requirement of cleaning and contaminant.

[0256] Figure 19 illustrates a process flow of the method 1900 for cleaning a vehicle using a hand-held apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The hand-held apparatus corresponds to the apparatus 100. The method 1900 includes a series of operations 1902 through 1908 executed by one or more components of the apparatus 100, in particular the control unit.

[0257] At step 1902, the method 1900 may include positioning the hand- held apparatus 100 on a surface 102 of the vehicle to be cleaned.

[0258] At step 1904, the method 1900 may include receiving an input, by at least one of a display interface 105, a plurality of sensors and a user equipment, indicative of selection of one of the plurality of modes. The plurality of modes includes at least one of a primary mode, a wet cleaning mode, a dry cleaning mode, a wringing mode, a vacuum accessory mode and a blower accessory mode.

[0259] In an embodiment, in the primary mode, the first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 108 along with the airflow generation unit 110 are adapted to simultaneously initiate the cleaning operations to clean the contaminant off of the surface 102.

[0260] In an embodiment, in the wet cleaning mode, the second cleaning unit 108 is adapted to initiate the cleaning operations to clean the contaminant off of the surface 102.

[0261] In an embodiment, in the dry cleaning mode, the first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 108 along with the airflow generation unit 110 are adapted to initiate the cleaning operations to dry clean the contaminant off of the surface 102.

[0262] In an embodiment, in the wringing mode, a wringing unit 136 of the second cleaning unit 108 along with the airflow generation unit 110 is adapted to initiate the cleaning operations of a cleaning interface unit 132 and a wiping unit 134 of the second cleaning unit 108.

[0263] In an embodiment, in the vacuum accessory mode, the airflow generation unit 110 is adapted to initiate the cleaning operations to clean the contaminant off of the surface 102 by generating an air suction flow towards at least one of the first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 108 to collect the contaminants from the surface 102.

[0264] In an embodiment, in the blower accessory mode, the airflow generation unit 110 is adapted to initiate the cleaning operations to clean thecontaminant off of the surface 102 by blowing air towards the surface 102 through the second cleaning unit 108 to remove the contaminants from the surface 102.

[0265] At step 1906, the method 1900 may include performing cleaning operations, through at least one of a first cleaning unit 106, a second cleaning unit 108 and an airflow generation unit 110 to clean the surface 102 at least simultaneously or individually, based on the received input indicative of the mode selected. The first cleaning unit 106 illustrated herein may correspond to the first cleaning unit 106 illustrated hereinabove. The second cleaning unit 108 illustrated herein may correspond to the second cleaning unit 106 illustrated hereinabove. The airflow generation unit 110 illustrated herein may correspond to the airflow generation unit illustrated hereinabove.

[0266] At step 1906, the method includes moving the hand-held apparatus over the surface 102 of the vehicle, to clean the surface 102, during the cleaning operations being performed.

[0267] In view of the above embodiments, the present disclosure provides an apparatus that may be easy to handle and may facilitate dry cleaning and wet cleaning one of individually and in combination in a single action of linear movement across a portion of the surface 102 in a significantly shorter duration. The apparatus of the present disclosure effectively cleans the surface while also preventing formation of any scratches, such as circular scratches created through usage of conventional techniques. The apparatus of the present disclosure may be moved in a linear motion to clean the surface to allow simultaneous cleaning through the first cleaning unit 106 and the second cleaning unit 108. As a result, such linear movements of the apparatus with respect to the surface prevents formation of circular scratches.

[0268] The present disclosure provides user with the flexibility to clean the surface 102 as per their requirement, at any time, with reduced efforts. The present disclosure eliminates the need for rinsing cleaning component and changing cleaning fluid, since the apparatus 100 has the wringing unit 136. The user may not be required to put in effort to wring the components of the apparatus 100 whilecleaning operation and even after the cleaning is completed. The apparatus 100 of the present disclosure may reduce the costs of using diverse equipment, hiring someone to clean and cleaning centres to clean the vehicle, since the apparatus 100 provides an efficient, easy-to-use hand-held apparatus that effectively cleans the surface 102 based on the requirement of cleaning. Additionally, the apparatus 100 also prevents wastage of cleaning fluid, since the apparatus has at least one fluid storage tank to store the cleaning fluid therein. Further, the apparatus 100 also prevents wastage of cleaning fluid during injection since the control unit 103 effectively controls the usage thereof based on the contaminant and the requirement for effective cleaning. As a result, the apparatus of the present disclosure consumes less cleaning fluid in comparison to the conventional techniques. Additionally, the apparatus facilitates effective storage of contaminants in the dirt-storage tank which may provide user an advantage of proper-waste management since storing contaminants allows the user to safely dispose the contaminants. Additionally, user experience may be optimized, since any spillage of contaminants around the user during the cleaning action may be prevented. In the present disclosure, the apparatus 100 allows the user to efficiently clean the surface 102 in one-go, since wet cleaning, dry cleaning, wiping, polishing, and the like, may be implemented in a single stroke and may eliminate the need for the user to hover around the vehicle multiple times for different operations. Additionally, the apparatus 100 may be used as a separate vacuum cleaner, a blower and a duster. The technique of dry cleaning prior to wet cleaning, aids in removing the dry contaminants prior to wet cleaning, such that only stubborn contaminants stuck to the surface may be left on the surface. As a result, the contaminant may not be sludgy during wet cleaning operation and the surface 102 may be easily cleaned. Further, usage of battery 188 allows reduced consumption of electricity, since the apparatus 100 requires nominal power for only charging the battery 188. In addition, the apparatus is designed to auto-clean through the wringing unit, based on the requirements. In this regard, the user may not have to get into the hassle of cleaning the components of the apparatus prior to another cleaning action. Additionally, the user may not have to put in an effort for cleaning the components of the apparatus also the hands of the user may remain clean during car cleaning phase. In view of the above, the apparatus of the presentdisclosure provides the user with optimal cleaning experience, while effectively cleaning the surface and reducing efforts in cleaning the surface. Through above- mentioned techniques the apparatus discloses techniques hybrid cleaning i.e., incorporating both dry cleaning and wet cleaning in the same apparatus, and using the same based on the requirement. Additionally, the self-cleaning and auto- cleaning technique of the apparatus reduces physical efforts by the user of cleaning prior to other cleaning action. Also, the apparatus consumes less water, stores contaminant for proper contaminant disposal and not spilling the same on the user or around the user while cleaning. Additionally, since there are no spillage the user’s hands may not get dirty.

[0269] Furthermore, the components of the apparatus 100 may be mounted to the frame and the housing 124, such that there may be no loose cords, thereby reducing risk of electrical safety.

[0270] While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

Claims

We Claim:

1. An apparatus (100) for cleaning a surface (102) of a vehicle, the apparatus (100) comprising: a cleaning unit (108) adapted to perform at least one of wet cleaning and dry cleaning to scrub and absorb the contaminants from the surface (102); and an airflow generation unit (110) removably attached to the cleaning unit (108) and adapted to be in fluid communication with the cleaning unit (108), wherein the airflow generation unit (110) is adapted to at least one of: blow air towards the surface (102) through the cleaning unit (108) to remove the contaminants from the surface (102); and generate air suction flow in a direction towards the cleaning unit (108) to collect the contaminants from the surface (102), wherein the apparatus (100) is moved along the surface (102) such that the cleaning unit (108) is adapted to: clean the surface (102), and perform wet cleaning.

2. An apparatus (100) for cleaning a surface (102) of a vehicle, the apparatus (100) comprising: a first cleaning unit (106) adapted to perform dry cleaning to remove and absorb contaminants from the surface (102), wherein the first cleaning unit (106) is adapted to be movable away from the surface (102); a second cleaning unit (108) removably attached to the first cleaning unit (106) and adapted to perform at least one of wet cleaning and dry cleaning to scrub and absorb the contaminants from the surface (102); and an airflow generation unit (110) removably attached to the second cleaning unit (108) and adapted to be in fluid communication with the firstcleaning unit (106) and the second cleaning unit (108), wherein the airflow generation unit (110) is adapted to at least one of: blow air towards the surface (102) through the second cleaning unit (108) to remove the contaminants from the surface (102); and generate air suction flow in a direction towards at least one of the first cleaning unit (106) and the second cleaning unit (108) to collect the contaminants from the surface (102), wherein the apparatus (100) is moved along the surface (102) of the vehicle in a linear direction such that the first cleaning unit (106) is located at a leading end (100-1) of the apparatus (100) and the second cleaning unit (108) is located at a trailing end (100-2) of the apparatus (100), wherein the first cleaning unit (106) and the second cleaning unit (108) are adapted to: clean the surface (102) at least simultaneously or individually, and perform at least one of dry cleaning, wet cleaning, and a combination thereof.

3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first cleaning unit (106) comprises: a dust-absorbing component (116) removably attached to a frame of the first cleaning unit (106) adapted to wipe and absorb dry contaminants, and is embodied as at least one of a strands, a sponge, a cloth, a bristles, and a roller; and a dry contaminant bin (118) adapted to store the dry contaminants absorbed by the dust-absorbing component (116), wherein the air suction flow generated by the airflow generation unit (110) is adapted to: force dry contaminants absorbed by the dust-absorbing component (116) along with the suction air to be moved towards thedry contaminant bin (118), wherein the dry contaminants are stored in the dry contaminant bin (118); and force suction air from the dry contaminant bin (118) to be passed through an air filter (120) towards the airflow generation unit (110), wherein the air filter (120) is to allow filtered air to be released towards the airflow generation unit (110).

4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the dust-absorbing component (116) has at least one of a dust repelling coating, a water repelling coating and a dust attracting coating to reduce friction between the dust- absorbing component (116) and the surface (102).

5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first cleaning unit (106) is adapted to be removably attached to the second cleaning unit (108) via a moving mechanism (122) located on one of a plurality of side walls (128) of a housing (124) of the second cleaning unit (108), wherein the first cleaning unit (106) is adapted to be moved using the moving mechanism (122) away from the surface (102) when the surface (102) is detected to be wet.

6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second cleaning unit (108) comprises: a housing (124) having a top wall (126) and a plurality of side walls (128), wherein a bottom end of the housing (124) defines an opening, a spraying unit (130) positioned within the housing (124) and adapted to at least one of spray and drip cleaning fluid on the surface (102) of the vehicle through the opening of the housing (124), wherein the spraying unit (130) comprises one or more fluid protection sheets (154) adapted to restrict dispersion of the cleaning fluid beyond the one or more fluid protection sheets (154);a cleaning interface unit (132) positioned within the housing (124) and located adjacent to the spraying unit (130), wherein the cleaning interface unit (132) is projecting through the opening of the housing (124) and adapted to scrub and absorb dirt contaminants from the surface (102) wetted by the spraying unit (130); a wiping unit (134) positioned within the housing (124) and located adjacent to the cleaning interface unit (132), wherein the wiping unit (134) is adapted to remove dampness from the surface (102); and a wringing unit (136) positioned within the housing (124) adapted to auto-clean the cleaning interface unit (132) and the wiping unit (134) for subsequent wet cleaning by the second cleaning unit (108).

7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the housing (124) is adapted to be flexible, such that the housing is adapted to bend based on contour of the surface (102) when moved for cleaning, wherein the housing (124) mounts a plurality of elastic members (138) connected through one elastic-end (138-1) to the housing (124) and another elastic-end (138-2) connected to the cleaning interface unit (132), wherein each of the plurality of elastic members (138) are adapted to suspend based on the contour of the surface (102).

8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the spraying unit (130) comprises: at least one fluid storage tank (140) adapted to store cleaning fluid to be sprayed on the surface (102); at least one pressure pump (142) adapted to pressurize the cleaning fluid in the at least one fluid storage tank (140); and at least one nozzle (144) fluidly coupled to the at least one fluid storage tank (140) and adapted to receive the cleaning fluid pressurized from the at least one pressure pump (142), wherein the at least one nozzle (144)is directed towards the surface (102) and is adapted to spray a pressurized cleaning fluid on the surface (102).

9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the spraying unit (130) comprises a rail pipe (1700) having a plurality of drip holes, wherein the rail pipe (1700) is fluidly coupled to the at least one fluid storage tank (140) and adapted to receive the cleaning fluid pressurized from the at least one pressure pump (142), and wherein the rail pipe (1700) is adapted to drip cleaning fluid over a dirt-absorbing component (156), and wherein the dirt-absorbing component (156) is embodied as one or more rollers.

10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one pressure pump (142) is at least one of a manually-operated pump and an electrically- operated pump.

11. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein: the cleaning interface unit (132) comprises a dirt-absorbing component (156) adapted to scrub and absorb dirt contaminant along with cleaning fluid from the surface (102), and the dirt-absorbing component (156) is embodied as at least one of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge, microfibre, strands, a sponge, a cloth, a bristles, and one or more rollers, wherein the dirt-absorbing component (156) has at least one of a dust repelling coating, a water attracting coating and a dust attracting coating to reduce friction between the dirt-absorbing component (156) and the surface (102).

12. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein: the airflow generation unit (110) is fluidly coupled to a dirt-storage tank (170) adapted to store dirt contaminants, wherein the dirt-storage tank (170) is fluidly coupled to a wringing component (168) disposed in proximity to the cleaning interface unit (132) and adapted to scrub the contaminants collected by the cleaning interface unit (132),wherein the airflow generation unit (110) is adapted to generate the air suction flow to remove the contaminants from the wringing component (168) and store the removed dirt contaminants within the dirt-storage tank (170).

13. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein: the wiping unit (134) comprises an absorbing component (160) adapted to remove dampness from the surface (102) subsequent to the scrubbing and absorbing of the dirt contaminants from the surface (102) by the cleaning interface unit (132), and the absorbing component (160) is embodied as least one of a strands, a sponge, a cloth, a bristles, and a roller, wherein the absorbing component (160) has at least one of a dust repelling coating, a water attracting coating and a dust attracting coating to reduce friction between the absorbing component (160) and the surface (102).

14. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the airflow generation unit (110) is disposed in proximity to the wiping unit (134) and is adapted to blow air through the wiping unit (134) on the surface (102) such that the wiping unit (134) and the air blown by the airflow generation unit (110) simultaneously remove dampness from the surface (102).

15. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the wiping unit (134) is fluidly coupled to the airflow generation unit (110) via a conduit, wherein the airflow generation unit (110) is adapted to blow air through the conduit towards the wiping unit (134) to reduce dampness of the surface (102).

16. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein: the wringing unit (136), integrated with at least one of the cleaning interface unit (132) and the wiping unit (134), comprises at least one wringing component (168) adapted to be operated to wring at least one of the wiping unit (134) and the cleaning interface unit (132) to one of expel and absorb the dirt contaminants or excess cleaning fluid absorbed by the cleaning interface unit (132) and the wiping unit (134),wherein the wringing component (168) is embodied as at least one of a scrubbing component, a wringing disc and a combination of the spraying unit (130) and the airflow generation unit (110).

17. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the wringing unit (136) is at least one of a manual-operated wringing unit and an electrically-operated wringing unit.

18. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the cleaning interface unit (132) and the wiping unit (134) is removably attached to a housing (124) of the second cleaning unit (108), wherein at least one of the cleaning interface unit (132) and the wiping unit (134) is adapted to be replaced with a dust-absorbing component (116).

19. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: a polishing unit (180) detachably attached to one of a plurality of side walls (128) of a housing (124) of the second cleaning unit (108) and positioned at the trailing end of the apparatus (100), wherein the polishing unit (180) is adapted to polish the surface (102) subsequent to the dry cleaning or the wet cleaning performed by at least one of the first cleaning unit (106) and the second cleaning unit (108).

20. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the polishing unit (180) comprises: a polish storage tank (182) comprises liquid polish stored therein; a polish sprayer (184) positioned below the polish storage tank (182) and fluidly coupled to the polish storage tank (182), wherein the polish sprayer (184) is adapted to spray liquid polish in atomized form on to the surface (102); and a polish applicator (186) positioned below the polish storage tank (182) and disposed adjacent to the polish sprayer (184), wherein the polish applicator (186) is adapted to spread and apply the sprayed polish on thesurface (102), wherein the polish applicator (186) is embodied as one of a sponge and a microfiber.

21. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a holding member (104) disposed at a top wall (126) of a housing (124) of the second cleaning unit (108), wherein the holding member (104) is adapted to be held to move the apparatus (100) in the linear direction on the surface (102), wherein the holding member (104) is embodied as at least one of a static bar handle, a strap-shaped handle, a glove-style handle, and a telescopic handle.

22. The apparatus (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein: the at least one fluid storage tank (140) is removably attached to the spraying unit (130) of the second cleaning unit (108), the dirt-storage tank (170) is removably attached to the second cleaning unit (108), the polish storage tank (182) is removably attached to the polishing unit (180), and the dry contaminant bin (118) is removably attached to the first cleaning unit (106).

23. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: a plurality of sensors, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors comprises at least one of a surface type detection sensor (112), a tank level sensor (148), a pressure sensor (150), a motion detection sensor (152) and a dirt tank level sensor (176); and a plurality of control switches (192), wherein at least one of the plurality of control switches (192) is adapted to be operated to control operation of at least one of the first cleaning unit (106), the second cleaning unit (108), and the airflow generation unit (110).

24. The apparatus (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims further comprising:a control unit (103) in communication with the plurality of sensors and the plurality of control switches (192), wherein the control unit is configured to: (103) receive one or more inputs from the plurality of sensor and at least one of the plurality control switches (192); and control operation of at least one of the first cleaning unit (106), the second cleaning unit (108), the airflow generation unit (110), and the polishing unit (180) based the received inputs.

25. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 24, wherein the control unit (103) is configured: monitor operation of the first cleaning unit (106), the second cleaning unit (108), the airflow generation unit (110), and the polishing unit (180); and generate at least one output indicative of an operational status of at least one of the first cleaning unit (106), the second cleaning unit (108), the airflow generation unit (110), and the polishing unit (180); and display information associated with the generated output on a display interface (105), wherein the display interface (105) is embodied as at least one of a display unit attached to the apparatus (100) and a remote display unit.

26. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 24 further comprising at least one display interface (105) in communication with the control unit (103) and configured to be operated by the control unit (103) to indicate an operational status of at least one of the first cleaning unit (106), the second cleaning unit (108), the airflow generation unit (110), and the polishing unit (180).

27. The apparatus (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first cleaning unit (106), the second cleaning apparatus, theairflow generation unit (110), and the polishing unit (180) is adapted to receive power from a battery.

28. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, further comprising an illumination unit (194) positioned in the apparatus (100) such that the surface (102) is illuminated by the illuminated unit when the apparatus (100) is positioned on the surface (102) for cleaning, wherein the illumination unit (194) comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED).

29. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprises an on-board storage (196) to store add-on components of the apparatus (100).

30. A hand-held portable apparatus (100) for cleaning a surface (102) of an automobile vehicle, the apparatus (100) comprising: a first cleaning unit (106) adapted to perform dry cleaning to remove and absorb contaminants from the surface (102), wherein the first cleaning unit (106) is adapted to be moved away from the surface (102); a second cleaning unit (108) removably attached to the first cleaning unit (106) and adapted to perform at least one of wet cleaning and dry cleaning to scrub and absorb the contaminants from the surface (102), the second cleaning unit (108) comprises: a housing (124) having a top wall (126) and a plurality of side walls (128), wherein a bottom end of the housing (124) defines an opening, a spraying unit (130) positioned within the housing (124) and adapted to spray cleaning fluid on the surface (102) of the vehicle through the opening of the housing (124), wherein the spraying unit (130) comprises one or more fluid protection sheets (154) adapted to restrict dispersion of the cleaning fluid beyond the one or more fluid protection sheets (154); a cleaning interface unit (132) positioned within the housing (124) and located adjacent to the spraying unit (130), wherein the cleaninginterface unit (132) is projecting through the opening of the housing (124) and adapted to scrub and absorb contaminants from the surface (102) wetted by the spraying unit (130); a wiping unit (134) positioned within the housing (124) and located adjacent to the wringing unit (136), wherein the wiping unit (134) is adapted to remove dampness from the surface (102); and a wringing unit (136) positioned within the housing (124) adapted to auto-clean the cleaning interface unit (132) and the wiping unit (134) for subsequent wet cleaning by the second cleaning unit (108); and an airflow generation unit (110) removably attached to the second cleaning unit (108) and adapted to be in fluid communication with the first cleaning unit (106) and the second cleaning unit (108), wherein the airflow generation unit (110) is adapted to at least one of: blow air towards the surface (102) through the second cleaning unit (108) to remove the contaminants from the surface (102); and generate air suction flow in a direction towards at least one of the first cleaning unit (106) and the second cleaning unit (108) to collect the contaminants from the surface (102), wherein the apparatus (100) is moved along the surface (102) of the vehicle in a linear direction such that the first cleaning unit (106) is located at a leading end of the apparatus (100) and the second cleaning unit (108) is located at a trailing end of the apparatus (100), wherein the first cleaning unit (106) and the second cleaning unit (108) are adapted to: clean the surface (102) at least simultaneously or individually, and perform at least one of dry cleaning, wet cleaning, and a combination thereof.

31. The hand-held apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 30, comprises a polishing unit (180) detachably attached to one of the plurality of side walls (128) ofthe housing (124) of the second cleaning unit (108) and positioned at the trailing end of the apparatus (100), wherein the polishing unit (180) is adapted to polish the surface (102) subsequent to the dry cleaning or the wet cleaning performed by at least one of the first cleaning unit (106) and the second cleaning unit (108). 32.method (1900) for cleaning a vehicle using a hand-held apparatus (100), the method (1900) comprising: positioning (1902) the hand-held apparatus (100) on a surface (102) of the vehicle to be cleaned; receiving (1904) an input, by at least one of a display interface (105), a plurality of sensors, and a user equipment, indicative of selection of one of the plurality of modes, wherein the plurality of modes includes at least one of a primary mode, a wet cleaning mode, a dry cleaning mode, a wringing mode, a vacuum accessory mode, and a blower accessory mode; performing (1906) cleaning operations, through at least one of a first cleaning unit (106), a second cleaning unit (108), and an airflow generation unit (110) to clean the surface (102) at least simultaneously or individually, based on the received input indicative of the mode selected; and moving (1908) the hand-held apparatus (100) over the surface (102) of the vehicle, to clean the surface (102), during the cleaning operations being performed.

33. The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein in the primary mode, the first cleaning unit (106) and the second cleaning unit (108) along with the airflow generation unit (110) are adapted to simultaneously initiate the cleaningoperations to clean the contaminant off of the surface (102).

34. The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein in the wet cleaning mode, the second cleaning unit (108) is adapted to initiate the cleaning operations to clean the contaminant off of the surface (102).

35. The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein in the dry cleaning mode, the first cleaning unit (106) and the second cleaning unit (108) along with the airflow generation unit (110) are adapted to initiate the cleaning operations to dry clean the contaminant off of the surface (102).

36. The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein in the wringing mode, a wringing unit (136) of the second cleaning unit (108) along with the airflow generation unit (110) is adapted to initiate the cleaning operations of a cleaning interface unit (132) and a wiping unit (134) of the second cleaning unit (108).

37. The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein in the vacuum accessory mode, the airflow generation unit (110) is adapted to initiate the cleaning operations to clean the contaminant off of the surface 102 by generating an air suction flow towards at least one of the first cleaning unit (106) and the second cleaning unit (108) to collect the contaminants from the surface (102).

38. The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein in the blower accessory mode, the airflow generation unit (110) is adapted to initiate the cleaning operations to clean the contaminant off of the surface (102) by blowing air towards the surface (102) through the second cleaning unit (108) to remove the contaminants from the surface (102).

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