Adaptive Car Wash Path Control for Blind-Spot-Free Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automatic car wash systems cannot adjust their washing paths to accommodate different vehicle types, leading to incomplete washing and 'blind spots'.

Innovation Solution

An automatic car wash system comprising a car wash lane, recognition unit, positioning unit, washing unit with a robot arm, and control unit that identifies vehicle features, generates and adjusts washing paths based on vehicle type information stored in a database, ensuring comprehensive washing without dead spots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional automatic car wash system uses fixed washing devices along a car wash lane, then the system structure is simple and easy to operate, but the system cannot adjust for different vehicles resulting in incomplete washing and blind spots

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different vehicle typesVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed washing devices with a mobile washing unit that has adjustable position and orientation. The washing unit can move along the vehicle contour and adjust its washing path dynamically based on vehicle dimensions and shape, enabling adaptation to different vehicle types while maintaining reasonable system complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters by using recognition units to detect vehicle features and positioning units to obtain parking data, then adjusts washing path parameters based on these inputs. The control unit modifies washing path parameters dynamically to match different vehicle types, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of washing path is performed for each vehicle type, then complete washing without blind spots is achieved, but the operation time and labor requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing completenessVSAvoidvehicle processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by using recognition units to automatically identify vehicle features and positioning units to automatically determine parking positions. The control unit then automatically generates and adjusts the washing path without manual intervention, achieving complete washing while minimizing time loss through automated operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated systems including recognition units for vehicle identification, positioning units for location detection, and a control unit for path calculation. This substitution eliminates manual labor and reduces processing time while maintaining washing completeness through precise automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fully automatic system with vehicle recognition and path adjustment is implemented, then complete washing for all vehicle types is achieved, but the system complexity and initial investment increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle various vehicle typesVSAvoidsystem component complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a mobile washing unit that can serve multiple vehicle types through automated recognition and path adjustment. The system uses universal components like recognition units, positioning units, and a control unit that can handle various vehicle configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized washing systems and thereby managing complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If conventional fixed washing devices are used, then the system is easy to operate and maintain, but washing blind spots are created for vehicles with different dimensions and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidwashing coverage accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by using recognition units to detect vehicle features and positioning units to monitor parking positions. The control unit receives this feedback information and automatically adjusts the washing path in real-time to ensure complete coverage for vehicles with different dimensions and shapes, maintaining washing accuracy while keeping operation simple through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240351215A1Automatic car wash system and method thereof

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 SUNNDER TECH CO LTD

AI summary

An automatic car wash system and an automatic car wash method are disclosed. A washing path is created for each of common vehicles on the market. The washing path is generated by manually pulling a washing unit to move along the contour of a vehicle, without any dead spots. When the vehicle is to be washed, the washing path corresponding to the type of the vehicle is selected, and the washing unit is driven to wash the vehicle along the washing path. The automatic car wash system can wash different vehicles fully, without dead spots, improving the cleanliness of automatic car wash greatly.