Adaptive Cleaning Device for Industrial Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for industrial surfaces are either error-prone and inflexible, lacking resource efficiency, or limited in their ability to adapt to complex structures and efficiently clean all surfaces within closed industrial plants.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a release mechanism for applying cleaning fluids and removing buildup, equipped with position determination technology connected to a control device that adjusts cleaning parameters based on contamination data and spatial position, utilizing variable nozzle systems and additives for chemical and mechanical cleaning, and an optical sensor for targeted dirt detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CIP cleaning systems with fixed sequences and operating parameters are used, then cleaning process reproducibility is improved, but flexibility and resource efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device dynamically adjusts operating parameters (pressure, temperature, cleaning agent dosage) based on real-time sensor feedback about contamination levels and surface conditions, transforming the fixed-parameter CIP system into an adaptive system that maintains reproducibility while gaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors detect contamination levels and surface conditions, feeding this information back to the control system which automatically adjusts cleaning parameters, creating a closed-loop system that combines reproducibility with adaptability to actual cleaning needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual cleaning is used, then flexibility in handling different contamination scenarios is improved, but reliability and reproducibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device autonomously detects contamination, navigates to affected areas, and adjusts cleaning parameters without human intervention, achieving both the adaptability of manual cleaning and the reproducibility of automated systems
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor-based detection and automated control systems replace human visual inspection and manual decision-making, enabling the system to adapt to different contamination scenarios with the reliability of automated processes
3Ease of manufacture
If cleaning devices with simple structure are used, then ease of manufacture and operation are improved, but cleaning effectiveness on complex surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device segments the cleaning task by using multiple nozzles with different functions (pre-wet, cleaning, rinsing) and multiple sensor types, allowing each component to be relatively simple while the system as a whole achieves high effectiveness on complex surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device integrates multiple functions (detection, navigation, pre-wetting, cleaning, rinsing, drying) into a single platform that can handle diverse surface geometries and contamination types, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity
4Device complexity
If fixed nozzle systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different contamination levels and surface geometries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system dynamically adjusts spray patterns, pressure, and activation of individual nozzles based on real-time sensor data about contamination distribution and surface geometry, enabling adaptation without complex mechanical reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to different contamination levels and surface geometries by changing operating parameters (pressure, flow rate, nozzle activation patterns) rather than requiring physical reconfiguration, maintaining device simplicity while achieving versatility
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures high reliability and resource-efficient cleaning of complex industrial surfaces, adapting to different contamination levels and surface geometries, with improved accessibility and reduced integration effort, capable of self-learning for optimized cleaning processes.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor for targeted dirt detection
Implementation Method 2
at least one loosening device for applying a cleaning agent and/or for removing adhesions from the surfaces
Implementation Method 3
utilizing variable nozzle systems and additives for chemical and mechanical cleaning
Implementation Method 4
applying a cleaning agent and/or for removing adhesions from the surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning device and a cleaning method for surfaces (22) in an application space (20), comprising at least one dissolving device (4) for applying a cleaning fluid (7) and/or for removing adhesions from the surfaces (22) and at least one device (12) for determining the position of the cleaning device (1) in the application space (20). According to the invention, the device (12) for determining the position is connected to a control device (1), which includes a storage device, and to the at least one dissolving device (4) in such a way that cleaning parameters stored in the storage device of the control device can be assigned to a position and are transferred by the control device to the dissolving device (4), and the cleaning parameters are applied to the dissolving device (4) when the position is reached.