Angled Towel Drying System for Hard-to-Reach Vehicle Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in drying hard-to-reach areas of objects, such as vehicles, without resorting to potentially dangerous and cumbersome methods like ladders or buckets.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning/drying system comprising an elongate member with a joint that allows angling and a towel attachment, enabling efficient absorption and drying of liquids from surfaces without the need for ladders or buckets, featuring adjustable joints, telescopic extensions, and secure towel attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional methods like ladders or buckets are used to reach hard-to-reach areas, then the user can access those areas, but the user safety deteriorates and the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from ground-level operations to aerial access by deploying a drone equipped with cleaning attachments. The drone operates in the three-dimensional space above the vehicle, eliminating the need for users to physically position themselves on ladders or step-stools. This dimensional shift allows safe access to roof, windows, and other hard-to-reach areas while maintaining user safety on the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone serves as an intermediary device between the user and the hard-to-reach areas. Instead of the user directly accessing dangerous zones, the drone carries and deploys cleaning attachments (towels, squeegees, brushes) to perform cleaning tasks in elevated or difficult-to-reach locations, thereby protecting the user from potential hazards.
2Productivity
If traditional cleaning methods are used, then the user can clean surfaces, but the time required increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drone operates in aerial space, allowing simultaneous access to multiple surfaces including roof, windows, and panels without requiring the user to physically reposition. This three-dimensional operation capability dramatically reduces the time needed to reach and dry various vehicle surfaces compared to traditional ground-level methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone autonomously navigates to target areas and performs cleaning operations without requiring continuous manual intervention for positioning. The automated flight control and precise positioning capabilities enable the system to service multiple surfaces efficiently, reducing overall cleaning time and improving productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and efficient drying of hard-to-reach areas without the risk of injury, saving time and avoiding the use of hazardous equipment by allowing users to reach and dry surfaces like car roofs and windows effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The towel may be configured for absorbing liquids from a surface in response to the towel being moved across the surface
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for a cleaning/drying system. An apparatus includes an elongate member that includes a first portion extending linearly along a first axis from a proximal end to a distal end, a second portion extending linearly along a second axis from a proximal end to a distal end, and a joint member configured to couple the proximal end of the first portion and the proximal end of the second portion to one another. The joint member is configured to angle the second portion relative to the first portion such that the first and second axes intersect. The apparatus includes a towel that is selectively coupled to the second portion. The towel is configured for absorbing liquids from a surface in response to the towel being moved across the surface using the elongate member.