Automated building facade cleaner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for cleaning the exterior of multi-story buildings are costly, noisy, pose safety risks, and are time-consuming, while also raising privacy concerns for occupants, due to the need for manual or crane-based operations.

Innovation Solution

An automated building façade cleaner system featuring a cleaning module attached to retractable guide cables, hoists, a fluid supply module, and a suction system that allows for the automated or partially automated cleaning of building exteriors, using nozzles to spray cleaning fluid and suction lines to collect dirt and water, with adjustable tensioners and modular design for customizable length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual or crane-based methods are used to clean building exteriors, then cleaning can be performed, but cost, noise, safety risks, and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of cleaning processVSAvoidcomplexity of cleaning system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is divided into separate functional modules: a cleaning module with brushes and nozzles, a suction module with separate suction lines and mouths, a fluid supply module, and hoist mechanisms. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently positioned on the building facade, reducing overall system complexity while enabling automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses guide cables as intermediaries to connect the cleaning module to the building structure and enable controlled movement. The cables allow the module to be lowered and raised along the facade without requiring complex mounting mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining automation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional cleaning methods are used, then cleaning can be performed, but safety risks and privacy concerns for occupants increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of cleaning operationVSAvoidhuman intervention required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning module is designed to operate autonomously once positioned on the building facade. The brushes rotate automatically, nozzles spray cleaning fluid, and suction mechanisms operate without requiring human operators to be present on the facade, eliminating safety risks to workers and privacy concerns for occupants while maintaining ease of operation from ground level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If manual cleaning methods are used, then cleaning can be performed, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning speedVSAvoidtime for each cleaning round

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning module operates continuously as it is lowered and raised along the building facade by the hoist mechanism. The brushes rotate continuously, fluid is sprayed continuously, and suction operates continuously throughout the descent and ascent, maximizing cleaning productivity and minimizing the time required for each cleaning round compared to intermittent manual cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Ease of manufacture

If heavy machines are hauled on cranes, then cleaning can be performed, but cost and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-effectiveness of systemVSAvoidnoise and cost impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning module uses lightweight, easily replaceable components such as brush elements, nozzles, and suction components that can be replaced without replacing the entire system. This reduces overall system cost and allows for maintenance without expensive crane operations, making the system more cost-effective while reducing noise from heavy machinery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The system provides efficient, cost-effective, and safe exterior building cleaning with minimal human intervention, reducing noise and time consumption while ensuring thorough facade cleaning and maintaining occupant privacy.

Implementation Method 1

A suction line provides suction for collecting loose water and dirt produced by the cleaning module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

The cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the surface of the building through nozzles in the cleaning module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS11008767B1Automated building facade cleaner

Publication Date: 2021.05.18 MOHAMMAD AHMAD M Z

AI summary

An automated building façade cleaner includes a cleaning module attached to multiple guide cables. The cleaning module can be moved along a height of the building by hoists secured to a top of the building. A cleaning fluid is fed into the cleaning module by a fluid supply module. The liquid is sprayed onto the building from nozzles in the cleaning module. A suction line, connected to a suction module, provides suction within the cleaning module for collecting loose water and dirt produced by the cleaning module. The building façade cleaner may be automated to operate without human interaction.