Automated road sweeper and road cleaning method using said road sweeper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current road sweepers are inefficient in adapting to varying road surfaces and debris types, leading to incorrect cleaning, excessive energy consumption, and mechanical wear due to the need for manual operator intervention, which can result in accidents and suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
An automated road sweeper equipped with selection means, including optical cameras and a processor that scans the road surface, identifies debris types, and adjusts cleaning mechanisms accordingly, optimizing energy use and reducing operator stress by autonomously varying the operation of brushes, suction, and other cleaning tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operator control is used to adapt cleaning mechanisms to varying road surfaces and debris types, then cleaning effectiveness can be improved, but operator stress and risk of accidents increase due to the need for simultaneous driving, material identification, and mechanism adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by incorporating sensors that automatically detect road surface type and debris characteristics, with the control unit autonomously adjusting cleaning mechanism parameters without requiring manual operator intervention. The sweeper adapts to varying conditions through self-monitoring and self-adjustment, eliminating the need for the operator to simultaneously drive, identify materials, and control mechanisms.
2Productivity
If cleaning mechanisms operate continuously at maximum power and speed, then consistent cleaning performance is maintained, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by continuously monitoring road surface type and debris characteristics through sensors, with the control unit dynamically adjusting cleaning mechanism parameters in real-time. Based on detected conditions, the system optimizes brush rotation speeds, suction power, and water distribution to match actual cleaning needs, maintaining consistent performance while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary maximum power operation.
3Extent of automation
If sensors and automated control systems are added to the road sweeper, then automation and energy optimization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by designing a multi-functional integrated control unit that combines sensor data processing, road surface classification, and cleaning mechanism control into a single system. The sensor suite serves multiple purposes including debris detection, road surface identification, and cleaning effectiveness monitoring, reducing overall system complexity through functional integration while maintaining high automation capabilities.
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 automated system achieves efficient cleaning with reduced energy consumption and lower mechanical wear by selectively operating cleaning tools based on debris type and density, improving cleaning effectiveness even with less experienced operators and adapting to various road conditions.
Implementation Method 1
selection means, including optical cameras and a processor that scans the road surface, identifies debris types
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An automated road sweeper (1) is provided comprising means of transport (2) suitable to allow the sweeper (1) to travel on a road surface (10) including debris (11), a plurality of cleaning members (3) arranged at fixed points located in different portions of the sweeper (1) and suitable for cleaning within predetermined cleaning areas (3a), and selection means (4) operatively connected to the cleaning members (3), suitable for scanning the road surface (10) and locating the debris (11) so as to select and exclusively operate the cleaning members (3), the cleaning area (3a) of which covers the debris (11) during the movement of the sweeper (1).