Autonomous Cleaning Apparatus for Bulk Material Conveyor Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning apparatuses for installation components in bulk material conveyor systems are inefficient, pose safety risks to personnel, and fail to meet hygiene standards, especially when handling harmful substances.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus that can initiate and perform cleaning processes independently and automatically, equipped with various cleaning tools and a recognition sensor system, allowing for safe and efficient cleaning of installation components without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning is used, then personnel can directly clean installation components, but safety risks to personnel increase and cleaning efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is designed to clean installation components autonomously without human intervention. The device includes self-positioning mechanisms, automatic cleaning tool activation, and self-contained propulsion systems that enable it to navigate and clean conveyor system components independently, eliminating the need for manual cleaning while maintaining high safety standards.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical cleaning operations are replaced by an automated robotic cleaning system. The apparatus uses robotic mechanisms for positioning, moving, and executing cleaning tasks, substituting human operators with automated systems that combine safety with improved cleaning efficiency and consistency.
2Productivity
If automated cleaning apparatus is introduced, then safety and efficiency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is designed as a multi-functional system that can perform various cleaning tasks on different installation components using different cleaning tools (brushes, nozzles, blades). The device can adapt to different cleaning requirements and component types, justifying its complexity through versatile functionality that improves overall cleaning efficiency across the conveyor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning apparatus is divided into modular functional sections including propulsion units, positioning systems, cleaning tool modules, and control systems. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance, repair, and adaptation of individual components while maintaining the overall system's improved cleaning efficiency without requiring complete system redesign.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive cleaning tools are equipped, then cleaning performance improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus employs dynamically selectable and adjustable cleaning tools that can be activated based on the specific cleaning task and component type. The system can switch between different cleaning mechanisms (brushing, spraying, scraping) and adjust parameters like spray pressure or brush rotation speed, achieving high cleaning performance without requiring all tools to operate simultaneously, thus managing complexity effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
Cleaning apparatus for cleaning an installation component of a conveyor system for conveying bulk material, comprising: at least one cleaning tool for cleaning at least a part of the installation component, and a carrier section for fastening the cleaning apparatus to the installation component, to a transport device, and/or to an external object, wherein the cleaning apparatus is designed to independently initiate a cleaning process for cleaning at least a part of the installation component, and a cleaning system including such a cleaning apparatus, and a service station, an assembly comprising the cleaning apparatus, and the installation component and a conveyor system.