Autonomous Sensor Cleaning Stations for Intralogistics Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual cleaning of sensors on autonomous vehicles in intralogistics systems is costly and disruptive, necessitating vehicle downtime and high maintenance efforts.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous cleaning station with a mobile cleaning unit that autonomously approaches the vehicle to clean the sensors, utilizing rotating brushes, nozzles, vibration, and calibration devices to maintain sensor clarity without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning of sensors is performed, then sensor clarity is maintained, but maintenance costs and vehicle downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system operates autonomously without manual intervention. The mobile cleaning unit navigates to the vehicle independently, and the cleaning process is automated based on sensor contamination detection, allowing the system to maintain itself without human assistance and eliminating vehicle downtime for cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor contamination levels and initiates cleaning operations before contamination reaches critical levels. This preventive approach maintains sensor clarity proactively, preventing performance degradation and avoiding the need for reactive cleaning that would cause vehicle downtime
2Reliability
If manual cleaning of sensors is performed, then sensor clarity is maintained, but maintenance effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous cleaning system eliminates the need for human operators to manually clean sensors. The mobile cleaning unit performs all cleaning operations automatically, and the system integrates with existing vehicle infrastructure, significantly reducing maintenance labor costs and simplifying the maintenance process
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile cleaning unit is designed to service multiple vehicles and can adapt to different sensor types and configurations. This multi-functional capability allows a single cleaning unit to maintain various vehicles in the fleet, distributing maintenance costs across multiple assets and reducing overall maintenance expenditure
3Productivity
If sensor cleaning is automated, then maintenance efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into modular components: a mobile cleaning unit with independent navigation, a cleaning mechanism with interchangeable tools, and a control system that monitors and coordinates operations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance and repair of the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile cleaning unit serves as an intermediary between the stationary charging station and the vehicle sensors. It receives power and cleaning tool storage at the charging station, then autonomously navigates to perform cleaning operations, decoupling the complexity of automated cleaning from the vehicle itself and consolidating it in a dedicated mobile unit
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
Reduces maintenance costs and downtime by automating the cleaning process, ensuring reliable sensor data quality and safety, integrating cleaning with battery charging for efficient, process-integrated maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning device (6) having at least one cleaning brush (7) for cleaning the sensor (5)
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning device (6) having at least one cleaning nozzle (8) with which a liquid or gaseous medium can be sprayed onto the field of view of the sensor (5)
Implementation Method 3
a cleaning device (6) having a vibration generator for cleaning the sensor (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an intralogistics system with at least one autonomous and/or automated vehicle (1) capable of moving independently within an operating environment and equipped with at least one sensor (5) for environmental perception and detection, in particular for environmental monitoring. It is proposed that the intralogistics system comprise at least one automated cleaning station (3) separate from the vehicle (1), which has at least one cleaning device (6) designed for cleaning the sensor (5) of the vehicle (1). The invention also relates to a cleaning station (3) of an intralogistics system and a method for controlling an intralogistics system.