Self-Service Car Wash Control for Adaptive Cleaning Programs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-service car wash systems lack flexibility and adaptability, failing to consider the current condition of the vehicle or user preferences, leading to inefficient use of resources and energy.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that reads configuration signals from a user interface and sensor data to dynamically configure cleaning processes, allowing users to customize washing programs based on situational factors, including environmental conditions and vehicle state, and controls individual components of the car wash system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-configured wash programs with fixed sequences are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot adapt to different vehicle conditions or user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The wash program transitions from a fixed, static sequence to a dynamic, configurable sequence where individual wash steps can be independently selected, activated, or deactivated based on user preferences and vehicle conditions. The control unit allows runtime configuration of wash programs, enabling the system to adapt between simplicity and flexibility as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The wash program is divided into discrete, independently controllable wash steps (e.g., pre-wash, main wash, rinse, waxing). Each step can be individually configured and activated, allowing users to select only the necessary steps for their specific needs, thereby achieving both ease of operation and adaptability.
2Reliability
If fixed wash programs are used, then the system is reliable and easy to control, but resource consumption cannot be optimized based on actual vehicle condition
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of wash program parameters such as water temperature, pressure, and chemical dosage based on detected vehicle conditions (e.g., degree of soiling). This enables optimization of resource consumption while maintaining reliable and effective cleaning results.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives input signals from sensors that detect vehicle conditions and uses this feedback information to automatically adjust the wash program configuration. This closed-loop control ensures energy and resource optimization while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users are given full configuration freedom, then the system becomes highly adaptable, but the system complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it can execute fully automatic pre-configured programs for simple operation, allow semi-automatic configuration for moderate adaptability, or enable full manual configuration for maximum adaptability. This multi-functional design accommodates different user needs without proportionally increasing system complexity.
4Device complexity
If pre-programmed wash sequences are used, then the control system is simple, but the system cannot respond to real-time conditions or user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The wash program transitions from a fixed, static sequence to a dynamic, configurable sequence where individual wash steps can be independently selected, activated, or deactivated based on user preferences and vehicle conditions. The control unit allows runtime configuration of wash programs, enabling the system to adapt between simplicity and flexibility as needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a self-service vehicle wash (1) comprising an electronic control unit (10), to a control unit (10), and to a method for controlling the self-service vehicle wash (1) on the basis of configuration signals. According to the invention, the washing process is individualized and adaptively configured in response to the configuration signals.