Sensor-Guided Car Wash Rod Positioning for Mirror-Safe Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional car wash systems struggle to accommodate the varying sizes and shapes of different vehicles, particularly in effectively cleaning the front and rear portions, due to limitations in adjusting cleaning components to match unique vehicle contours.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage car wash system equipped with sensors to detect location and mirror data, a control circuit to determine movement metrics, and actuators to adjust overhead rods and cleaning attachments, ensuring optimal positioning and movement to adapt to different vehicle designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-position cleaning components are used, then the system structure is simple, but the cleaning effectiveness for vehicles of varying sizes and shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system employs dynamically adjustable rods with multiple degrees of freedom that can move horizontally, vertically, and rotate to adapt to different vehicle sizes and shapes. The rods transition from fixed positions to dynamic, controllable positions based on real-time sensor feedback about vehicle dimensions and contours.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning rods are designed as multi-functional components that can serve different cleaning purposes at different positions and angles. A single rod system can clean various vehicle types (compact cars, SUVs, trucks) by adjusting its configuration, eliminating the need for separate cleaning systems for each vehicle category.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cleaning components are positioned to reach front and rear portions of all vehicles, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the risk of damaging vehicle features like mirrors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously detect the location and orientation of vehicle features such as mirrors. This real-time feedback is processed by a control system that adjusts rod positions and movements to avoid contact with identified features, dynamically preventing damage while maintaining cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Before the cleaning process begins, the system performs preliminary scanning using sensors to map the vehicle's features and contours. Based on this preliminary information, the control system pre-calculates safe movement paths for the cleaning rods, avoiding features like mirrors before any contact occurs.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed cleaning attachments are used, then the device complexity is low, but the cleaning precision for unique vehicle contours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning attachments are mounted on rods with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and orientation to match unique vehicle contours. The system transitions from static, fixed attachments to dynamic, adaptable attachments that can precisely follow complex vehicle geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including rod position coordinates, attachment angles, and movement velocities to optimize cleaning precision for each specific vehicle contour. These parameter adjustments are continuously modified based on real-time vehicle geometry detection.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a multi-stage car wash system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of sensors, wherein the plurality of sensors is configured to detect location data of a moving object. The apparatus includes a control circuit communicatively connected to the plurality of sensors. The control circuit is configured to identify mirror data as a function of the location data. The control circuit is configured to determine one or more movement metrics as a function of the location data and the mirror data. The apparatus includes an overhead frame mechanically connected to a plurality of rods, wherein the plurality of rods is configured to extend horizontally from the overhead frame. The apparatus also includes a plurality of actuators mechanically connected to the plurality of rods, wherein the plurality of actuators is configured to actuate each rod of the plurality of rods into one or more positions.