Cargo Space Cleaning Station With Autonomous Robot Garage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning systems for transport device cargo spaces require manual handling and are not fully automated, making them inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning station comprising a stable support frame, a cleaning robot, a garage, a fluid supply, and a control unit that enables autonomous cleaning operations, allowing the cleaning robot to move within the cargo space and dispense cleaning fluid without user interaction, with features like a fluid tank, pump, and sensors for automated control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual handling is used to place and retrieve the cleaning robot, then the system is simpler to operate, but labor intensity increases and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning robot autonomously navigates into the cargo space, positions itself, performs cleaning operations, and returns to the charging station without human intervention. The system self-manages the complete cleaning cycle including fluid dispensing, navigation, and recharging.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling of the cleaning robot is replaced by automated navigation systems, sensors, and control algorithms that enable the robot to autonomously enter and exit the cargo space and return to the charging station.
2Productivity
If the cleaning robot operates autonomously 24/7, then productivity increases, but system reliability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning robot automatically returns to the charging station to recharge its battery before the battery is completely depleted. This preliminary recharging action ensures the robot is always ready for the next cleaning operation, enabling continuous 24/7 productivity without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the battery charge level and automatically triggers the return-to-station navigation when the battery reaches a predetermined charge threshold. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable autonomous operation by maintaining adequate battery charge levels.
3Reliability
If cleaning fluid is continuously supplied to the robot, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but fluid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid supply system pre-fills the cleaning robot's fluid reservoir at the charging station before the robot enters the cargo space. This preliminary fluid loading reduces the need for continuous fluid supply during operation, minimizing fluid consumption while ensuring adequate supply for the complete cleaning cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid supply system is divided into separate components: a stationary fluid reservoir at the charging station and a mobile fluid reservoir on the cleaning robot. Fluid is transferred from the stationary to the mobile reservoir, allowing the robot to operate autonomously without continuous fluid supply connections.
4Reliability
If the garage is fully enclosed for security, then protection against unauthorized access is improved, but accessibility for robot movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The garage structure includes a dynamically configurable opening at the cargo space interface that can be opened or closed as needed. This dynamic opening allows the cleaning robot to autonomously enter and exit the garage while maintaining security when the opening is closed, balancing accessibility and protection.
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
Enables fully automated, efficient, and cost-effective cleaning of transport device cargo spaces, reducing labor requirements and allowing 24/7 operation with minimal monitoring, while also facilitating recycling and reuse of cleaning fluids.
Implementation Method 1
a pump and a fluid conduit operatively connected with the fluid tank and the cleaning robot indirectly or directly, so that cleaning fluid stored in the fluid tank is pumpable indirectly or directly by the pump through the fluid conduit to the cleaning robot
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning station for cleaning a cargo space of a transport device, the cleaning station including an inherently stable support frame configured to support a pedestal above a ground; a cleaning robot; a garage, configured to receive the cleaning robot; a fluid supply, configured to supply the cleaning robot with a cleaning fluid; and a control unit, wherein the support frame includes at least one stand element configured to support the support frame on a support plane on the ground, wherein the garage includes an interior space enclosed by a floor, a roof, and side walls, wherein at least one of the side walls of the garage is at least partially configured as an openable space divider element, wherein the cleaning robot is alternatively movable out of the garage or into the garage in an open position of the space divider element.