Building Cleaning Apparatus with Counterforce Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual window washing of tall buildings is hazardous, time-consuming, and ineffective due to wind-induced instability and mineral deposits from tap water, while conventional automated systems face issues with stability on complex surfaces and scratching of coated glass surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a frame supporting rotatable brushes and a counterforce generator, such as a motor-driven fan, to maintain continuous engagement with the surface, combined with a liquid application system using deionized water to prevent mineral deposits, and a winch for vertical movement, ensuring effective cleaning without personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual window washing is performed on tall buildings, then cleaning can be done, but the operation becomes hazardous and time-consuming due to wind-induced instability and the need for scaffolding or rope systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical window washing operations with an automated robotic system that uses suction cups for attachment, electric motors for brush rotation and movement, and automated control systems. This substitution eliminates human workers from hazardous positions while maintaining cleaning effectiveness and reducing overall cleaning time through continuous automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic window washing system is designed to operate autonomously without requiring human operators on the building facade. The system self-manages navigation, cleaning operations, and movement between windows, thereby eliminating the time-consuming setup and takedown of manual scaffolding or rope systems while ensuring consistent safety standards.
2Productivity
If conventional automated window washing devices are used, then cleaning speed is improved, but the devices scratch coated glass surfaces due to mechanical scrubbing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces aggressive mechanical scrubbing with a gentler cleaning mechanism that uses rotating brushes made of soft, non-abrasive material. The brushes are driven by electric motors and work in conjunction with cleaning solution application and suction removal, providing effective cleaning without scratching sensitive coated glass surfaces while maintaining high cleaning productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cleaning contact elements by using soft, compliant brush materials instead of hard scrubbing elements. The brush density, softness, and rotational speed are optimized to provide sufficient mechanical action for dirt removal while remaining gentle enough to protect coated glass surfaces from scratching, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and surface protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If tap water is used for window cleaning, then cleaning can be performed, but mineral deposits remain on the surface causing spotting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the washing water by using deionized or distilled water instead of conventional tap water. This parameter change eliminates dissolved minerals that cause spotting and staining, thereby achieving superior surface cleanliness and preventing mineral deposits while maintaining the ease of water supply through standard plumbing systems adapted for purified water delivery.
4Ease of operation
If cleaning apparatus is suspended from above, then access to vertical surfaces is achieved, but wind and air drafts cause the apparatus to swing away from the building
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs counterweight mechanisms and active stabilization systems that use sensors and control algorithms to counteract wind-induced swinging. The system continuously monitors the apparatus position and applies corrective forces through the suspension system or active propulsion elements to maintain stable contact with the building surface, thereby achieving both easy access to vertical surfaces and operational stability despite wind and air drafts.
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
The apparatus provides stable and high-quality cleaning of vertical surfaces, including coated glass, without personnel, reducing wind-induced displacement and effectively removing dirt and mineral deposits, while maintaining brush contact to prevent scratching.
Implementation Method 1
A counterforce generator mounted on the frame generates a horizontal, perpendicular, continuous force or thrust on the frame and brush towards the surface to maintain the brush in effective continuous engagement with the surface
Implementation Method 2
A liquid application mounted on the frame or shield is configured to spray a cleaning liquid on the surface during cleaning of the surface with the cleaning element
Implementation Method 3
A winch mounted on the frame is operably connected to a cable that pendently supports the cleaning apparatus from a davit mounted above the surface
Implementation Method 4
The cleaning element is a rotatable scrubbing member or brush having flexible vanes that engage a surface to clean foreign materials from the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning generally upright surfaces, walls and windows of a building has a frame rotatably supporting one or more brushes adapted to engage the upright surface of a building. A davit supported on top of the building is connected to a cable pendently supporting the frame and brushes. A winch driven with a motor mounted on the frame operably connected to the cable operates to move the frame and brushes relative to the upright surface. A counterforce generator mounted on the frame establishes a force on the frame and brushes that maintains the brushes in effective continuous engagement with the upright surface during cleaning thereof.