Cleaning Device Authorization System with Multi-Profile Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices lack a flexible and secure method to manage user access and functionality based on operator experience and responsibility, leading to potential misuse and limited operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with multiple authorization carriers having distinct authorization profiles, allowing operators to access different functions based on their profile, featuring optical and haptic identification and a detection unit for secure contact-based access control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single authorization carrier with fixed access authorization is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the device lacks flexibility in managing different operator functions and authorization levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization flexibilityVSAvoidauthorization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authorization system is segmented into multiple authorization carriers (31, 32, 33), each representing a distinct authorization profile with specific functions. This segmentation allows the system to manage different operator levels without requiring a completely different system architecture, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and complexity by dividing the authorization management into discrete, manageable units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single receptacle (26) is designed to universally accept multiple types of authorization carriers with different authorization profiles. This multi-functionality allows the same physical structure to handle various authorization levels (operator, supervisor, maintenance personnel) without requiring separate receptacles or complex identification mechanisms, thus maintaining structural simplicity while achieving authorization flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple authorization carriers with different authorization profiles are implemented, then operator functionality and safety are enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control reliabilityVSAvoidauthorization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each authorization carrier (31, 32, 33) is equipped with specific local qualities in the form of identification devices (62, 63, 64) such as color markings or haptic features that correspond to its authorization profile. This local quality differentiation enables the detection unit to reliably distinguish between different authorization levels through simple contact-based detection, enhancing access control reliability without requiring complex identification systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses simplified copies of identification information through optical markings (colors) and haptic features on the authorization carriers. These visual and tactile copies allow operators to quickly identify their authorization level without complex electronic communication or biometric verification, maintaining reliability while minimizing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If a single receptacle is used for all authorization carriers, then the device structure remains simple and operation is simplified, but the detection system must handle multiple authorization profiles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization carrier insertionVSAvoidauthorization profile detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The detection unit replaces complex mechanical or electronic identification systems with simple contact-based detection of optical markings and haptic features. The detection contact elements (47, 48) physically contact the authorization carrier to read its identification, substituting sophisticated detection mechanisms with straightforward mechanical contact that simplifies both the detection process and the overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses color markings (optical identification devices) on the authorization carriers as a simple yet effective method to encode different authorization profiles. The detection unit reads these color codes through contact-based optical detection, enabling easy distinction between different authorization levels without requiring complex electronic communication or mechanical complexity, thus maintaining ease of operation while enabling multi-profile detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP2598014B1Cleaning device
Publication Date: 2017.05.17 ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG
  • EP2598014B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2598014B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2598014B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a cleaning device, comprising at least one authorization carrier (28, 29, 30) with an access-authorization means (42, 43, 44) which is stored thereon and is required for access to the cleaning device (10), just one receptacle (26) in which the at least one authorization carrier (28, 29, 30) can be positioned, and a detection unit (58), which is arranged on the receptacle (26), for the contact-associated detection of the access-authorization means (42, 43, 44) of an authorization carrier (28, 29, 30) positioned in the receptacle (26), wherein the detection unit (58) has at least one detection contact element (47, 48) making contact with the access-authorization means (42, 43, 44). In order to provide a cleaning device of this type, which can be used with greater versatility, it is proposed according to the invention that the cleaning device (10) comprises two or more authorization carriers (28, 29, 30) with access-authorization means (42, 43, 44) which are stored thereon and linked to different authorization profiles, wherein a functional scope which is dependent on the authorization profile linked to an access-authorization means (42, 43, 44) can be provided for an operator of the cleaning device (10).