Cleaning Device Position Sensor and Display for Coverage Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning methods lack the ability to accurately track which areas have been cleaned, leading to inefficient use of time and resources, as well as potential missed spots or excessive overlap, particularly in manual cleaning operations where sensors are not available to detect contact and coverage.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with sensors and a data processing system that displays cleaning progress through color changes on a display device, indicating areas cleaned and those that still require attention, using threshold values for contact pressure and jet strength, allowing for real-time monitoring and documentation of cleaning efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning methods are used without sensors or markings, then cleaning staff can operate without complex equipment, but they cannot accurately track cleaned areas leading to excessive overlapping or missed spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of sensors attached to the cleaning device and a display device worn by the cleaning staff. This intermediary system bridges the gap between the simple manual cleaning operation and the need for precise tracking, allowing staff to continue manual operations while receiving real-time visual feedback about cleaned areas through color-coded displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors detect the position and movement of the cleaning device, and this information is immediately displayed to the cleaning staff through color-coded visual indicators. The system provides continuous feedback about which areas have been cleaned (green) and which remain to be cleaned (red), enabling staff to adjust their cleaning paths in real-time to avoid overlapping and missed areas.
2Reliability
If cleaning staff follow extensive complex cleaning plans, then comprehensive coverage can be achieved, but staff spend excessive time studying and following the plans leading to higher error rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the cleaning system to serve itself by automatically generating and updating cleaning guidance information. The display device automatically shows the cleaning staff which areas need to be cleaned next based on real-time sensor data, eliminating the need for staff to study complex pre-planned routes. The system adapts dynamically to the actual cleaning progress and provides self-updating guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms static cleaning plans into dynamic real-time guidance. Instead of following fixed pre-defined routes, the cleaning staff receive dynamic visual feedback that adapts to their actual movements and cleaning progress. The system continuously updates the display to reflect current cleaning status, allowing flexible adaptation to changing conditions while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are added to detect cleaning contact and position, then accurate tracking of cleaned areas is achieved, but the complexity and cost of the cleaning device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cleaning device multi-functional by integrating sensors that serve multiple purposes: detecting contact with surfaces, tracking position and movement, and monitoring cleaning effectiveness. This universal sensor system replaces the need for separate tracking devices and provides comprehensive data for the display system, reducing overall system complexity despite the added sensor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tracking systems with electronic sensors and digital display. Instead of using physical markings, tapes, or mechanical indicators on the cleaning device to track progress, the system uses electronic sensors to detect cleaning contact and position, then translates this data into visual feedback on a display device, simplifying the overall system architecture.
4Productivity
If cleaning staff work faster to reduce cleaning time, then productivity increases, but the quality of cleaning may deteriorate due to rushed work and missed areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides real-time visual feedback that enables cleaning staff to maintain high speed while ensuring quality. The color-coded display immediately shows which areas have been cleaned and which remain, allowing staff to move quickly without worrying about missed areas. The feedback mechanism acts as a safety net that prevents quality deterioration even at high working speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares cleaning guidance information in advance and makes it immediately available to staff through the display device. The system pre-calculates and displays optimal cleaning paths and areas to target next, allowing staff to proceed with confidence at high speed without needing to slow down for decision-making or quality checks.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) which can be or is connected, in particular in a detachable manner, to a cleaning device (9), wherein the device comprises at least one sensor means (3) in order to detect the position of at least one cleaning area (7) of the cleaning device which can be or is used for cleaning, at least one display device (11), and at least one data processing device (5) which can be or is operatively connected to the display device and to the at least one sensor means, wherein the data processing device is designed and set up to display (23) at least one representation of at least one surface to be cleaned in at least one first colour or without colour and, on the basis of a detected change in the position of at least the cleaning area of the cleaning device, to display (23') the surface to be cleaned in at least one second colour or without coloured superimposition, wherein the display in the second colour is carried out only when the cleaning effect is ensured, for example by means of a sensor for determining the contact pressure of the cleaning area (7) of the cleaning device.