Compact automated window washing apparatus

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automated window washing devices are large, heavy, and expensive, requiring significant power and a team of operators, making them unsuitable for smaller buildings and posing safety and environmental hazards due to their complexity and high labor costs.

Innovation Solution

A compact and lightweight automated window washing system with a rotating brush, powered by an onboard battery, featuring a frame assembly with a mast and wheels for easy transport and setup, and a shroud to contain water, allowing for efficient cleaning of vertical surfaces with reduced power and labor requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional automated window washing devices are used, then cleaning automation is achieved, but device weight and size increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning automationVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary heavy components from conventional automated window washing devices. The invention uses a lightweight frame structure without heavy motors, winches, or complex rigging systems, achieving automation through a simplified design that retains only essential functional elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs inexpensive, lightweight materials and components that can be easily replaced rather than using durable but heavy industrial-grade components. The frame uses lightweight aluminum or composite materials, and the system accepts that certain components may need periodic replacement rather than designing for indefinite heavy-duty service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Extent of automation

If conventional automated window washing devices are used, then cleaning automation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning automationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the window washing system into simple, modular segments: a lightweight frame assembly, separate cleaning elements (brushes or squeegees), and basic control components. This segmentation allows each part to perform a single function simply, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a heavy motorized system that pushes against the building surface, the patent inverts the approach by using a lightweight system that relies on controlled descent and minimal contact force, reversing the traditional force application methodology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Power

If conventional automated window washing devices are used, then power requirements are met, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic rather than continuous power application. The system uses intermittent motor activation to adjust position or apply cleaning force only when needed, rather than maintaining continuous high-power operation, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while delivering sufficient power during active cleaning cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The lightweight design allows the system to utilize the building's gravity and structural features for positioning and stabilization without requiring heavy-duty motors and power systems. The apparatus essentially uses the environment to do part of the work, reducing its own energy requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If conventional automated window washing devices are used, then cleaning capability is achieved, but water consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidwater consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies cleaning resources locally and precisely where needed on the window surface rather than using high-volume water spray. The cleaning elements are designed to deliver cleaning solution or mechanical action only to the specific contact area, minimizing overall water consumption while maintaining effective cleaning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 system enables quick and efficient window cleaning, reducing labor costs and safety risks, as it can be operated by two people and is suitable for smaller buildings, using less water and power, while being easily transportable and set up.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

A main brush is rotatably disposed between the opposing sides of the base portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10820761B2Compact automated window washing apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.11.03 PACHANGA HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

An automated washing system for vertical surfaces of buildings can include a frame, a main brush rotatably disposed in the frame, at least two bumper wheels provided to opposing ends of the frame where the at least two bumper wheels can contact the vertical surfaces of building during a cleaning operation; and an electric drive motor disposed adjacent one of the opposing circular ends of the main brush.