Compact Cable-Suspended Window Washer with Onboard Battery Power
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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
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional automated window washing devices are used, then window cleaning can be automated, but the devices are large, heavy, and expensive requiring significant power and a team of operators
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into separate modular components including a frame assembly, cleaning head, water supply system, and control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier transport and assembly, directly addressing the weight and size issues of conventional automated devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical lifting systems with a cable-suspended design where the cleaning head is lowered from the roof using a cable. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy ground-based support structures and complex mechanical lifting mechanisms, significantly reducing the weight and complexity of the automated system
2Extent of automation
If conventional automated window washing devices are used, then window cleaning can be automated, but the devices are large and heavy requiring transport in large commercial vehicles and a team of operators
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into portable modular components that can be disassembled and transported in standard pickup trucks or trailers. The frame assembly, cleaning head, and other components are designed to be easily assembled and disassembled by a small team, directly improving ease of transport and setup
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a dynamic cable-suspended design where the cleaning head can be freely positioned and lowered to different locations on the building facade. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for heavy fixed support structures, making the system more portable and easier to deploy at different sites
3Extent of automation
If conventional automated window washing devices are used, then window cleaning can be automated, but the devices require significant power and have high operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system operates periodically rather than continuously, with the cleaning head being lowered to clean specific sections and then repositioned. This periodic operation reduces overall power consumption compared to continuous operation of large conventional devices, while still achieving complete coverage of the building facade
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary heavy components and systems from conventional automated devices. By removing excessive structural support, heavy motors, and complex mechanical systems, the power requirements are significantly reduced while retaining the essential automated cleaning functionality
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, with the ability to clean faster and using less water than manual methods.
Implementation Method 1
powered by an onboard battery
Implementation Method 2
A main brush is rotatably disposed between the opposing sides of the base portion
Data Source
AI summary
An automated washing system for vertical surfaces of buildings comprises a frame assembly including a substantially planar base portion and a mast portion extending upwardly from the base portion. A pair of rolling wheels are disposed on the opposing sides of the base portion adjacent the rear end thereof. A main brush is rotatably disposed on the frame and partially enclosed by a shroud. An electric drive motor drives the main brush and is powered by an onboard battery. Bumper wheels disposed on the shroud extend laterally outwardly beyond from the opposing circular ends of the main brush. The angle between the mast and the base is configured to hold the main brush against the vertical surface of the building when the mast is lifted vertically by a cable attached to the mast.