Dasher Board Cleaning Carriage With Adjustable Brushes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hockey arenas face challenges in efficiently cleaning and polishing dasher boards due to extensive wear and tear, which results in scuff marks, dirt accumulation, and potential bacterial growth, requiring a time-consuming process.
Innovation Solution
A motorized arena cleaner machine with a carriage and brush assembly, featuring adjustable cleaning members and a pressurized fluid system, allows for efficient cleaning and polishing of dasher boards by moving along vertical rails and utilizing nozzles to direct cleaning solutions and protectants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cleaning methods are used on dasher boards, then the cleaning process can be performed with simple equipment, but the cleaning time becomes excessively long and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into multiple independent cleaning members (first cleaning member, second cleaning member) that can be selectively positioned and operated. Each cleaning member can be independently controlled by separate motors, allowing simultaneous cleaning of different areas of the dasher boards, thereby increasing overall cleaning productivity while maintaining manageable equipment complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning machine is designed with multi-functionality to address various cleaning needs. The system can perform both cleaning and polishing operations using different cleaning members, and the frame portion can be positioned at various vertical locations along the support member to clean different sections of the dasher boards. This universal design increases productivity by eliminating the need for multiple separate equipment pieces
2Productivity
If multiple cleaning members are used to clean different areas simultaneously, then cleaning productivity increases, but the device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame portion is designed to be dynamically positionable along the vertically arranged support member, allowing the cleaning members to be moved to different vertical locations as needed. The motors that drive the cleaning members can be independently controlled to start, stop, and adjust speeds, enabling flexible coordination of multiple cleaning members working simultaneously on different areas, thus maintaining high productivity while managing complexity through dynamic control
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning members are designed to automatically perform their cleaning functions when brought into contact with the dasher boards. The system uses the motion of the vehicle itself to provide the primary cleaning action, with the cleaning members simply needing to be positioned and activated. This self-service approach reduces the complexity of coordination control while maintaining high cleaning efficiency
3Area of stationary object
If the frame portion can be positioned at various vertical locations, then the cleaning machine can clean larger areas, but the control complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manual positioning and control of multiple cleaning members is replaced with an automated control system. Motors automatically position the frame portion along the support member and control the rotation and operation of cleaning members. This substitution of mechanical manual control with automated motor control simplifies operation while enabling the cleaning of larger vertical areas of the dasher boards
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 machine significantly reduces cleaning time and effort by allowing for thorough and consistent cleaning of large areas with minimal passes, effectively removing scuff marks and dirt while providing protection to the dasher boards.
Implementation Method 1
A pressurized fluid storage tank is supported on the vehicle. A plurality of nozzles are situated near the cleaning members. A valve assembly is selectively controllable for directing fluid from the storage tank through the nozzles.
Implementation Method 2
A first cleaning member is supported by the frame portion and selectively moveable relative to the frame portion. A second cleaning member is supported by the frame portion and selectively moveable relative to the frame portion.
Data Source
AI summary
An arena cleaning machine includes cleaning members, such as pads or brushes supported on a carriage that provides stability to the cleaning members and situates them in a position to contact the surface of ice rink dasher boards. The cleaning members are moveable into a desired cleaning position by adjusting their position along the carriage. A driver of the machine can make several passes around the rink, cleaning successive strips on the dasher boards.