Dirt Stop Surface with Selective Fluid Dispensing for Self-Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dirt stop solutions for preventing contaminants from entering clean areas are inefficient, requiring regular maintenance, and are not effective in high-traffic conditions, as they become saturated quickly and require human intervention, with limited adaptability to varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dirt stop surface divided into sensing units that detect the presence of surfaces to be cleaned and dispense cleaning fluid only at the point of contact, using mechanical means with pins that open valves to release cleaning fluid, allowing for self-cleaning and operation in diverse weather conditions, with optional compressed air for drying and chemical applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical brush devices or sticky mats are used to capture contaminants, then contaminants can be captured at entryways, but the devices become saturated quickly and require regular cleaning or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system performs self-cleaning by dispensing cleaning fluid onto the brush elements and using the motion of passing vehicles or pedestrians to mechanically agitate and remove accumulated contaminants, eliminating the need for manual intervention and sustained cleaning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates by periodically dispensing cleaning fluid in cycles triggered by the detection of approaching traffic, creating intermittent cleaning action that maintains effectiveness without continuous operation, and the brush elements are periodically regenerated through self-cleaning cycles
2Reliability
If cleaning fluid is dispensed continuously to maintain cleaning capability, then sustained cleaning is achieved, but water consumption and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect approaching traffic and triggers cleaning fluid dispensing only when needed, creating periodic rather than continuous operation, which maintains sustained cleaning capability while dramatically reducing water consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system dispenses cleaning fluid in advance of contaminant arrival by detecting approaching traffic, pre-wetting the brush elements and preparing them for optimal cleaning action before contaminants are deposited, improving efficiency and reducing total fluid required
3Reliability
If large water amount is used to clean wheels and tires, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but the space demand and water carried off by vehicles increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a high-pressure pump to deliver cleaning fluid through hoses to spray nozzles positioned close to the wheel contact point, concentrating the cleaning action in a small area and achieving effective cleaning with minimal water volume and space requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system applies water locally at the precise contact point between wheel and ground using targeted spray nozzles, rather than applying water broadly across a large area, thereby achieving effective cleaning with minimal space and water
4Reliability
If disposable sticky mats are used to prevent contaminant entry, then contaminants are captured, but the mats require manual sheet removal and replacement when saturated
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when cleaning is needed through traffic sensors, dispenses cleaning fluid, and performs self-cleaning of the brush elements through mechanical agitation from passing traffic, completely eliminating the need for manual sheet removal and replacement
5Productivity
If cleaning devices operate in heavy traffic conditions, then more contaminants are captured, but the devices become saturated faster and require more frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-cleaning by using the motion of passing traffic to mechanically agitate the brush elements and remove accumulated contaminants, and automatically dispenses cleaning fluid when sensors detect heavy traffic conditions, maintaining cleaning effectiveness without increased maintenance frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect traffic conditions and provides feedback to the control system, which adjusts cleaning fluid dispensing and activates self-cleaning cycles appropriately, ensuring maintenance needs are met based on actual usage conditions
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 solution provides a high-efficiency, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing dirt stop system that effectively prevents contamination spread, reduces subsequent cleaning needs, and operates autonomously across various environments and traffic intensities, ensuring sustained and economical cleaning without human attendance.
Implementation Method 1
The presence of the surface to be cleaned is detected by a pin protruding from the surface unit and getting depressed under force
Implementation Method 2
The valve is pushed in its upper terminal position by an air spring
Implementation Method 3
cleaning fluid is dispensed from the surface area bounded by the pins on the surface to be cleaned that is located directly above the surface unit
Implementation Method 4
optional compressed air for drying
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for cleaning of indoor or outdoor areas by operating a dirt stop surface, comprising the steps of dividing the dirt stop surface (1 ) into surface units (4), dispensing a fluid flow on the surface to be cleaned, while the proximity of the surface to be cleaned is sensed separately for each surface unit (4), and the fluid is dispensed from the surface units (4) of the dirt stop surface in a selective manner such that only the surface units (4) in the proximity of which the presence of the surface to be cleaned has been sensed are applied for dispensing the fluid. The invention relates further to a dirt stop surface unit and a dirt stop surface assembled therefrom that is capable of carrying out the method.