Vehicle Drum Cleaning Boom With ID-Based Wash Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing hardened residual concrete from the internal surfaces of concrete mixing drums on vehicles are time-consuming, hazardous for workers, and often result in inconsistent or unsatisfactory cleaning due to reliance on manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system comprising an elongate boom with nozzles, a support assembly, a controller, and a vehicle identification system that allows the boom to extend into the container and wash the internal surface based on parameters specific to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning methods are used, then worker safety is compromised, but automation can improve safety while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning where the automated boom and nozzle assembly performs the cleaning task without requiring worker entry into the drum. The vehicle identification system automatically retrieves parameters and the controller executes the cleaning sequence autonomously, eliminating manual operation hazards while maintaining effective concrete removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated mechanical system consisting of a controllable boom, positioning mechanism, and spray nozzle assembly. This substitution eliminates the need for workers to physically enter and manually clean the drum interior, significantly improving safety while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through automated control.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated cleaning systems are implemented, then cleaning consistency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single automated platform: the vehicle identification system handles vehicle recognition and parameter retrieval, the controller manages boom positioning and nozzle control, and the spray system performs cleaning. This multi-functionality achieves consistent cleaning results while managing complexity through integrated design rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback from the vehicle identification system regarding vehicle parameters and uses this information to automatically adjust boom positioning and cleaning parameters. This feedback loop ensures consistent cleaning performance across different vehicles while the automated parameter adjustment reduces the need for manual intervention and complex manual procedures.
3Productivity
If vehicle-specific parameters are stored and retrieved, then cleaning efficiency improves, but information management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing vehicle-specific parameters in advance in a database accessible by the vehicle identification system. When a vehicle is identified, the pre-stored parameters are automatically retrieved and used to configure the cleaning operation, improving efficiency by eliminating manual parameter setup while managing information through organized pre-storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle identification system creates a digital copy of vehicle parameters and characteristics that are stored for future reference. This copying approach allows the system to efficiently retrieve and reuse parameter information across multiple cleaning operations without requiring repeated manual data collection, improving productivity while managing information through systematic duplication and storage.
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 cleaning system provides a safer, more efficient, and consistent method for removing hardened concrete from vehicle drums, reducing the risk of damage to the drum and its components while minimizing operator intervention.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate boom with at least one nozzle located at a first end of the boom
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system for washing an internal surface of a container located on a vehicle, the cleaning system comprising an elongate boom with at least one nozzle located at a first end of the boom, a support assembly for supporting the boom, wherein the boom is movable with respect to the support assembly, a controller configured to control movement of the boom, and a vehicle identification system comprising an identification reader configured to identify the vehicle and communicate with the controller, wherein one or more parameters of the vehicle can be stored on or retrieved from the vehicle identification system upon identifying the vehicle, and wherein the boom is configured to extend into the container to wash the internal surface based on the one or more parameters.