Deployable LED Spray Arm for Vehicle Wash Bay Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-conveyor vehicle wash systems lack effective means to center vehicles within the wash bay, potentially leading to improper positioning and increased risk of damage during the washing process.
Innovation Solution
A visual target is deployed to guide drivers in positioning their vehicles along the centerline of the wash system, which can be illuminated to draw attention and later transition into an active role in the washing process, such as a lighted spray arm with LEDs, to assist in centering and performing washing functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If no visual centering assistance is provided, then the wash system structure remains simple, but vehicle positioning accuracy deteriorates leading to improper positioning and increased damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
A visual target is introduced as an intermediary element to facilitate vehicle centering. The target serves as a mediator between the wash system and the vehicle driver, providing visual guidance without requiring complex mechanical positioning structures. The target is positioned at the far end of the bay on the centerline, allowing drivers to align their vehicles accurately while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple.
2Manufacturing precision
If a permanent visual target is always present in the bay, then vehicle centering is continuously assisted, but the target may interfere with washing operations and increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The visual target is made dynamic rather than static. It is deployed to an operative position when a vehicle is detected entering the bay through sensors, and retracted or stowed when not needed. This dynamic behavior allows the target to provide assistance only when required, eliminating interference with washing operations and reducing the need for permanent structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The target is deployed in advance of the washing operation, specifically when vehicle entry is detected. This preliminary deployment ensures the visual guidance is available exactly when the driver needs it for positioning, before the washing process begins and before the target would potentially interfere with washing equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If the target is positioned at the far end of the bay, then drivers have sufficient distance to align vehicles, but the target is farther from the washing equipment requiring longer deployment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The target is positioned in the longitudinal dimension at the far end of the bay, utilizing the available space along the length of the wash bay. This positioning provides drivers with maximum distance for alignment while the deployment mechanism operates along the same longitudinal axis, efficiently using the bay's geometry rather than requiring lateral or vertical space.
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
This solution optimizes the washing and rinsing operations by ensuring accurate vehicle positioning, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing the effectiveness of the washing process while providing visual assistance to drivers.
Implementation Method 1
The spray arm may be lighted in a single color, but in a flashing or intermittent style, to draw attention to itself during the target function period. The LEDs may thereafter progress through a series of different lighting effects
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle washing system associated with a bay in which a vehicle is parked during the washing operation is equipped with a centering target which can be selectively deployed upon entry of a vehicle to assist the driver in placing the vehicle on the longitudinal centerline of the effective washing area in the bay. The target may be provided by a vertically-depending spray arm having internal LEDs which are illuminated in a flashing effect during vehicle entry and in constant colors during the washing program. Several alternative target arrangements are described.