Lighted Vehicle Wash Component Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle wash facilities have dark and dirty environments due to densely populated rotary brush components that block light, leading to an unpleasant wash experience and difficulty in branding, as current lighting solutions are ineffective in improving the interior visibility and aesthetics during the wash process.
Innovation Solution
A lighted vehicle wash component with a rotatable hub featuring illumination elements integrated between the wash media segments, allowing for enhanced brightness and visibility both during and after the wash process, distinguishing the facility from competitors and creating a more inviting atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a densely populated cylindrical central hub design with multiple washing elements is used, then the washing effectiveness is improved, but the hub blocks light and creates a dark environment inside the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The brush assembly is divided into multiple discrete media elements (brush segments, foam elements, or sponge elements) that are distributed around the periphery rather than densely packed in the center. This segmentation allows light to pass through the central hub area while maintaining washing effectiveness at the periphery where the media elements contact the vehicle surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing media elements are extracted from the central hub location and positioned at the periphery of the rotatable assembly. This extraction removes the light-blocking element from the center while preserving the washing function at the outer edges where it is most effective for contacting the vehicle exterior.
2Loss of information
If lighted arches and signs are installed to brighten the environment, then advertising effectiveness is improved, but the rotary brush components block the light from reaching vehicle occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The brush assembly is segmented into peripheral media elements with a cleared central hub area, allowing light from arches and signs to pass through the center and reach vehicle occupants. The segmentation creates light pathways while maintaining washing functionality at the periphery.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing function is transitioned from a central hub-based design to a peripheral ring-based design. This dimensional change creates a central void space that allows light to pass through the brush assembly in the radial dimension, while the peripheral elements maintain contact with the vehicle in the tangential dimension.
3Reliability
If a densely populated hub design is used, then the washing coverage is improved, but the utilitarian appearance makes branding difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The brush assembly is segmented into distinct peripheral media elements that can be individually designed with different colors, shapes, and materials. This segmentation allows for aesthetic customization and branding opportunities while maintaining comprehensive washing coverage through the distributed peripheral elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different media elements at the periphery can have different local qualities (colors, materials, shapes) to create aesthetic appeal and brand identity. The central hub area can also be designed with aesthetic considerations in mind, creating a visually appealing overall appearance while maintaining washing effectiveness through the peripheral elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle wash component includes a rotatable hub portion having an outer surface and an axis of rotation. The rotatable hub portion is in driving communication with at least one core portion to effectuate rotation thereof. At least one media element is fixedly secured to the at least one core portion for rotation therewith. The media element includes a plurality of upstanding finger portions, which are configured to contact an exterior surface of a vehicle. The core portion includes at least one light retaining aperture formed therein. At least one illumination element is disposed between the plurality of upstanding finger portions and in the at least one light retaining aperture so that it rotates as the at least one core portion rotates and can be seen by a vehicle occupant.