Line Striper With Deployable Sweeper for Debris Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing line stripers face challenges in efficiently removing debris from surfaces before applying paint or other materials, leading to inconsistent application quality and increased effort due to the need for manual sweeping, which can be time-consuming and prone to delays, especially in outdoor environments where debris accumulation is rapid.

Innovation Solution

A line striper equipped with a debris removal system that includes a rotating brush or contact mechanism to apply consistent friction and dislodge debris, integrated with a material deployment system and actuated by a controller for autonomous operation, ensuring effective debris removal before material application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual sweeping is used to remove debris before painting, then labor flexibility is maintained, but time consumption increases and application quality becomes inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedebris removal speedVSAvoidtime between sweeping and painting
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the debris removal system and paint application system into a single integrated line striper unit. The debris removal mechanism (rotating brush) and paint spray gun are positioned one after another on the same device, allowing continuous operation without time loss between sweeping and painting operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The debris removal system performs preliminary cleaning action automatically before the paint application system operates. The rotating brush clears the surface in advance, ensuring the paint is applied to a clean surface without requiring separate manual sweeping steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a fixed debris removal system is installed on the line striper, then debris removal consistency is improved, but adaptability to different working conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedebris removal consistencyVSAvoidadaptability to different surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The debris removal system employs a rotating brush that can dynamically adjust its operation. The brush rotation speed and contact pressure with the surface can be modified to adapt to different pavement types and debris conditions, maintaining consistent cleaning performance across varying working conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows parameter adjustments including brush rotation speed, brush contact force, and paint application pressure. These parameters can be changed to optimize performance for different surface types (asphalt, concrete) and debris conditions while maintaining reliable debris removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If an integrated debris removal and painting system is used, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The line striper is designed as a multi-functional device that performs both debris removal and paint application using a single power source (engine) and control system. The hydraulic system serves dual purposes by powering both the brush rotation and paint pump, reducing overall system complexity despite the integrated functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system operates autonomously with the engine automatically powering both the debris removal brush and the paint application system. The hydraulic fluid circulation system self-regulates to provide power to both mechanisms without requiring separate operators or control systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 integrated debris removal system enhances the quality and longevity of material application by consistently clearing debris, reducing manual effort and delays, and maintaining surface cleanliness between sweeping and striping operations.

Implementation Method 1

a rotating brush or contact mechanism to apply consistent friction and dislodge debris

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a rotating brush or contact mechanism to apply consistent friction and dislodge debris

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP3253923B1Line striper with deployable sweeper
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 WAGNER SPRAY TECH CORP
  • EP3253923B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3253923B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3253923B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A line striper (100) is disclosed. The line striper (100) comprises a material deployment system (120) configured to receive a material from a material source (122) and deliver the received material to a deployment mechanism (128), wherein the deployment mechanism (128) is configured to apply the received material to a surface. The line striper (100) also comprises a mechanical debris removal system (140) configured to, when actuated, move along an application path ahead of the deployment mechanism (128) such that debris is dislodged from the surface, wherein the mechanical debris removal system (140) comprises a contact mechanism (144) configured to facilitate dislodging of the debris from the surface.