Machine Vision Control for Adaptive Cleaning Machine Wash Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated cleaning machines lack the ability to dynamically adjust cleaning processes based on the type and quantity of articles being cleaned, leading to inefficient use of resources and variability in cleaning efficacy.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device captures images of articles within the wash chamber, and a computing device analyzes these images to classify the articles by type and volume, adjusting wash and rinse cycle parameters such as duration and temperature to ensure adequate cleaning and sanitization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If automated cleaning machines use fixed cleaning cycles for all articles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning efficacy varies and resource usage becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning machine transitions from fixed static cycles to dynamic adaptive cycles. The control system continuously monitors cleaning state through sensors and adjusts wash/rinse parameters (temperature, duration, spray intensity) in real-time based on detected soil levels and article types, optimizing cleaning efficacy while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where sensors detect cleaning progress and article characteristics, feed this information to the controller, which then adjusts cleaning parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control enables adaptive cleaning cycles that respond to actual conditions, improving productivity without excessive complexity increase
2Reliability
If the cleaning machine uses longer wash and rinse cycles for all articles, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but energy consumption and water usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning machine applies differentiated cleaning parameters to different zones and article types within the chamber. Sensors detect soil levels on specific articles, and the control system adjusts wash/rinse intensity and duration locally for each article or zone, ensuring adequate cleaning only where needed rather than applying uniform extended cycles to all articles
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes cleaning parameters (temperature, pressure, duration, chemical concentration) based on real-time detection of soil levels and article materials. This enables the machine to use minimum necessary parameters for effective cleaning rather than defaulting to extended high-intensity cycles, reducing energy and water consumption while maintaining cleaning efficacy
3Reliability
If the cleaning machine uses higher water temperature and pressure for all articles, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but energy consumption and risk of damage to articles increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning machine applies differentiated temperature and pressure parameters to different zones and article types. Sensors detect article material properties and soil levels, enabling the control system to apply high temperature/pressure only to heavily soiled articles made of heat-resistant materials, while using gentler parameters for delicate or lightly soiled items, thus maintaining cleaning efficacy while minimizing damage risk
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed parameters to dynamic adaptive parameters. Temperature and pressure are continuously adjusted during the cleaning cycle based on real-time feedback from sensors monitoring article condition and cleaning progress, enabling the machine to apply high intensity only when and where necessary rather than uniformly to all articles throughout the entire cycle
Data Source
AI summary
Image classification is used to dynamically control one or more wash parameters in an automated cleaning machine. An imaging device installed in the wash chamber of the cleaning machine captures one or more image(s) of articles to be cleaned at various times throughout a cleaning process. A computing device analyzes the captured image(s) to classify the images as to an article type and a rack volume. Based on the article type classification and the rack volume, the computing device dynamically controls one or more parameters of the cleaning process to achieve a satisfactory cleaning and/or sanitizing result.