Magnetic Window Cleaner Return Control for Safe Detachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Windows on high-rise buildings are difficult to clean, especially the outer side, which poses safety risks and requires frequent maintenance to maintain appearance and lighting performance.

Innovation Solution

A window cleaning apparatus with two units, one for the inner and one for the outer side, attached by magnetic force, equipped with control units that detect the initial attachment position and move to facilitate easy detachment after cleaning, using magnetic modules and wheel members for movement and cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the window cleaning apparatus is attached to high-rise building windows for cleaning, then cleaning capability is improved, but safety risks increase due to the height and difficulty of detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The window cleaning apparatus is divided into two separate cleaning units (first cleaning unit for inner side, second cleaning unit for outer side) that can operate independently. Each unit has its own drive mechanism and cleaning components, allowing one unit to remain attached while the other is detached or serviced, thereby improving safety while maintaining cleaning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit automatically detects the initial attachment position and autonomously moves the cleaning units to return to that position after cleaning. This self-service functionality eliminates the need for manual intervention at heights, significantly improving safety while maintaining full cleaning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the window cleaning apparatus cleans both inner and outer sides, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to dual units and magnetic attachment mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoiddual units structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second cleaning units are merged into a single integrated apparatus that shares common components including the magnetic attachment mechanism, control unit, and power supply. The units move together as a coordinated system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the ability to clean both inner and outer surfaces efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each cleaning unit is designed with universal functionality to clean both inner and outer window surfaces. The units can be interchangeably positioned and share common magnetic attachment and drive mechanisms, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment while improving cleaning efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the cleaning apparatus returns to initial position after cleaning, then ease of detachment is improved, but movement control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of detachmentVSAvoidmovement control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the position of the cleaning units during movement and automatically adjusts to return to the detected initial attachment position. This feedback mechanism simplifies the detachment process while the automated control eliminates manual intervention, offsetting the added control complexity with improved ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of returning the apparatus to the initial position is replaced with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors and motors. This substitution increases control complexity but dramatically improves ease of detachment by eliminating manual handling at heights

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Improves safety and convenience by allowing easy detachment and efficient cleaning of both inner and outer window surfaces, enhancing cleaning efficiency and user safety.

Implementation Method 1

a first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit that are respectively attached to the inner side and the outer side of a window by a magnetic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9351616B2Apparatus for cleaning a glass window and method for controlling the movement thereof

Publication Date: 2016.05.31 INTELLECTUAL DISCOVERY CO LTD

AI summary

A window cleaning apparatus includes a first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit that is attached to both sides of a window, respectively, by a magnetic force and moved on the sides, and a method of controlling a movement of the window cleaning apparatus. The method includes detecting the first initial attachment position of the window cleaning apparatus and moving the window cleaning apparatus close to the detected initial attachment position after cleaning.