Magnetic Window Cleaning Units With Return-to-Attachment Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cleaning the outer side of windows on high buildings is challenging and poses safety risks, as existing window cleaning apparatuses lack efficient methods for easy detachment and safe operation on both inner and outer sides.

Innovation Solution

A window cleaning apparatus with two units attached to the inner and outer sides of a window using magnetic forces, equipped with control units that detect the initial attachment position, allowing for easy detachment and improved safety by moving the units close to the attachment point after cleaning, facilitated by a computer-readable program for controlling movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a window cleaning apparatus is used on high buildings, then cleaning capability is improved, but safety deteriorates due to great risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The window cleaning apparatus is divided into two separate cleaning units: one unit is placed on the outside of the window and another unit is placed on the inside. These units are connected through magnetic attraction forces, allowing them to work together as a system while maintaining physical separation. This segmentation enables the apparatus to clean both sides of the window simultaneously while reducing safety risks through the magnetic connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Magnetic force serves as an intermediary connection between the two cleaning units positioned on opposite sides of the window. The magnetic attraction provides a reliable connection mechanism that allows the units to work together without direct mechanical contact, enabling safe operation at heights while maintaining system integrity through the magnetic field mediator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a window cleaning apparatus with two cleaning units is used, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Two cleaning units that would normally require separate operation and handling are merged into a single integrated system through magnetic connection. The magnetic attraction force combines the functionality of both units (one for outer side cleaning, one for inner side cleaning) into a coordinated system that operates as a unified apparatus, reducing the need for separate equipment while maintaining dual-side cleaning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field acts as an intermediary that simplifies the connection between two cleaning units. Instead of requiring complex mechanical linkages, cables, or direct physical connections between units on opposite sides of the window, the magnetic mediator provides a simple yet effective connection mechanism that reduces overall system complexity while enabling coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the window cleaning apparatus returns to initial attachment position, then ease of operation is improved, but movement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachment convenienceVSAvoidmovement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically controls the movement of the cleaning units to return them to their initial attachment positions after cleaning operations are completed. This self-service functionality eliminates the need for manual intervention to reposition the apparatus, allowing users to simply detach the units from their convenient initial positions after cleaning without requiring additional manual repositioning steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically returning the cleaning units to their initial attachment positions before detachment. This preliminary repositioning ensures that the units are in the optimal location for easy removal by the user, preventing the need for manual repositioning and streamlining the overall operation sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enhances user convenience and safety by allowing easy detachment and efficient cleaning of both sides of windows, improving safety and reducing risks associated with high-building window cleaning.

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

PatentEP2572618B1Apparatus for cleaning a glass window and method for controlling the movement thereof

Publication Date: 2018.11.14 INTELLECTUAL DISCOVERY CO LTD

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a window cleaning apparatus that 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.