Modular Chain Tire Cleaning System for Mud Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire cleaning systems for construction sites are inefficient in removing mud and debris, often requiring additional materials like rock, causing disposal issues, and can damage vehicles with excessive vibration, while also being costly and environmentally harmful due to water usage.
Innovation Solution
A modular tire cleaning system with chains that engage tires to remove debris, allowing it to fall into a volume below without clogging, and optionally using water sprayers to supplement cleaning, designed to be durable, adaptable, and cost-effective, with modules that can be combined for different cleaning actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rock systems are used to remove mud from tires, then cleaning effectiveness is improved initially, but the system requires additional materials and creates disposal issues over time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cleaning function from the rock/gravel medium and transfers it to the chain structure itself. The chains remove mud through mechanical engagement and scraping actions, eliminating the need for separate rock materials that would require disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive rock systems that accumulate contamination and require disposal, the invention employs simple, inexpensive chain elements that can be easily replaced or cleaned. The chains serve as disposable or easily maintainable cleaning components.
2Reliability
If shaker racks are used to clean tires, then some cleaning action is provided, but excessive vibration and shaking damage trucks and require added maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses controlled mechanical vibration through the chain structure to remove mud, but unlike shaker racks that vibrate the entire vehicle, the vibration is localized to the chain-tire interface. This provides cleaning action without transmitting harmful vibrations to the truck structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful vibration function is extracted from the cleaning mechanism. The chains provide cleaning through localized mechanical action at the tire surface rather than through whole-vehicle shaking, separating the useful cleaning effect from the harmful vibration transmission.
3Reliability
If wheel washer systems are used to remove mud, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but large volumes of water create additional runoff that requires disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the hydraulic/water-based cleaning system with a mechanical chain-based system. Mud is removed through mechanical engagement, scraping, and lifting actions of the chains rather than through water washing, eliminating the need for large volumes of water and the associated runoff disposal problems.
4Reliability
If track out pads are used to protect ground and remove material, then ground protection is provided, but the pads fail during heavy use from equipment weight
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses flexible chain elements that can deform and conform to the tire surface and ground conditions. Unlike rigid pads that fail under heavy loads, the flexible chains can accommodate equipment weight while maintaining their cleaning function and providing ground protection.
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
Effectively removes mud and debris from tires without the need for additional materials, reducing environmental impact and vehicle damage, while being easy to manufacture, maintain, and transport, with improved cleaning efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
chains that engage tires to remove debris
Implementation Method 2
engagement of the chains with the tires... scraping action... as the vehicle passes over
Implementation Method 3
adaptable to use sprayers or pans of water in conjunction with mechanical removals elements
Data Source
AI summary
A system for cleaning tires of a vehicle traveling along a longitudinal direction over the system includes modular tire cleaning units with debris removal elements. Each unit includes debris removal elements, such as a first chain assembly supported between supports and over a substrate and extending substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction, the first chain assembly defining a first tire track. A second chain assembly is supported between second sets of supports and over the substrate and extending substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction, the second chain assembly defining a second tire track parallel and spaced apart from the first tire channel. The system may include a second modular tire cleaning unit with longitudinally extending chains and/or a trough holding water and/or sprayers at the side of the system.