Modular Cleaning Machine Housing Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of large cleaning machines is complicated and expensive due to the need for complex assembly of prefabricated frames and holding devices, which increases the risk of angular deviations and requires a large number of parts.
Innovation Solution
The cleaning machine is designed with a modular structure, where side walls are divided into horizontal modules, allowing for easier assembly by reducing the number of parts and weight, with thermal insulation achieved through a butt joint using an air gap or insulation material, enabling energy-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a prefabricated frame structure is used to assemble the housing, then the housing can be constructed in a modular manner, but the assembly becomes complicated and expensive due to the need for holding devices and multiple parts
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into horizontal modules (first and second horizontal modules) that can be assembled separately and then connected. Each module contains specific components (cleaning zones, conveyors, etc.), allowing for independent manufacturing and assembly. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex prefabricated frame structures and holding devices, as the modules themselves form the structural framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the structural frame function and the housing enclosure function into the horizontal modules themselves. The side walls and end walls of each module serve both as structural support and as the housing enclosure, eliminating the need for separate prefabricated frames and holding devices. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts and simplifies assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If a prefabricated frame with holding devices is used, then the housing can be assembled, but the number of parts increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into two main horizontal modules that can be assembled independently. Each module is a self-contained unit with its own side walls, end walls, and internal components. This segmentation reduces the total number of parts compared to a design requiring separate frames, holding devices, and multiple small components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary holding devices and complex frame structures from the design. The horizontal modules themselves provide the structural support and positioning functions that would otherwise require separate holding devices. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces the number of parts.
3Ease of manufacture
If a prefabricated frame with holding devices is used, then the housing can be assembled, but the risk of angular deviations increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the housing into horizontal modules with defined interfaces, the patent establishes precise reference surfaces for assembly. The side walls and end walls of each module provide stable, pre-defined mounting surfaces that reduce angular deviations during assembly. Each module can be pre-assembled and checked for precision before final integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal modules can be pre-assembled and pre-positioned with correct angular relationships before final assembly. This preliminary action allows for quality control and precision checking to be performed on each module independently, reducing the risk of angular deviations in the final assembled housing.
4Loss of energy
If thermal insulation is achieved through an air gap, then energy efficiency is improved, but the structural connection between modules is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thermal insulation material as an intermediary substance between the horizontal modules. This intermediary layer provides thermal insulation to reduce energy loss while still allowing for structural connection through mechanical fasteners or other joining mechanisms that can penetrate or attach to the insulated surfaces. The intermediary insulation material does not completely separate the modules structurally.
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
This modular design simplifies the assembly process, reduces the risk of angular deviations, and allows for more efficient use of space and energy, while maintaining effective cleaning functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the two side wall parts are thermally insulated from one another by the butt joint
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The machine (1) has a feeding station and a dispensing station accommodated with a housing (2). The housing includes two side walls (3) that are arranged opposite to each other, and the dispensing station is formed as a dispensing module (2.1). The dispensing module comprises an exhaust conveyor. The feeding station is formed as feeding module, and side wall parts (3.3, 3.4) of the side walls are separately connected with each other through a side point that is passed in a horizontal direction. An insulating material i.e. plastic rail pad, is arranged between the side wall parts.