Cleaning device and method for using a cleaning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices struggle to efficiently clean both flat surfaces and structured frames, particularly on facade surfaces, due to the need for increased maneuverability and the ability to reach hard-to-access areas.
Innovation Solution
A modular cleaning device with displaceable cleaning elements along a longitudinal axis, allowing for wiping, brushing, or rubbing actions, and capable of being mounted on a flying object like a copter for accessing hard-to-reach areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cleaning elements are used to clean both flat surfaces and structured frames, then cleaning versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into multiple independent cleaning elements that can be individually positioned and controlled. Each cleaning element can be independently displaced along the longitudinal axis and rotated, allowing different elements to handle different surface types (flat glass vs. structured frames) simultaneously, thereby achieving versatility through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device incorporates multiple cleaning elements with different functions (brushes for structured frames, sponges for flat surfaces) that can operate simultaneously. The holder and drive system are designed to support various types of cleaning elements, making the device universally applicable to different cleaning tasks without requiring separate equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cleaning elements are made displaceable relative to the carrier to reach hard-to-access areas, then adaptability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning elements are designed to be dynamically displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the holder through a drive mechanism. This dynamic positioning capability allows the cleaning elements to reach hard-to-access areas of facades and adjust to different cleaning requirements, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively compact and lightweight structure compared to fixed extended arms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flying carrier is used to access hard-to-reach facade areas, then reachability is improved, but device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flying carrier (drone or copter) as an intermediary platform to carry the cleaning device to hard-to-reach facade areas. This mediator approach allows the cleaning mechanism itself to remain relatively simple while the flying carrier handles the complex navigation and positioning, separating the cleaning function from the transportation function and reducing overall system control complexity.
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
The device effectively cleans both flat and structured surfaces with ease, utilizing a combination of linear and rotational movements, and can be used on surfaces that would be difficult or impossible to reach without a flying carrier.
Implementation Method 1
A drive (7) makes it possible to displace the cleaning elements (6) along the holder (3) on the longitudinal axis (5)
Implementation Method 2
different cleaning devices comprising a drive are known, which generally moves brushes in a rotational manner in order to clean surfaces and in order to remove dirt, which then loosens from the brush again by means of the centrifugal force
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device includes a support, a drive, a holder and cleaning elements. The holder has a longitudinal axis, on which the cleaning elements are arranged so as to be displaceable with the drive relative to the support. According to the method, the cleaning elements can be moved in opposite directions on the longitudinal axis or on axes which are arranged in parallel to one another.