Modular Washing Pod With Above-Ground Water Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated vehicle washing stations typically require a fixed location and connection to local sewer systems, necessitating extensive site preparation and installation time.
Innovation Solution
A modular, transportable washing pod system that includes a wash collection tray, touchless wash system, water recycle vessels, pumps, and above-ground water treatment and filtration, allowing installation on any level surface without excavation or sewer connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed location washing station with sewer connection is used, then reliable water drainage and treatment is achieved, but extensive site preparation and long installation time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The washing station is divided into modular components including wash bays, water treatment units, and storage modules that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation enables rapid deployment without extensive site preparation while maintaining full functional capability for water drainage and treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
An above-ground water treatment and filtration system serves as an intermediary between the wash bays and final water discharge. This self-contained treatment system eliminates the need for connection to local sewer systems while ensuring reliable water management and environmental compliance.
2Reliability
If a fixed location washing station with sewer connection is used, then adequate water treatment capacity is achieved, but extensive site preparation and excavation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The water treatment system is positioned above ground rather than requiring underground installation. This dimensional change eliminates the need for excavation and extensive site preparation while maintaining adequate water treatment capacity through vertically arranged treatment chambers and filtration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The above-ground water treatment and filtration system acts as a self-contained intermediary unit that processes all wash water on-site. This eliminates the need for underground sewer connections while providing comprehensive water treatment capability.
3Productivity
If a modular transportable system is used, then rapid installation and relocation are achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing station is segmented into standardized modular units with uniform connection interfaces. This segmentation enables rapid assembly and relocation while the standardization of modules actually reduces overall system complexity by using repeated, proven designs rather than custom configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are merged into integrated modular units, such as combining wash bays with water collection and treatment functions in single modules. This merging reduces the number of separate systems and connections needed, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining rapid deployability.
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
Enables rapid installation and relocation of a vehicle washing system, eliminating the need for extensive site preparation and sewer connections, while maintaining efficient water recycling and treatment.
Implementation Method 1
above-ground water treatment and filtration system
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a washing pod of the present invention generally include a modular assembly of transportable enclosure components and a washing system compatible therewith. The assembly may be installed on any substantially level location that (1) does not need to be excavated or otherwise prepared and (2) does not need to have a connection to a local sewer system. In one embodiment, the washing system includes a wash collection tray, a touchless wash system, one or more recycled water vessels, one or more pumps, and an above-ground water treatment and filtration system. In one aspect, the assembly can typically be installed in a matter of weeks and can be readily disassembled and relocated to another desired location. Embodiments of a method of using embodiments of a washing pod of the present invention are also provided.