Pivot Arm Mitter Assembly for Wider Vehicle Wash Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle washing systems lack efficient and customizable mechanisms for effectively cleaning various surfaces of vehicles, particularly in terms of movement and coverage, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage from tangled cleaning elements.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle washing system incorporating a combination of top, side, and wrap-around washing apparatuses with mitter systems, utilizing planetary gear arrangements and pivot arms for controlled movement of mitter strips, along with customizable configurations and advanced automation features for enhanced cleaning efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional washing systems use fixed cleaning elements, then the structure is simple, but the cleaning coverage and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic cleaning elements including rotatable mitter frames with multiple mitter strips that can rotate and adjust their positions. The pivot arms allow the mitter frames to move dynamically to adapt to different vehicle surfaces, transforming fixed cleaning elements into adaptable dynamic structures that enhance cleaning coverage while managing system complexity through controlled movement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing system divides the cleaning function into multiple independent mitter strips (first, second, third, and fourth mitter strips) mounted on separate mitter frames. Each mitter strip can be independently controlled and positioned, allowing selective engagement with different vehicle surfaces. This segmentation enables versatile cleaning coverage while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If cleaning elements move rapidly to cover more area, then productivity increases, but the risk of tangling and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protective features including tensioning mechanisms and guides that prevent excessive movement of the mitter strips before tangling can occur. The pivot arms are designed with controlled range of motion to cushion against sudden movements that could cause tangling. These preemptive measures protect the cleaning elements while maintaining efficient cleaning operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as the pivot arms and tensioning mechanisms that mediate between the motor-driven rotation and the mitter strips. These intermediaries control the motion transmission, reducing direct stress and tangling risks on the cleaning elements while maintaining productivity through smooth, controlled movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple washing apparatuses are used to cover all vehicle surfaces, then cleaning completeness improves, but device complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal washing apparatus where a single mitter frame assembly with multiple mitter strips can perform multiple cleaning functions on different vehicle surfaces. The pivot arms enable the same apparatus to wash windows, doors, and other surfaces by adjusting the mitter frame position, eliminating the need for separate specialized apparatuses for each surface type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple cleaning functions into a single integrated washing apparatus. The first and second mitter frames with their respective mitter strips are merged into one coordinated system that can simultaneously or sequentially clean multiple vehicle surfaces, reducing the total number of separate apparatuses while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
4Manufacturing precision
If water and cleaning solution are applied continuously, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but water consumption and energy use increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic application of water and cleaning solutions rather than continuous application. The system applies fluids at specific intervals during the washing cycle, coordinating fluid application with the mitter strip contact periods. This periodic action maintains cleaning effectiveness while significantly reducing water and energy consumption compared to continuous application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies water and cleaning solutions in advance before the mitter strips make contact with the vehicle surfaces. This preliminary wetting and soaping prepares the surfaces for efficient mechanical cleaning, reducing the need for excessive fluid application during the actual washing process and thereby conserving water and energy.
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot arm assembly for a washing apparatus includes a pivot arm assembly having a vertical support; a pivot arm extending from the vertical support and pivotable with respect to the vertical support; a spindle extending from the pivot arm, the spindle including an upper spindle portion and a lower spindle portion, the lower spindle portion being arranged at an acute angle with respect to the upper spindle portion; a mitter frame coupled to the pivot arm at the lower spindle portion and a plurality of mitter strips attached to and extending downward from the mitter frame; and the pivot arm being pivotable about at least a 90 degree range of motion with respect to the vertical support.