Road Marking Rejuvenation With Vacuum Water-Recycling Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for cleaning and rejuvenating markings on pavement are inefficient, time-consuming, and costly, often requiring repainting due to dirt, debris, and oxidized paint buildup, which affects visibility for drivers and autonomous vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A modular apparatus that recirculates and reuses water for cleaning and rejuvenating surfaces, using a squeegee-like effect with vacuuming to remove dirt and debris, and recycles approximately 98% of the water used, allowing for efficient cleaning and rejuvenation of road markings at a pace of four to seven miles per hour.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional cleaning methods using absorbent materials are used, then organic spills can be cleaned, but the process is complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning speedVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated vehicle-mounted system that uses vacuum suction, high-pressure water spray, and heated air to automatically remove contaminants from road surfaces, eliminating the need for manual absorbent material application and sweeping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs pneumatic vacuum suction to extract contaminants and hydraulic high-pressure water spray to wash surfaces, using fluid dynamics to achieve efficient automated cleaning at speeds of four to seven miles per hour

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If repainting is performed to restore visibility, then markings become visible again, but the process is slow and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestoration speedVSAvoidrestoration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of repainting with an automated cleaning system that removes contaminants through vacuum suction and high-pressure water spray, restoring marking visibility without requiring paint application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system removes and discards contaminants such as dirt, debris, and oxidized paint buildup from road markings, recovering the original clean surface state without needing to apply new paint materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Productivity

If conventional cleaning systems are used, then some cleaning can be achieved, but they are inefficient and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous operational capability by integrating multiple cleaning functions (vacuum suction, high-pressure water spray, heated air) that can operate continuously without interruption, improving efficiency compared to intermittent conventional methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes variable parameters including adjustable water pressure, heated air temperature, and vacuum suction strength to optimize cleaning performance for different contaminant types and surface conditions, enhancing efficiency across diverse cleaning scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 apparatus effectively removes dirt, debris, and oxidized paint, rejuvenating surfaces with minimal environmental impact and reducing the need for costly repainting, while maintaining high visibility for drivers and autonomous vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

using a squeegee-like effect with vacuuming to remove dirt and debris

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

recirculates and reuses water for cleaning and rejuvenating surfaces, recycles approximately 98% of the water used

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater recycling:

Data Source

PatentUS12486629B1Method and apparatus for rejuvenating lines on roads

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 MCCALLUM ERICK

AI summary

An apparatus for rejuvenating markings on roads includes at least one cleaning unit, a collection tank, a vacuum member, and a connection point. At least one cleaning unit includes a frame, at least one skirt member, at least one spray connection, and a wand member. The skirt member is coupled to an external surface of the frame. The spray connection is disposed at least partially on a top surface of the frame, and the wand member is coupled to the underside of the spray connection. The collection tank includes a plurality of entry points and at least one vacuum connection. Each entry point is configured to mate with a hose. The vacuum member works with the collection tank such that material is vacuumed from underneath the cleaning unit into the collection tank and then into a storage tank. The connection point is configured for attachment to a maneuvering member.