Automated Road Sweeper with Optical Debris Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current road sweepers are inefficient in adapting to varying road surfaces and debris types, leading to incorrect cleaning, excessive energy consumption, and mechanical wear due to operator reliance on manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An automated road sweeper equipped with optical means and a processor that scans the road surface, identifies debris types, and selectively operates cleaning members to optimize cleaning based on debris type and density, reducing energy consumption and mechanical wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator manually adjusts cleaning means to adapt to varying road surfaces and debris types, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but operator workload and potential for human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses optical sensors to detect road surface type and debris characteristics, with the processor automatically adjusting cleaning means parameters without operator intervention. The sweeper serves itself by autonomously adapting to varying conditions through sensor feedback and automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operator control with an automated control system comprising optical sensors, a processor, and actuators. The mechanical adjustment of cleaning means is substituted by an electro-hydraulic or electro-mechanical control system that responds automatically to sensor input.
2Reliability
If cleaning means operate continuously at maximum power, then debris removal capability is maintained, but energy consumption and mechanical wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating parameters of cleaning means based on real-time detection of debris type and density. Instead of continuous maximum power operation, the brushes and suction systems vary their intensity according to actual cleaning needs, optimizing energy usage while maintaining effective debris removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor modifies operational parameters such as brush rotation speed, suction pressure, and water flow rate based on sensor data. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain debris removal capability while reducing energy consumption and mechanical stress during lighter cleaning conditions.
3Productivity
If standard brushes are used on irregular cobblestone roads, then general cleaning is performed, but waste material is deposited inside cobblestone cracks
Solution Approach 1:
The system adapts the cleaning characteristics to match the local road surface properties. When cobblestone surfaces are detected, the processor adjusts brush stiffness, rotation speed, and positioning to prevent waste from being forced into cracks, while maintaining effective cleaning on the surface level.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensors detect road surface type in advance before the cleaning means engages. This preliminary detection allows the system to pre-adjust cleaning parameters appropriate for the detected surface type, preventing harmful effects before they occur.
4Productivity
If the operator monitors and adjusts all cleaning parameters manually, then optimal cleaning is achieved, but attention requirements and accident risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs monitoring and adjustment functions that would otherwise require continuous operator attention. This self-service capability reduces operator workload and exposure to safety risks while maintaining optimal cleaning performance through sensor-based feedback control.
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 automated system enhances cleaning efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes mechanical wear by automatically adapting to different debris types, improving operation even with less experienced operators and allowing for modular kit installation on various sweeping machines.
Implementation Method 1
optical means and a processor that scans the road surface, identifies debris types
Data Source
AI summary
An automated road sweeper is provided including transport apparatus suitable to allow the sweeper to travel on a road surface including debris, a plurality of cleaning members arranged at fixed points located in different portions of the sweeper and suitable for cleaning within predetermined cleaning areas, and a selector operatively connected to the cleaning members, suitable for scanning the road surface and locating the debris so as to select and exclusively operate the cleaning members, the cleaning area of which covers the debris during the movement of the sweeper.