Roadsweeper Dirt Container Suction Channel Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-propelled sweepers face challenges in achieving improved tipping stability and steerability while maintaining effective cleaning results with minimal energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

The suction channel is integrated into the dirt container with a laterally arranged inlet area next to the outlet of the suction line, allowing for effective separation of debris from the suction flow without the need for high-filter fineness devices, and the suction unit is positioned below the dirt container to lower the center of gravity, enhancing stability and steerability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a filter device with high filter fineness is used to separate debris from suction flow, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but flow resistance increases and energy consumption rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedebris separation effectivenessVSAvoidsuction unit energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the debris separation function from the traditional filter device and relocates it to a specifically designed separation chamber. This chamber allows debris to settle and separate from the suction flow through gravity and flow direction changes, eliminating the need for high-fineness filters that create excessive flow resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary separation chamber between the suction line and the suction unit. This chamber acts as a mediator that performs debris removal without the high flow resistance characteristics of traditional high-fineness filters, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the suction unit is positioned high in the vehicle structure, then space arrangement is simplified, but tipping stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural arrangement simplicityVSAvoidtipping stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention positions the suction unit in the lower region of the vehicle structure, effectively using the weight distribution to lower the center of gravity. This creates a stabilizing effect that counteracts tipping forces, improving overall vehicle stability without requiring additional counterweight mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Ease of manufacture

If the suction channel is designed as a separate component from the dirt container, then assembly flexibility is improved, but flow resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidsuction flow resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the suction channel with the dirt container by integrating the separation chamber into the container structure. This integration eliminates additional connections and joints that would increase flow resistance, while the modular design allows for straightforward assembly and manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If a powerful suction turbine is used to overcome high flow resistance, then debris pickup capability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedebris pickup capabilityVSAvoidsuction unit power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the flow resistance problem from the suction path by removing the need for high-fineness filters. The separation function is taken out and placed in a dedicated chamber, allowing the suction turbine to operate with significantly reduced power requirements while maintaining effective debris pickup capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This configuration reduces energy consumption, improves tipping stability, and maintains effective cleaning performance by minimizing flow resistance and the need for powerful suction turbines, while allowing for easier assembly and reduced manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the dirt container is subjected to negative pressure by a suction unit, so that a suction flow is formed from the suction mouth to the dirt container and from there to the suction unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a suction flow is formed from the suction mouth to the dirt container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction flow: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 3

the suction air can be deflected by 180° inside the dirt container, so that it can reach the at least one inlet area of the suction channel from the outlet of the suction line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow deflection: Flow Separation

Implementation Method 4

the entrained debris can be detached from the suction flow and sink in the dirt container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentEP2408972B9Automotive roadsweeper
Publication Date: 2013.03.13 ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG
  • EP2408972B9 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2408972B9 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2408972B9 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an automotive roadsweeper (10) comprising wheels for travelling along a ground area, at least one sweeping brush (24) that can be rotatably driven to sweep said ground area and a dirt container (36), which can be supplied with a vacuum by a vacuum unit (40) via a suction channel (77) and which is connected to a suction port (22) via a suction line (80) in order to receive swept debris. The aim of the invention is to improve the roadsweeper (10) to obtain a better cleaning result with the lowest possible energy consumption. To achieve this, at least part of the suction channel (77) is integrated into the dirt container (36) and the outlet (89) of the suction line (80) that opens into the dirt container (36) is located next to at least one inlet region (91, 93, 95) of the suction channel (77).