Runway Rubber Removal Using Sweeper-Mounted High-Pressure Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for removing rubber abrasion from airport runways are expensive and not cost-effective for smaller airfields, and hiring specialized companies increases operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a sweeper as a base vehicle with a trailer-mounted high-pressure water system and high-pressure cleaning arrangement, including a nozzle bar and suction mechanism, for mechanically detaching and removing rubber coating from the runway surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized cleaning vehicles are used to remove rubber abrasion from runway landing zones, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into separate functional modules: a sweeper base vehicle, a trailer with high-pressure water arrangement, and a high-pressure cleaning arrangement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier maintenance and operation while maintaining overall cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a multi-functional configuration where the sweeper base vehicle performs both conventional sweeping operations and serves as a platform for the high-pressure cleaning system. The trailer can be attached to or detached from the base vehicle, allowing the system to adapt between different cleaning modes and reducing the need for separate specialized vehicles
2Reliability
If specialized cleaning vehicles are used to remove rubber abrasion from runway landing zones, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the airport operator's existing sweeper fleet as the base vehicle, eliminating the need to manufacture entirely new specialized cleaning vehicles. The high-pressure cleaning components are added to existing assets, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the high-pressure water system and cleaning arrangement with the existing sweeper vehicle and trailer infrastructure. This combination allows the airport operator to leverage existing investments in sweepers and trailers, reducing the need for new manufacturing and lowering overall system cost
3Reliability
If high-pressure water jet is used to remove rubber abrasion, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high-pressure water arrangement continuously applies cleaning action to the runway surface as the vehicle moves forward, eliminating the need for repeated cleaning passes. The coordinated movement of the water jets and suction system ensures continuous removal of rubber particles, reducing overall operational time and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts loosened rubber particles and excess water from the cleaning zone using the suction arrangement and exhaust duct. This immediate removal prevents re-deposition of particles and allows the high-pressure water system to operate more efficiently, reducing the energy required for repeated cleaning cycles
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 effective and efficient removal of rubber coating using existing airport sweepers, reducing costs and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a high-pressure water arrangement (4) arranged on the trailer (3)... with which the rubber covering firmly attached to the substrate is at least detached from the substrate
Implementation Method 2
a high-pressure cleaning arrangement (5) arranged on the base vehicle (2)... for mechanically detaching and removing rubber coating from the runway surface
Implementation Method 3
a fan for extracting the loosened dirt within a housing... the rotation of the fan creates a suction effect, drawing the particles loosened from the surface and the cleaning water into the housing and transporting them away
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for cleaning a landing zone of a runway, which has at least one means for cleaning a surface of the landing zone, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a sweeper as a base vehicle (2), that the device (1) has a trailer (3) connected to the base vehicle (2), that a high-pressure water arrangement (4) is arranged on the trailer (3) and that at least one high-pressure cleaning arrangement (5) is arranged on the base vehicle (2).