Self-Resetting Spray Arch for Vehicle Wash Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle washing systems face downtime and damage due to contact between the spray arch and vehicles, requiring manual reset and replacement of breakaway mechanisms, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle washing system with an overhead treatment member that automatically resets to a home position after sensing a minimum predetermined force, using a frame structure with retention mechanisms and sensors to allow vertical movement and rotation, minimizing damage and enabling self-reset without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a breakaway mechanism with sheer pins is used to prevent damage upon contact, then vehicle and spray arch damage is prevented, but system downtime increases due to manual reset and pin replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arch system performs self-reset automatically after breakaway. The motor-driven mechanism detects the breakaway condition and autonomously repositions the spray arch to its initial position, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing system downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect when the spray arch has contacted a vehicle and broken away. This feedback signal triggers the automatic reset sequence, allowing the system to monitor its own state and initiate recovery actions without external input.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the spray arch is held rigidly in position, then operational stability is maintained, but contact with vehicle causes damage requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arch transitions from a static, rigidly held position to a dynamic system that can automatically adjust its position. The motor-driven mechanism allows the spray arch to move to a safe position upon contact and automatically return to its operational position, combining stability during operation with automatic recovery capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual reset procedure is implemented after breakaway, then proper repositioning is ensured, but service technician intervention is required causing extended downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously performs the repositioning task that previously required a service technician. The motor-driven mechanism receives the breakaway signal and automatically moves the spray arch back to its precise initial position, maintaining repositioning accuracy while eliminating human intervention and maximizing system availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle treatment apparatus for a vehicle cleaning system includes a frame structure having a pair of vertical side supports that are secured to the ground and are spaced apart from one another. The pair of vertical side supports have a generally horizontal treatment member extending therebetween. The horizontal treatment member has a first end and a second end and is configured to communicate with a vehicle that passes thereunder. Each of the pair of vertical side supports include a retention mechanism formed therein for engaging a respective one of the first end and the second end of the generally horizontal treatment member. The generally horizontal treatment member is in communication with a controller to allow substantially vertical movement within each of the retention mechanism from a home position to at least one lower position where it communicates with the vehicle. The generally horizontal treatment member is in communication with a sensor to monitor application of a force thereto. If the force applied to the generally horizontal treatment member is greater than a predetermined minimum acceptable force, the generally horizontal treatment member moves vertically upward to the home position and automatically repositions the end in the event the force applied to the horizontal treatment member is sufficient to dislodge the ends from their retention mechanism.