Sensor Units in Container Carriers for Cleaning Machine Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container cleaning machines lack reliable methods for continuous and comprehensive monitoring of their operation, leading to potential misjudgments and intermittent monitoring due to separate installation of sensor units by machine operators.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transporting at least two sensor units in different lanes of a container cleaning machine, collecting environmental and operating data, and transmitting it to an evaluation unit for real-time monitoring and control, with features like inductive charging and maintenance units to ensure continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor units are installed separately by machine operators, then the monitoring function can be added to the container cleaning machine, but the monitoring becomes intermittent and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The container carriers are equipped with sensor units that automatically monitor cleaning parameters during their regular transport cycles through the cleaning machine. The carriers perform self-monitoring without requiring separate installation by operators, eliminating the reliability issues of manual installation while maintaining ease of operation since the carriers already exist as part of the machine's regular infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The container carriers serve dual functions: they transport containers through the cleaning machine and simultaneously carry sensor units for monitoring cleaning parameters. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor installation while ensuring reliable, continuous monitoring across all cleaning lanes
2Reliability
If only one sensor unit is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the monitoring coverage is insufficient for the entire machine
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented across multiple container carriers operating in parallel lanes. Each carrier independently monitors its lane, providing distributed coverage of the entire cleaning machine. This segmentation achieves comprehensive monitoring coverage without requiring a single complex centralized sensor system
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system utilizes the dynamic movement of container carriers through the cleaning machine. As carriers continuously circulate, they provide ongoing monitoring coverage that adapts to different operational conditions and lanes, achieving comprehensive coverage through dynamic distribution rather than static multiple sensors
3Reliability
If sensor units are transported through all cleaning lanes, then complete monitoring of the machine is achieved, but the risk of cleaning media affecting sensor accuracy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container carriers act as intermediaries that transport sensor units through the cleaning lanes while protecting them from direct exposure to cleaning media. The carriers provide a physical barrier that isolates the sensors from harsh cleaning environments while still allowing them to monitor parameters through the carrier walls or during protected transport phases
Solution Approach 2:
The container carriers provide pre-established protection against cleaning media interference before sensors are exposed to harsh environments. By designing the carrier structure with protective features beforehand, the system prevents cleaning media from directly contacting and potentially damaging or contaminating the sensor units while maintaining monitoring capability
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
Ensures reliable and continuous monitoring of the entire container cleaning machine, preventing malfunctions and ensuring consistent cleaning quality by detecting minor changes and interrupting operations if deviations occur.
Implementation Method 1
the battery (352) is charged at least temporarily during the transport of the sensor unit (131) by the container cleaning machine (100) by means of an inductive charging device (351)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
(The invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring the operation of a container cleaning machine (100), wherein the container cleaning machine (100) transports several containers (130) simultaneously from an inlet (120) to an outlet (140) of the container cleaning machine (100) by means of container carriers (132), each of which accommodates at least one container (130), in several substantially parallel lanes (110), wherein the method or the device comprises that during the operation of the container cleaning machine (100) at any given time at least two sensor units (131) in container carriers are transported through the container cleaning machine (100) in different lanes and wherein the sensor units (131) monitor environmental data and/or operating data within the container cleaning machine (100).