Sensor-Controlled Tank Cleaning Apparatus for Targeted Debris Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tank cleaning methods are labor-intensive, hazardous, and inefficient, with existing remote systems often resulting in random and wasteful movement patterns that make it difficult to focus on specific areas in need of cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system comprising a sensor and a cleaning device that generates a cleaning force, where the sensor measures depth measurements of the surface material and communicates them to a processing device to determine and control a cleaning protocol, allowing the system to efficiently and safely remove materials from vessel interiors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional tank cleaning methods are used, then cleaning can be performed, but operator exposure to hazardous environments and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated robotic cleaning system equipped with sensors, processors, and automated cleaning devices that perform tank interior cleaning without human operators entering hazardous environments
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system performs self-navigation and self-cleaning operations using onboard sensors to detect material depths and automated control systems to adjust cleaning parameters, eliminating the need for human operators and reducing labor intensity
2Area of stationary object
If existing remote tank cleaning systems with 360° spherical spray patterns are used, then cleaning coverage is achieved, but random and wasted movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to continuously detect material depth and distribution throughout the tank, feeding this information back to the processor which adjusts the cleaning device's movement path and spray parameters in real-time to eliminate random movement and focus on areas needing cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system dynamically adjusts its movement pattern and cleaning parameters based on real-time sensor feedback about material depth and location, transitioning from static 360° spherical spray patterns to adaptive, targeted cleaning paths that reduce wasted movement
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing remote tank cleaning systems are used, then cleaning can be performed remotely, but difficulty of focusing on specific areas in need of cleaning increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors detect the depth and location of materials throughout the tank and provide feedback to the processor, which then precisely controls the cleaning device to target specific areas needing cleaning based on actual material conditions rather than predetermined patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different cleaning intensities and durations to different locations within the tank based on locally detected material depths, concentrating cleaning effort on areas with deeper or more stubborn materials while reducing effort in already-clean areas
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system includes a cleaning apparatus that is positionable in a cleaning environment and a cleaning processing device. The cleaning apparatus includes a sensor and a cleaning device. The sensor is configured to measure a depth of a target material on a surface of the vessel, and the cleaning device is configured to generate a cleaning force. The cleaning processing device is configured to receive a plurality of depth measurements of the target material on the surface, determine a cleaning protocol for the cleaning device on the surface based on the plurality of depth measurements, and control the cleaning apparatus to cause the cleaning device to apply the cleaning force to the surface pursuant to the cleaning protocol.