Service system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machine servicing methods are inefficient and labor-intensive, requiring manual handling and precise step-by-step procedures, which can lead to errors and reduced operational time due to the need for frequent travel to service locations and manual handling of chemicals and waste disposal.
Innovation Solution
A service station system with connected service lines for fluid and electrical supply, including a control unit that automates the delivery of cleaning liquids and charging current to machines, ensuring correct ratios and preventing incorrect connections, allowing for autonomous and efficient servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual servicing procedures are used, then operators can service machines, but servicing time increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is equipped with a service connector that enables it to service itself by connecting to a service station. The control unit automatically manages the servicing process, including draining waste cleaning solution, refilling fresh cleaning solution, and recharging batteries, without requiring manual operator intervention for each step.
Solution Approach 2:
The service station pre-prepares servicing resources including fresh cleaning solution, charging equipment, and waste disposal systems before the machine arrives. When the machine connects via the service connector, the predetermined servicing sequence is automatically executed, eliminating the need for operators to perform preliminary preparations.
2Reliability
If operators manually service machines, then servicing can be performed, but human errors occur in following procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the machine's status including battery charge levels, cleaning solution tank levels, and operational parameters. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically determines when servicing is needed and executes the appropriate servicing sequence, ensuring procedures are followed accurately without relying on operator memory or attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of servicing is replaced by an automated electronic control system. The control unit electronically manages the servicing sequence through the service connector, replacing the mechanical/manual operations with automated electronic control, thereby eliminating human error in procedure execution.
3Productivity
If operators travel to service locations, then machines can be serviced, but travel time reduces overall operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The machine can autonomously return to the service station when servicing is needed and service itself without requiring an operator to transport it. The service connector enables automatic connection to the service station, which handles all servicing operations including waste disposal, refilling, and recharging.
Solution Approach 2:
The service station acts as an intermediary between the machine and the servicing resources. Instead of operators traveling to gather resources and return to service the machine, the service station provides all servicing functions at a fixed location, and the machine simply needs to connect via the service connector for automated servicing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple service operations are performed manually, then complete servicing is achieved, but service complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate servicing operations including waste disposal, refilling, and recharging are merged into a single integrated service sequence. The service connector provides a unified connection point that enables all these operations to be performed simultaneously or in an automated sequence through the control unit, reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The service connector serves multiple functions including electrical connection for power and data, fluid connection for cleaning solution supply and waste disposal, and mechanical connection for securing the machine at the service station. This multi-functional connector simplifies the overall service system by consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate connection systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A service station and a service process for servicing cleaning machines are provided, the service station comprising a first inlet line including an electric conduit and configured to connect to a power source, a second inlet line including a fluid conduit and configured to connect to a cleaning liquid source, a control unit, a charging unit electrically connected to the first inlet line and to the control unit, the charging unit being configured to provide a charging current, a first flow controller fluidly connected to the second inlet line, a first supply line electrically connected to the charging unit and configured to receive the charging current and to deliver the charging current to a first connector plug for providing the charging current to the machine to be serviced, a second supply line fluidly connected to the first flow controller and to a second connector plug for providing cleaning liquid to the machine to be serviced. The control unit is configured to control the first flow controller to cause delivery of cleaning liquid from the second inlet line to the second supply line and to control the charging unit to supply the charging current to the first supply line. A cleaning machine and a system comprising a service station and one or more cleaning machines is also provided.