Servomotor-Driven Wiper Arm for High-Rise Window Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for cleaning high-rise building windows are expensive, prone to failure, and do not provide cost-effective, trouble-free operation over long periods, especially when accessing difficult-to-reach areas.
Innovation Solution
A modular window cleaning device with a detachable fastening flange and servomotor-driven wiper arm that can be retrofitted to existing surfaces, featuring a telescoping and rotating mechanism for efficient dirt removal, utilizing well-known components from vehicle and mechanical engineering for cost-effectiveness and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex crane systems with work platforms are used to clean high-rise building windows, then inaccessible window surfaces can be cleaned, but the system becomes expensive and complex to operate and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into separate functional modules: a fastening flange for mounting, a wiper arm for cleaning, and a drive mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance by enabling separate replacement of individual modules without replacing the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening flange is designed with a universal mounting interface that can be attached to various window frame types and positions. The device can be mounted at different locations around the building and serves multiple cleaning functions through the telescoping and rotating capabilities of the wiper arm.
2Area of stationary object
If autonomous mobile vehicles with suction cups are used to clean high-rise glass fronts, then large vertical areas can be cleaned, but the devices are expensive and coupled to ground stations with cables and hose lines
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential cleaning function from complex autonomous vehicles by using a simple manually-operated wiper mechanism. The ground station coupling with cables and hose lines is eliminated, replacing it with a self-contained device that can be manually controlled from inside the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed to be self-contained and manually operated, eliminating the need for external power sources, control systems, and support infrastructure. The user can operate the wiper arm directly without requiring autonomous navigation or ground station support.
3Length of moving object
If manually operable cleaning devices on telescopic handles are used, then some distance can be bridged between surface and operator, but the devices are not suitable for high-rise buildings and require considerable personnel effort
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from linear telescopic extension to rotational and telescoping motion of the wiper arm. The wiper arm can rotate around the mounting point and telescope to extend its reach, providing coverage in multiple dimensions rather than just linear extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper arm incorporates dynamic elements including rotation and telescoping motion, allowing it to adapt its position and reach during operation. This dynamic capability enables the operator to access different areas of the window surface more easily compared to a static telescopic handle.
4Reliability
If devices with rigid structures and multiple components are used for cleaning, then cleaning function is achieved, but maintenance and replacement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is constructed with clearly defined separable components: the fastening flange, the wiper arm, and the drive mechanism. Each component can be independently inspected, maintained, and replaced. The modular design allows the wiper arm to be removed and replaced without affecting the mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The design facilitates easy replacement of wear-prone components like the wiper blade, which can be discarded and replaced without affecting other parts. The modular structure allows recovery and reuse of durable components such as the fastening flange and drive mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for cleaning at least approximately flat surfaces (2), in particular window surfaces of a high-rise building, with an element (4) for removing dirt (5) from the surface (2), which element covers at least a partial surface ( 6) of the surface (2) is guided. In order to specify a device for cleaning at least approximately flat surfaces, which is inexpensive and reliable in operation and is also suitable for retrofitting surfaces to be cleaned that are difficult to access, the element (4) is designed in the manner of a wiper arm (7) and driven by at least a first servomotor (8), is capable of performing a translatory and/or rotary movement over the surface (2).