Smart industrial vacuum cleaner to reduce foreign object debris
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foreign object debris (FOD) in controlled areas, such as manufacturing floors and vehicles, leads to waste and operational issues due to the inability of existing technologies to effectively identify, classify, and manage out-of-place objects.
Innovation Solution
A vacuuming device equipped with sensors and a computer system that classifies FOD using machine learning algorithms, determining pick-up locations and optimizing operational procedures to reduce FOD accumulation by identifying source stations and adjusting vacuum paths based on FOD categorization and location data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional vacuum cleaners are used without classification capability, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is reduced due to inability to efficiently manage and identify FOD sources
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments FOD management by classifying debris into different categories (metallic, non-metallic, organic, inorganic) and tracking them by location and source station. This segmentation enables targeted cleaning strategies and identifies specific problem areas in the manufacturing environment.
Solution Approach 2:
A computer system acts as an intermediary between the vacuum cleaner and the manufacturing environment. It processes sensor data, classifies FOD, tracks locations, and provides recommendations for operational procedure modifications, enabling intelligent FOD management without requiring complex modifications to the vacuum hardware itself.
2Loss of time
If FOD is not classified and tracked, then the loss of information is low, but the loss of time increases due to inability to quickly identify FOD sources and optimize cleaning paths
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification and location tracking of FOD as it is collected, rather than analyzing it afterward. The computer system continuously processes sensor data to identify FOD categories, locations, and source stations in real-time, enabling quick identification and targeted response to FOD problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by analyzing FOD collection patterns and generating recommendations for modifying operational procedures at specific stations. This feedback loop enables continuous improvement of manufacturing processes to reduce FOD generation at its sources.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive sensor integration is implemented, then the measurement precision of FOD parameters is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality, where sensors serve multiple purposes: detecting FOD presence, classifying FOD types, determining location, and identifying source stations. This universal approach enables comprehensive FOD management without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
The system efficiently categorizes and manages FOD, reducing waste and operational inefficiencies by pinpointing FOD sources and optimizing vacuum paths, thereby improving manufacturing environments and reducing FOD production.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor connected to at least a suction head and configured to sense a parameter of foreign object debris (FOD) in the suction head
Implementation Method 2
a positioning sensor connected to the suction head and configured to ascertain a position of the suction head within an area in which the device is located
Implementation Method 3
The vacuum machine includes a negative pressure source, a vacuum head connected to the negative pressure source... Vacuuming picks up foreign object debris (FOD) into the vacuum machine
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuuming device. The device includes a sensor connected to at least a suction head, and is configured to sense a parameter of foreign object debris (FOD) in the suction head. The device also includes a positioning sensor connected to the suction head and configured to ascertain a position of the suction head within an area in which the device is located. The device also includes a computer in communication with the sensor and the positioning sensor. The computer is programmed to classify the FOD using the parameter, and use the position of the suction head to determine a pick-up location of the FOD.