Street Cleaning Machine Suction Control via 3D Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current street cleaning machines require skilled operators to manually control brooms and steering, leading to inefficiencies, ergonomic challenges, and noise pollution, with limited automation and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a 3D camera and pattern recognition software to automate broom positioning and suction control, allowing for semi- or fully automatic operation, reducing operator strain and improving cleaning efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual control of brooms and steering is used, then the cleaning machine can operate with simple structure, but the operator requires high skill level and good eye-hand coordination leading to reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning machine performs broom positioning and suction control automatically through image processing and pattern recognition, making the system self-regulating without requiring continuous manual intervention. The machine serves itself by detecting debris patterns and adjusting its own operation parameters
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical control is replaced with an automated vision-based control system that uses image processing algorithms to detect debris and automatically adjust broom position and suction power, substituting human operator actions with automated electronic control
2Productivity
If maximum suction power is used continuously, then debris up-taking efficiency is improved, but energy consumption and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suction power is made dynamically adjustable based on real-time debris detection. The system varies suction power levels according to the type and amount of debris detected, using high power only when needed and reducing power during normal operation, making the system adaptive rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The suction power parameter is changed dynamically based on debris characteristics. The system modifies operational parameters (suction power) in response to detected conditions, transitioning between different power states to optimize both efficiency and energy consumption
3Ease of operation
If manual broom control is used, then the system structure remains simple, but the operator experiences ergonomic challenges and physical demand
Solution Approach 1:
The broom positioning function is automated through image processing that detects curbs and debris, allowing the system to self-position brooms without manual control. This transfers the physical and mental burden from the operator to the automated system
Solution Approach 2:
An image processing system acts as an intermediary between the environment and the broom control system. The vision system processes visual information and translates it into automated control commands, mediating the interaction between the operator and the complex control functions
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 solution enhances cleaning quality, efficiency, and ergonomic conditions by automating broom positioning and suction control, reducing noise, and improving energy efficiency while allowing operators to focus on traffic and surroundings.
Implementation Method 1
a fan for providing suction, such as by under-pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is in the field of a mobile installation for street cleaning, also referred to as a cleaning machine for a road or pavement or gutter, for removing undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces, with or without moistening of the surface. These machines are used to remove objects, such as small items, such as leaves, and debris, and dirt from a road or the like, using a broom system for cleaning the road or the like, and typically a storage for removed objects and dirt.