Surface Cleaning Unit With Hydraulic Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for smooth surfaces like solar and photovoltaic systems are costly, complex, and introduce varying loads when navigating uneven terrain, potentially damaging sensitive surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A load balancing unit using a pressure accumulator and hydraulic cylinder maintains constant force application during movement, connected via a universal interface to agricultural equipment, allowing for adjustable and stable cleaning without manual re-adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning device is permanently installed on a vehicle or complete system, then cleaning capability is provided, but acquisition cost becomes extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is segmented into a separate, independently attachable unit that can be coupled to existing vehicles or equipment. The cleaning unit with brush roll, housing, and drive mechanism is designed as a modular component that interfaces with standard vehicle mounting points, allowing it to be detached and attached as needed rather than being permanently integrated into a complete system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to be attached to various types of vehicles and equipment. The interface mechanism accommodates different vehicle types, making the cleaning unit versatile and adaptable to multiple applications without requiring custom-designed complete systems for each vehicle type.
2Ease of operation
If a cleaning device navigates uneven terrain, then mobility is achieved, but load on surface varies causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device incorporates a spring-loaded suspension mechanism that acts as a counterbalancing system. The spring element is positioned to provide upward force on the brush roll assembly, counteracting downward forces generated when the vehicle encounters bumps or uneven terrain. This suspension system absorbs shocks and maintains relatively constant brush pressure on the surface despite vehicle movement over rough terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded suspension mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by pre-positioning the brush roll assembly on a compliant mounting that can absorb incoming shocks. The spring is pre-loaded to provide immediate cushioning force when terrain irregularities occur, preventing sudden load spikes that could damage the surface being cleaned before the control system can respond.
3Productivity
If cleaning unit load is adjustable, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device allows adjustment of cleaning effectiveness by changing physical parameters of the brush roll assembly, such as spring preload tension, brush roll diameter, or brush wire density. These parameter changes affect the contact pressure and cleaning action without requiring complex electronic control systems or multiple interchangeable components, achieving variable cleaning effectiveness through simple mechanical parameter modifications.
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 provides a cost-effective, stable, and efficient cleaning process that maintains consistent load on surfaces, reducing damage risks and operational costs, while being adaptable to various terrains and existing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a load balancing unit, in particular formed by at least one pressure accumulator (41), which interacts with a hydraulic cylinder (42)
Implementation Method 2
a load balancing unit, in particular formed by at least one pressure accumulator (41), which interacts with a hydraulic cylinder (42)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for cleaning smooth surfaces, wherein the device has an interface (1) for connection to a vehicle, by means of which the device can be detachably and permanently connected to the vehicle, and the device has at least one cleaning unit (2) that can be placed on the surface to be cleaned, wherein the cleaning unit interacts with at least one load balancing unit (4) by means of which the load to be applied to the surface to be cleaned can be adjusted to a preselectable value. The invention is characterized in that the load balancing unit (4) is formed by at least one pressure accumulator (41) which interacts with a hydraulic cylinder (42), and the load balancing unit (4) keeps the preselected value constant when the vehicle is moved.