Mobile Tank Cleaning Robot With Articulating Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manual cleaning of storage tanks is hazardous due to poor lighting, high temperatures, humidity, and toxic fumes, and often results in incomplete cleaning and wastage of cleaning water.
Innovation Solution
A mobile storage tank cleaning machine with a multiple link articulating arm and motor-driven rotary brush that extends into the tank, equipped with distance sensors, a camera, and a recycling system to ensure thorough cleaning without personnel entry and water wastage, using a water and disinfectant supply system for effective interior cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning is performed by workers entering the tank, then cleaning can be carried out, but workers are exposed to hazardous conditions including poor lighting, high temperatures, humidity, and toxic fumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a robotic cleaning system as an intermediary between the operator and the hazardous tank environment. The robot enters the tank instead of human workers, equipped with sensors, cameras, and cleaning mechanisms to perform maintenance tasks remotely, thereby eliminating direct human exposure to toxic fumes, poor lighting, high temperatures, and humidity while maintaining effective cleaning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical human worker system with an automated robotic system. The robot utilizes computer vision, sensor data, and automated control mechanisms to navigate and clean the tank interior, substituting human physical presence and manual operations with automated mechanical and electronic systems that can operate safely in hazardous conditions
2Productivity
If manual cleaning is performed, then cleaning can be completed, but there is always some chance that inadvertent contamination may remain due to worker presence
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs self-monitoring and self-correction during the cleaning process. Sensors and cameras continuously detect contamination levels and cleaning effectiveness, allowing the robot to adjust its operations in real-time to ensure complete cleaning without human contamination, with the system serving its own quality control function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensor feedback systems that continuously monitor the cleaning process. Sensors detect residual contamination, lighting conditions, and cleaning effectiveness, providing real-time feedback to the control system which adjusts cleaning parameters accordingly, ensuring reliable contamination removal without the risk of human error or inadvertent re-contamination
3Manufacturing precision
If water is used to clean and flush the tank interior, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but the water must be pumped out and is generally wasted with no recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a water recovery system that collects and recycles cleaning water instead of discarding it. The system includes water collection mechanisms, filtration units, and recycling pumps that capture used cleaning water, remove contaminants through filtration, and reuse the purified water for subsequent cleaning operations, thereby eliminating water wastage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sensors to detect and adapt cleaning parameters in real-time, optimizing water usage. The system adjusts water flow rates, pressure, and application timing based on contamination levels and surface conditions detected by sensors, achieving thorough cleaning with minimal water consumption and maximizing the utility of each unit of water used
Data Source
AI summary
The storage tank cleaning machine is a mobile unit mounted on a trailer for towing by a suitable vehicle. The machine is positioned adjacent the access opening of the tank, e.g., a water tank, cistern, or other storage tank, and a support on the bed of the machine is raised to vertical over the opening. A multiple segment articulating arm extends from the support and is lowered through the opening to access the interior of the tank. A motorized rotary brush extends from the distal end of the arm. Distance sensors adjacent the brush detect the interior surfaces of the tank for accurately positioning the brush. An electronic control system is provided. A tank for water and/or other cleaning fluid and a disinfectant tank are also provided. Fluids used during the cleaning operation are suctioned back to the machine, where the fluids are cleaned and recycled.