Sensor-Controlled Tire Shine Assembly to Prevent Wash Lane Collisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated vehicle wash systems often experience collisions due to the tire shine assembly extending into the path of subsequent vehicles when a preceding vehicle is driven off the conveyor prematurely, leading to damage to both the tire shine assembly and vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a proximity sensor to detect the presence of vehicles and control the tire shine assembly's extension and retraction, ensuring it is only extended when a vehicle is present and retracted when not, thereby preventing collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tire shine assembly is extended to wash tires, then tire washing function is improved, but risk of collision with vehicles is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The tire shine assembly is made dynamically movable between extended and retracted positions through an actuator system. The assembly can transition from a stationary extended position (for tire washing) to a movable retracted position (for avoiding collisions), allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs and safety conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor system detects the presence and position of vehicles on the conveyor, providing feedback signals to the control system. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically commands the actuator to extend or retract the tire shine assembly, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to real-time conditions and prevents collisions.
2Productivity
If the tire shine assembly remains extended, then tire washing efficiency is improved, but vehicle damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system detects vehicles in advance before they reach the tire shine assembly position. The control system receives this preliminary information and proactively commands the actuator to retract the assembly before the vehicle arrives, preventing potential collisions before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism between the control system and the tire shine assembly. It executes the control system's commands to smoothly transition the assembly between extended and retracted positions, mediating between the conflicting requirements of maintaining washing efficiency and avoiding vehicle damage.
3Reliability
If the tire shine assembly is retracted, then collision risk is reduced, but tire washing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The tire shine assembly operates in periodic cycles, alternating between extended positions (when vehicles are present and washing is needed) and retracted positions (when vehicles are absent or moving between washing zones). This periodic extension and retraction allows the system to maintain both safety and washing capability over time.
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
This solution significantly reduces the likelihood of collisions and damage by ensuring the tire shine assembly is out of the path of subsequent vehicles, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes systems and methods for a vehicle wash system. The disclosed technology includes a vehicle wash system comprising a tire shine assembly. The tire shine assembly can be configured to transition between an extended position and a retracted position. The vehicle wash system can further include a proximity sensor configured to detect a presence of a vehicle. The vehicle wash system can be configured to, in response to the proximity sensor detecting the presence of the vehicle, cause the tire shine assembly to transition to the extended position. In response to the proximity sensor not detecting the presence of the vehicle, the vehicle wash system can cause the tire shine assembly to transition to the retracted position.