Toothed Container Design for Corrugated Surface Groove Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning tools are inefficient and labor-intensive for cleaning corrugated surfaces in refrigerated trailers, as they fail to quickly and completely remove debris from the grooves.
Innovation Solution
A device with a container and a plurality of teeth is designed to be positioned on a corrugated surface, where the teeth engage the grooves, allowing the container to collect debris efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing cleaning tools (brooms, dust pans, vacuums) are used to clean corrugated surfaces, then the cleaning process is simple and requires basic equipment, but the cleaning is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and incomplete due to material accumulation in grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented with multiple slots in the bottom portion, each slot receiving a tooth that engages with corresponding grooves in the corrugated surface. This segmentation allows simultaneous engagement with multiple grooves, enabling parallel cleaning action across the entire surface width, thus dramatically increasing cleaning speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional linear sweeping motion to a multi-dimensional approach where teeth extend vertically into grooves while slots provide horizontal alignment. This dimensional change allows the container to engage with the corrugated surface in both vertical and horizontal dimensions simultaneously, enabling complete groove cleaning in a single pass.
2Productivity
If existing cleaning tools are used, then the equipment is simple and easy to operate, but the cleaning is incomplete as materials accumulate in grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The teeth automatically engage with the grooves when the container is positioned on the corrugated surface, eliminating the need for manual manipulation or complex positioning. The structure self-adjusts to the groove pattern, providing complete cleaning without requiring operator skill or complex operational procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The teeth act as intermediaries between the container and the grooves, physically bridging the gap and transferring debris from the grooves into the container. This intermediary mechanism ensures complete material removal while keeping the operation simple, as the teeth automatically perform the complex task of groove engagement and debris extraction.
3Productivity
If traditional cleaning methods are used, then labor requirements are high due to repeated manual cleaning, but the equipment and method remain simple
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the container structure with integrated teeth and slots into a single unified device. This combination eliminates the need for separate brooms, dust pans, or vacuum attachments, reducing the number of tools required while significantly improving cleaning efficiency through the combined functionality of all components working simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for aiding in cleaning a corrugated surface includes a container and a plurality of teeth is disclosed. The container includes a bottom portion, an upper portion, and a pair of opposing side walls defining an opening configured to receive materials therein. The bottom portion includes a plurality of slot. Each of the plurality of teeth are coupled to and extend from first ends of corresponding ones of the plurality of slots and are configured to be at least partially disposed within corresponding grooves of the corrugated surface to aid in causing materials to be received within the opening of the container.