Autonomous Tunnel Cleaning Apparatus with Self-Refilling Fluid System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tunnel cleaning methods require manual operation and closure of vehicle lanes or tunnels, disrupting traffic flow and posing safety risks, as they are unable to clean tunnel surfaces autonomously while maintaining operational traffic conditions.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous tunnel cleaning system comprising a guidance system and a cleaning apparatus that can travel along the tunnel, equipped with a gap straddling mechanism, powered traction, brushing members, and a cleaning fluid delivery system, allowing for autonomous operation and cleaning without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning methods are used, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but traffic flow is disrupted and worker safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including guidance systems (laser, optical, or mechanical tracks), onboard sensors, and control systems that enable it to clean tunnel walls independently without human operators inside the tunnel, thus ensuring worker safety while maintaining traffic flow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated system that uses powered propulsion (wheels or tracks), automated brushing mechanisms, and electronic guidance systems to perform cleaning functions that were previously done manually, eliminating the need for workers to enter the tunnel
2Manufacturing precision
If the tunnel is closed for manual cleaning, then thorough cleaning can be performed, but cleaning time and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus can operate continuously along the tunnel length without requiring tunnel closure, moving autonomously from one end to the other while maintaining consistent cleaning action on the walls, thus achieving thorough cleaning without operational disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic propulsion mechanisms (powered wheels or tracks) and adjustable cleaning heads that can adapt to the tunnel geometry, enabling continuous movement and cleaning operation without interruption, unlike static manual cleaning methods
3Extent of automation
If a guidance system is implemented, then autonomous navigation is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs intermediary guidance infrastructure (laser beams, optical markers, or mechanical tracks) that the cleaning apparatus follows to navigate the tunnel, simplifying the onboard navigation complexity by offloading guidance functions to the tunnel environment itself
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
Enables efficient and safe tunnel cleaning without disrupting traffic, as the system can operate autonomously, reducing the need for manual labor and temporary safety barriers, and can refill cleaning fluids while in operation, ensuring continuous cleaning without human operators inside the tunnel.
Implementation Method 1
The powered traction system comprises at least one driven wheel arranged to engage a road in the tunnel
Implementation Method 2
The autonomous surface cleaning system comprises at least one brushing member capable of physically brushing a surface of the tunnel
Implementation Method 3
The autonomous surface cleaning system comprises a cleaning fluid delivery system arranged to deliver cleaning fluid onto the surface being cleaned
Data Source
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AI summary
An autonomous tunnel cleaning system (ATCS) (10) has a guidance system (12) and a cleaning apparatus (14). The guidance system (12) is capable of guiding the cleaning apparatus (14) along at least a portion of a tunnel (16). The cleaning apparatus is capable of autonomously travelling along the tunnel (16) under guidance of the guidance system (12). The cleaning apparatus (14) cleans a length of the tunnel (16) while it travels along the tunnel. The cleaning apparatus (14) has a brushing member (34) and a fluid delivery system (36). The fluid delivery system (36) includes tanks (46, 48) and spray manifolds (56) and (58). The fluid delivery system (36) operates to deliver fluid onto the wall (18) in advance of and/or trailing the brushing member (34). A refilling system (84) enables automatic refiling of tanks (46), and (48) as the ATCS (10) travels along the tunnel.