Vacuum-Based Wall Adhesion for Automated High-Rise Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-rise buildings face challenges in external wall cleaning due to the dangers and high costs associated with manual cleaning methods, particularly the use of hanging cages which pose risks to workers and are labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An automatic wall adhesion and cleaning system utilizing a vacuum-based mechanism with a flexible rubber track and drive wheels, equipped with a cleaning mechanism that adheres to the wall via vacuum suction, allowing for automated movement and cleaning without the need for high-cost labor or risking human life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning using hanging cages is used, then cleaning can be performed on high-rise buildings, but the safety of workers is compromised and labor costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system performs cleaning operations autonomously without human intervention during the actual cleaning process. The automated cleaning mechanism with robotic arms and cleaning tools executes all cleaning tasks automatically, eliminating the need for workers to manually clean windows while suspended from cages, thus ensuring worker safety while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical cleaning system with an automated robotic system. The robotic cleaning mechanism uses automated arms, motors, and control systems to perform cleaning operations that were previously done manually by workers in hanging cages, thereby improving safety while maintaining operational capability
2Productivity
If hanging cages with multiple workers are deployed, then large areas can be cleaned, but the risk of accidents increases and labor costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into multiple independent robotic units, each capable of cleaning a specific area. These modular units can be deployed in parallel to cover large building surfaces, maintaining high productivity while each unit operates independently without requiring multiple workers in a single cage, thereby reducing accident risk
Solution Approach 2:
Each robotic cleaning unit operates autonomously to clean its assigned area, eliminating the need for human workers to be present in hanging cages. This automation maintains the ability to cover large areas through multiple units while completely removing the risk of accidents to human workers
3Ease of operation
If automated cleaning systems are used, then labor costs are reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic cleaning system is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform various cleaning operations (window cleaning, wall cleaning, surface polishing) using different interchangeable tools. This universal design consolidates multiple specialized systems into one platform, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation levels and eliminating manual labor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized control system that acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex robotic mechanisms. This control system manages all robotic functions, tool operations, and safety protocols through a unified interface, making the complex automated system easy to operate while maintaining high automation benefits
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 system significantly reduces cleaning costs and eliminates the risks associated with manual methods by enabling safe, automated cleaning of building walls, ensuring efficient and cost-effective maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum suction force is created in the vacuum suction holes of the vacuum suction device
Implementation Method 2
The flexible rubber track comprises an elastic sealing edge at each of two opposite sides thereof, a plurality of transmission gears therein and a ventilation unit in air communication with each vacuum mount at the sealing material. The ventilation unit comprises an air flow slot cut through each transmission gear of the flexible rubber track, and a plurality of air holes cut through the flexible rubber track.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic wall adhesion and cleaning system includes a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the outer wall of a building, and a vacuum-based wall adhesion mechanism adherable to the outer wall of the building by a vacuum suction force and adapted for carrying and moving the cleaning mechanism on the outer wall of the building. Thus, the automatic wall adhesion and cleaning system can save labor cost and eliminate the risk of human life due to rupture of the ropes of a hanging cage.