Vehicle Wash Control Using Optical Chemical Container Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wash systems lack user guidance and automatic adaptation to different washing substances, requiring manual intervention and special containers for chemical detection and dosing, which complicates the operation and efficiency of the washing process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving optical scanning of washing substance data on transport containers using portable devices, converting this data into control data for the vehicle wash system, allowing automatic adaptation of the washing process, including dosing and rinsing procedures, and providing user guidance through augmented reality or online databases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual intervention and special containers are used for chemical detection and dosing, then the system can handle different washing substances, but the operation becomes complex and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects washing substance properties through optical scanning of codes on transport containers, converts the data to control parameters, and adjusts dosing and rinsing procedures without manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously adapting to different washing substances based on the scanned information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated optical and electronic systems. Optical scanners read codes on containers, electronic devices convert washing substance data to control data, and automated systems adjust dosing and rinsing parameters, eliminating the need for manual chemical detection and dosing adjustments.
2Extent of automation
If automatic transfer of settings to the machine is implemented, then the washing process adapts to different substances, but the system requires complex data conversion and communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses universal optical scanning technology (barcodes, QR codes) that can read multiple code types with a single device. The electronic conversion device universally processes different washing substance data formats and converts them to standardized control data, making the system adaptable to various substances without requiring substance-specific hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic device that acts as a bridge between the optical scanning system and the vehicle wash system. This intermediary converts washing substance data from the optical scan into control data that the wash system can execute, simplifying the communication infrastructure by providing a standardized conversion layer.
3Loss of information
If portable devices with optical scanners are used to read washing substance data, then user guidance and automatic control are improved, but the system requires wireless communication and online database access
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data capture by scanning the code on the transport container before the washing process begins. The washing substance data is read and converted in advance, allowing the system to prepare control parameters and user guidance information before operation, ensuring accurate data transmission without requiring complex real-time communication during washing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying technology where the portable device scans and copies the code information from the transport container. This optical copy of the washing substance data is then transmitted wirelessly to the vehicle wash system, creating a digital replica of the physical code information that can be processed and stored without physically handling the original container.
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
Simplifies the operation of vehicle wash systems by enabling automatic adaptation to different washing substances, preventing mixing of substances, ensuring correct dosing, and extending the system's functionality through wireless communication and online data retrieval, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
optically scanning a code comprising washing substance data on a transport container of a washing substance using a portable device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle washing facility, comprising the steps of optically scanning (S101) a code, comprising wash substance data, on a transport container of a washing substance by means of a portable device; converting (S102) the washing substance data into control data for the vehicle washing facility; and controlling (S103) the vehicle washing facility (100)based on the control data.