Vertical surface cleaning autonomous device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning vertical surfaces of tall structures are hazardous for humans and ineffective, as they require manual access or suspended devices that struggle with rough and uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous cleaning device with multi-degree of freedom leg mechanisms and a cleaning arm, equipped with grippers for secure attachment and a fail-safe system, allowing it to climb and clean vertical surfaces efficiently, including inclined and rough surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning systems are used to reach tall structures, then cleaning access is achieved, but human safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous cleaning device performs cleaning operations independently without human intervention. The device autonomously navigates to vertical surfaces, positions itself using leg mechanisms with grippers, executes cleaning tasks through the cleaning arm, and returns to base station for recharging, thereby eliminating human exposure to height-related safety risks while maintaining effective cleaning access
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical systems with an autonomous robotic system. The cleaning device uses automated leg mechanisms with multi-degree of freedom movement and intelligent grippers instead of human-operated access equipment, substituting human mechanical operations with automated mechanical systems that eliminate safety risks associated with human presence at height
2Length of stationary object
If suspended devices with cables are used for cleaning, then height reach is improved, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates on rough surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device divides its support system into multiple independent leg mechanisms rather than relying on a single cable suspension system. Each leg mechanism with grippers can independently adapt to surface irregularities, providing stable support on rough and uneven vertical surfaces while maintaining height reach capability
Solution Approach 2:
The leg mechanisms incorporate multi-degree of freedom movement capabilities, allowing dynamic adaptation to various surface conditions. The grippers can adjust their positioning and gripping force in real-time based on surface irregularities, enabling reliable cleaning effectiveness on both smooth and rough vertical surfaces unlike rigid cable-suspended systems
3Object-affected harmful factors
If autonomous device with leg mechanisms is used, then cleaning safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leg mechanisms serve multiple functions: they provide support, enable movement along vertical surfaces, position the cleaning arm, and facilitate navigation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining safety through autonomous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the support, movement, and positioning functions into an integrated leg mechanism system rather than using separate components. The grippers are integrated with the leg mechanisms, and the cleaning arm is mounted on the main body that is supported by the legs, creating a unified system that improves safety through automation while controlling complexity through functional integration
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical surface cleaning device comprising a main body, a cleaning arm, a cleaning head, and leg mechanisms with grippers. The cleaning head applies a cleaning fluid on a surface to carry out a cleaning operation. A waste collector is provided to collect a waste material arising from the cleaning operation. The grippers may remain in a grip or in a release state. The segments of the leg mechanisms are articulatable to configure a first group of the leg mechanisms to stably hold the main body at a first place with the grippers remaining in the grip state. A second group of the leg mechanisms move in a desired direction with their grippers in release state while the first group stably holds the main body. The first group of the leg mechanisms then moves in the same direction while the second group holds the main body at a second place.