Vehicle Wash Brush Path Control for Irregular Outer Contours
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle washing systems are inflexible and prone to damage when dealing with unusual vehicle attachments or changing vehicle contours, leading to incomplete cleaning and potential damage to the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that adjust the angle of a treatment brush relative to the vertical and monitor its orientation during the washing process, allowing for adaptive path adjustments to accommodate varying vehicle contours and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If global strategies are used to guide the washing brush along predefined paths, then the washing process is simple to operate, but the cleaning is not thorough for unusual vehicle contours or attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The washing brush is equipped with angle sensors that continuously monitor its orientation during the washing process. When a deviation from the predetermined angular range is detected (indicating contact with unusual vehicle contours or attachments), the control system dynamically adapts the brush path in real-time. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain operational simplicity while achieving thorough cleaning of various vehicle shapes.
2Reliability
If the washing brush follows a fixed predetermined path, then the washing process is reliable and easy to control, but collisions or damage may occur with protruding attachments
Solution Approach 1:
Angle sensors continuously provide feedback on the washing brush's orientation during operation. When the brush contacts protruding attachments or unusual vehicle contours, the angle deviates from the predetermined range, triggering an automatic path adaptation response. This feedback mechanism maintains reliable process control while preventing collisions and damage through real-time adjustments.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If special programs are initiated for unusual add-on parts, then vehicle damage is avoided, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The washing system automatically detects unusual vehicle contours or attachments through angle sensor monitoring and autonomously adapts the washing brush path without requiring operator intervention. The system self-adjusts when deviations are detected, eliminating the need for complex manual program selections while maintaining damage prevention capabilities.
4Reliability
If the washing brush is rigidly mounted, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to changing vehicle contours or positions
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining a rigidly mounted washing brush structure for reliability, the system incorporates angle sensors and a control system that dynamically adjust the brush's operational path. When vehicle contours or positions change, the system detects angle deviations and automatically adapts the trajectory, combining structural stability with adaptability to varying vehicle shapes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating a vehicle having at least one outer surface, includes (a) adjusting an angle of a treatment brush relative to the vertical in at least one predetermined angular range parallel and/or perpendicular to the outer surface, (b) guiding the treatment brush along the at least one outer surface on a path during the treatment process, (c) monitoring the angle of the treatment brush to the vertical parallel and/or perpendicular to the outer surface during step (b), and (d) adapting the path of the treatment brush if a deviation of the monitored angle of the treatment brush from the at least one predetermined angular range is determined in step (c). An apparatus for treating a vehicle having at least one outer surface, a use of the apparatus for treating a vehicle having at least one outer surface, and a computer program product are further disclosed.