Vehicle Wash Component Control for Autonomous Fluid Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Car washes are labor, equipment maintenance, and input intensive, and the use of concentrated chemicals leads to degradation of vehicle wash components, requiring frequent replacement or repair.

Innovation Solution

Vehicle wash components configured with a processor, actuator, and independent power source that can interpret signals from a car wash controller and generate separate control signals for fluid delivery, allowing for autonomous operation and independent power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If concentrated chemicals are used in vehicle wash operations, then material handling concerns and shipping costs are reduced, but degradation of vehicle wash components increases requiring frequent replacement or repair

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical concentrationVSAvoidcomponent durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the chemical delivery function into multiple independently controllable fluid delivery components (nozzles, valves, pumps) that can be individually monitored and replaced. Each component is equipped with its own processor and actuator, allowing selective maintenance without shutting down the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where processors in each fluid delivery component monitor operational parameters and communicate with the central car wash controller. This enables real-time detection of component degradation and predictive maintenance scheduling, extending component life despite exposure to concentrated chemicals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If vehicle wash components are controlled by a centralized car wash controller, then system coordination is simplified, but control signal interference and power dependency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system structureVSAvoidoperational independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each fluid delivery component is equipped with its own processor and actuator that can independently interpret control signals and generate separate control signals for operation. This local intelligence allows components to autonomously manage their operation while still coordinating with the central controller, reducing signal interference and power dependency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary layer where the central car wash controller sends high-level commands, and local processors in each component translate these into specific actuator control signals. This intermediary processing layer isolates components from direct controller interference and allows independent operation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If vehicle wash components lack autonomous control capability, then system simplicity is maintained, but operational efficiency and responsiveness decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent structureVSAvoidfluid delivery efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic control where each fluid delivery component can adjust its operation in real-time based on local conditions and received commands. The processors continuously interpret control signals and generate updated actuator signals, allowing rapid response to changing wash requirements without centralized micromanagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Each fluid delivery component is self-sufficient with its own processor, actuator, and power source, enabling it to independently execute control commands and manage its operation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex centralized control wiring while improving operational efficiency and responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution enables efficient and autonomous control of fluid delivery in vehicle wash operations, reducing the need for frequent replacements, lowering maintenance costs, and improving the overall efficiency of car wash systems.

Implementation Method 1

the actuator includes a solenoid valve operatively coupled to the fluid delivery nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS12287653B2Sensing and control of vehicle wash components and systems and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 BLUE OWL CAPITAL CORP AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

AI summary

A vehicle wash component at a vehicle wash location includes a processor for controlling an operational status of the vehicle wash component, an actuator communicatively coupled to the processor and configured to operate the vehicle wash component, and a power source electrically coupled to the processor and the actuator. The processor receives a signal from a car wash controller located at the vehicle wash location, the signal for commanding control of the vehicle wash component, and upon receipt of the signal, the processor interprets the signal, generates a separate signal, and transmits the generated signal to the actuator. The actuator receives the signal from the processor for controlling the operational status of the vehicle wash component based thereon. The power source provides power to the actuator for operating the vehicle wash component based on the operational status of the vehicle wash component.