Vehicle Washing Roller Axial Motion for Protruding Surface Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle washing systems face inadequate washing results on vehicle surfaces with protruding elements and recessed areas due to the spreading of washing elements, leading to 'washing shadows' which are not effectively addressed by existing solutions.

Innovation Solution

The washing roller's movement frequency and stroke in the direction of its axis of rotation are adjustable based on contact pressure, with a pneumatic or hydraulic actuation system varying pressure to ensure complete coverage of protruding elements and reduced spreading, using a sleeve connection for rotational stability and translational movement, and a helical control groove for precise stroke adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the contact pressure is increased to improve washing in protruding areas, then the washing elements can encompass protruding elements better, but the spreading of washing elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing result in protruding areasVSAvoidspreading of washing elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the axial movement stroke or frequency based on real-time contact pressure detection. When high contact pressure indicates a protruding element, the control unit increases the axial movement amplitude, creating a wiping motion that prevents washing element spreading while maintaining contact pressure for effective cleaning in protruding areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the movement parameters (frequency and/or stroke) in direct response to contact pressure variations. By increasing the axial movement stroke when protruding elements are detected, the system creates a wiping effect that counteracts the spreading tendency of washing elements under increased contact pressure, simultaneously achieving both goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a fixed frequency and stroke of movement is used, then the device operation is simple, but the washing result varies inadequately for different vehicle surface conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operationVSAvoidwashing result
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs self-service through automatic detection and adjustment. The detection device autonomously identifies vehicle surface conditions by monitoring contact pressure variations, and the control unit automatically modifies movement parameters without operator intervention. This maintains ease of operation while significantly improving washing results across diverse vehicle surface geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by using the detection device to monitor contact pressure and feeding this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts the washing roller's axial movement parameters. This closed-loop system automatically adapts to different vehicle surfaces, improving washing results while requiring minimal operator input, thus maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution improves washing results in areas with protruding and recessed elements by dynamically adjusting contact pressure and stroke, reducing wear and ensuring comprehensive cleaning without additional components or complex control systems.

Implementation Method 1

a pneumatic or hydraulic actuating device, which is coupled to the carrier shaft of the washing roller and via which the washing roller can be moved in the direction of its axis of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic or hydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

Contact pressure is applied to a vehicle surface to be cleaned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectContact pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3683103B1Device for washing a vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 STEGEMANN RENE
  • EP3683103B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3683103B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3683103B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Devices for washing vehicles are known, comprising a washing roller (22, 24) rotating about its axis of rotation and movable in the direction of its axis of rotation, a drive device (36, 38) coupled to a carrier shaft (26, 28) of the washing roller (22, 24) and via which the washing roller (22, 24) can be rotaryally actuated, wherein the washing roller (22, 24) bears against a vehicle surface to be cleaned with a contact force during the washing process, and a pneumatic or hydraulic actuating device (50, 52) coupled to the carrier shaft (26, 28) of the washing roller (22, 24) and via which the washing roller (22, 24) can be moved in the direction of its axis of rotation. To improve the washing result, it is proposed that the frequency and/or stroke of the movement in the direction of the axis of rotation be adjustable depending on the contact force of the washing roller (22, 24).