A CABLE-DRIVEN AUTONOMOUS WINDOW CLEANING ROBOTIC SYSTEM WITH PASSIVE ADHESION

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present invention relates to an autonomous cable-driven window cleaning robot designed for high-rise buildings and large architectural structures. The robot features a cable-driven navigation system, allowing vertical and horizontal movement across building facades with the aid of U-bolts (1h, 1i, 1j, 1k). It is equipped with passive adhesion wheels (5a, 5b) that securely attach to various surfaces using suction pores, eliminating the need for external power. The robot incorporates dual cleaning modules: an upper (6a) and a lower cleaning module (7a), each with rotating bristles (6c, 6d, 7c, 7d) and water inlets (6b, 7b). These modules clean the surface while contaminated water is removed through a vacuum compressor (2a). A rack-and-pinion mechanism (8a, 9a) ensures precise movement of the cleaning modules, allowing efficient coverage of the entire surface. Additionally, the robot includes a water recycling system that collects used water for reuse or treatment, promoting sustainability. This design reduces human intervention in high-risk cleaning environments and enhances safety while providing efficient, autonomous cleaning performance.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to the field of automated cleaning systems, specifically an autonomous robot for cleaning windows and façades of buildings. More particularly, it deals with a cable-driven robot that employs passive adhesion, dual cleaning modules, and a sustainable water recycling system, providing a safe and efficient solution for cleaning high-rise buildings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cleaning the exteriors of tall buildings, such as high-rise office complexes and skyscrapers, presents significant challenges in terms of safety, efficiency, and cost. Traditional cleaning methods for building façades and windows typically involve manual labor, with workers suspended from cradles or scaffolding. These methods, while still widely used, are both time-consuming and hazardous. Workers are exposed to potential risks from extreme heights, harsh weather conditions, and accidents during operation. Moreover, these manual processes tend to be inefficient, as they require frequent breaks for safety reasons, leading to increased labor costs and slower project completion times.
Conventional automated systems such as window cleaning robots have been introduced to minimize human involvement. Many existing robotic cleaning systems are designed to clean only smooth, flat surfaces, such as glass. However, building exteriors can be made from a wide variety of materials, including glass, metal, stone, and composite panels, which require different cleaning techniques. Conventional systems often lack the flexibility to adapt to varying surface textures, leading to poor cleaning performance on non-glass surfaces. Most existing automated systems consume a significant amount of water during the cleaning process, without mechanisms to recycle or minimize water usage. This not only leads to high operational costs but also contributes to environmental concerns, especially in regions with water scarcity. Conventional robots typically rely on active adhesion systems, such as suction pumps or electromagnets, to stay attached to vertical surfaces. These systems consume a lot of power, limiting the robot's operational time and making them dependent on frequent recharging or external power sources. This dependency also increases the overall size and weight of the robot, reducing its maneuverability. Many existing systems require complex setups involving multiple components like scaffolding or additional support structures. The integration of such systems is time-consuming and cumbersome, and the robots themselves often require frequent maintenance, particularly when subjected to environmental factors like dust, moisture, and corrosion. Traditional automated cleaning robots often struggle to provide complete coverage of a building's façade. They may face difficulties in navigating complex geometries, such as corners, curves, and other architectural details. As a result, manual intervention is still required to clean areas that the robot cannot reach, which negates the advantages of automation.
Therefore, there remains a need in the art for a cable-driven autonomous window cleaning robotic system with passive adhesion that does not suffer from the above-mentioned deficiencies or at least provides a viable, economical and effective solution.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows.
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cable-driven autonomous window cleaning robotic system with passive adhesion.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cable-driven autonomous window cleaning robotic system with passive adhesion that can automating the window cleaning process without requiring human involvement, thus reducing the risk of accidents.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cable-driven autonomous window cleaning robotic system with passive adhesion that can using passive adhesion systems, such as suction wheels, to reduce energy consumption compared to traditional active adhesion robots.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cable-driven autonomous window cleaning robotic system with passive adhesion that can clean a wide range of surface materials, including glass, metal, and stone, using adaptable cleaning modules.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cable-driven autonomous window cleaning robotic system with passive adhesion that can incorporating a water recycling system to minimize waste and operational costs while promoting sustainability.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cable-driven autonomous window cleaning robotic system with passive adhesion that can providing a fully autonomous cleaning solution capable of navigating complex geometries and architectural features without human assistance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later.
An embodiment of the present invention is to provide a cable-driven autonomous window cleaning robotic system with passive adhesion. The robot is equipped with dual cleaning modules, each with rotating bristles that remove dirt and debris from surfaces. The robot moves both vertically and horizontally via a cable mechanism supported by U-bolts for safe and controlled movement. A vacuum compressor system is integrated to recycle used water, promoting environmental sustainability.

The robot's passive adhesion system ensures secure attachment to glass, marble, polished surfaces, and other building façades, reducing energy consumption compared to active adhesion systems. Additionally, the system features water recycling reservoirs to reduce water wastage. The dual-module cleaning system alternates between upper and lower cleaning modules, ensuring comprehensive coverage of surfaces. The design eliminates the need for manual orientation changes, making the robot more efficient for cleaning large building façades.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may have been referred to by embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
These and other features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figure, with like reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein
Fig. 1: illustrate front view cable-driven autonomous window cleaning robotic system with passive adhesion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2: illustrate top view cable-driven autonomous window cleaning robotic system with passive adhesion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
figure 3 illustrates the vacuum compressor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
figure 4 illustrates the moving mechanism of dual cleaning module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
figure 5 illustrates the moving mechanism of dual cleaning module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following description is of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described without departing from the scope of the invention.
While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described, and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one" and the word "plurality" means "one or more" unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes.
Fig. 1: illustrate a cable-driven autonomous window cleaning robotic system with passive adhesion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The cable-driven autonomous window cleaning robotic system comprises a main body case (1a), a vacuum compressor (2a), a main body case (1a), a vacuum compressor (2a), U-bolts (1h-1k), wheels (5a, 5b), an upper cleaning module (6a) and a lower cleaning module (7a). The main body case (1a) is housing a vacuum compressor (2a), motors, water connections, and control electronics. The cable-driven navigation unit is supported by U-bolts (1h-1k) for vertical and horizontal movement across a building surface. The wheels (5a, 5b) equipped with suction pores for passive adhesion to the surface, enabling secure attachment without external power. The dual cleaning modules includes an upper cleaning module (6a) and a lower cleaning module (7a), each having rotating bristles and water inlets, powered by a vacuum system for water removal. The rack-and-pinion mechanism for independent movement of the cleaning modules along the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention ,the vacuum compressor (2a) is connected to water outlets (6e, 7e) and pipes (6f, 7f) for removing contaminated water from the upper cleaning module (6a) and lower cleaning module (7a), respectively.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention the suction wheels (5a, 5b) provide passive adhesion to various surface types, including glass, marble, polished tiles, and concrete, enabling stable operation on different building facades.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention the dual cleaning modules (6a, 7a) are equipped with rotating bristles (6c, 6d, 7c, 7d) that revolve about an x-axis to clean surfaces while the robot moves vertically or horizontally.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention the rack-and-pinion mechanism includes motors (8e, 9e) and spur gears (8b, 9b) driving the upper cleaning module (6a) and lower cleaning module (7a) to move along racks (8a, 9a) for enhanced coverage across the building surface.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention the U-bolts (1h, 1i, 1j, 1k) are configured to support the robot's suspension cables, allowing controlled movement across vertical and horizontal axes on a building façade.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the contaminated water collected by the vacuum compressor (2a) is directed to a reservoir for recycling or treatment, providing a sustainable cleaning solution.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the grooves (1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g) on the main body case (1a) for securely housing electrical wires and water inlets connected to respective modules.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, figure 3 illustrates the vacuum compressor "2a" which is rigidly connected to the case "1a". Compressor "2a" is also connected to water outlet link "2b". The motors "3a" and "3b" which rotate about z-axis, are connected to Wheels "5a" and "5b" with the help of link "4a" and "4b" respectively. The U-bolts "1h,1i,1j,1k" are rigidly connected to "1a". The U-bolts provide support for the suspension cables in wire harnessing from the top of building to allow vertical and horizontal robot movement. The grooves "1b,1c,1d,1e,1f,1g" are made to allow electrical wire and water inlets to securely connect to their respective modules. There are two cleaning modules attached to "1a" namely upper module "6a" and lower module "7a". The case of upper cleaning module "6a" encases water inlet "6b" which is rigidly connected. Bristles "6c" and "6d" are connected which revolve about x-axis. The contaminated water is sucked out by the vacuum compressor "2a" through water outlet "6e" and pipe "6f". The case of lower cleaning module "7a" encases water inlet "7b" which is rigidly connected. Bristles "7c" and "7d" are connected which revolve about x-axis. The contaminated water is sucked out by the vacuum compressor "2a" through water outlet "7e" and pipe "7f".

The figure 5 illustrates the moving mechanism of dual cleaning module. The rack "8a" is rigidly connected to "1a". The motor cases "8f" is rigidly connected to the cleaning module cases "6a". Motor "8e" is rigidly connected to motor case "8f" and is also connected to spur gear "8b" which revolves about x-axis. The spur gear "8c" is connected to "8b" through the link "8d" and revolves about x-axis. The gears "8b" and "8c" move along the rack "8a". Thus, allowing the cleaning module to move along y-axis (assume the frame of reference provided here).

The drawing shown in figure 5 illustrates the moving mechanism of dual cleaning module. The rack "9a" is rigidly connected to "1a". The motor cases "9f" is rigidly connected to the cleaning module cases "7a". Motor "9e" is rigidly connected to motor case "9f" and is also connected to spur gear "9b" which revolves about x-axis. The spur gear "9c" is connected to "9b" through the link "9d" and revolves about x-axis. The gears "9b" and "9c" move along the rack "9a". Thus, allowing the cleaning module to move along y-axis (assume the frame of reference provided here). In the present figure 3 the robot body is lying in x-z plane.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific features of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
, Claims:We Claim,
1. A cable-driven autonomous window cleaning robotic system, comprising:
a main body case (1a) housing a vacuum compressor (2a), motors, water connections, and control electronics;
a cable-driven navigation unit supported by U-bolts (1h-1k) for vertical and horizontal movement across a building surface;
wheels (5a, 5b) equipped with suction pores for passive adhesion to the surface, enabling secure attachment without external power;
dual cleaning modules, including an upper cleaning module (6a) and a lower cleaning module (7a), each having rotating bristles and water inlets, powered by a vacuum unit for water removal;
a rack-and-pinion mechanism for independent movement of the cleaning modules along the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
2. The autonomous window cleaning robotic system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vacuum compressor (2a) is connected to water outlets (6e, 7e) and pipes (6f, 7f) for removing contaminated water from the upper cleaning module (6a) and lower cleaning module (7a), respectively.
3. The autonomous window cleaning robot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction wheels (5a, 5b) provide passive adhesion to various surface types, including glass, marble, polished tiles, and concrete, enabling stable operation on different building facades.
4. The autonomous window cleaning robot as claimed in claim 1,, wherein the dual cleaning modules (6a, 7a) are equipped with rotating bristles (6c, 6d, 7c, 7d) that revolve about an x-axis to clean surfaces while the robot moves vertically or horizontally.
5. The autonomous window cleaning robot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rack-and-pinion mechanism includes motors (8e, 9e) and spur gears (8b, 9b) driving the upper cleaning module (6a) and lower cleaning module (7a) to move along racks (8a, 9a) for enhanced coverage across the building surface.
6. The autonomous window cleaning robot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the U-bolts (1h, 1i, 1j, 1k) are configured to support the robot's suspension cables, allowing controlled movement across vertical and horizontal axes on a building façade.
7. The autonomous window cleaning robot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contaminated water collected by the vacuum compressor (2a) is directed to a reservoir for recycling or treatment, providing a sustainable cleaning solution.
8. The autonomous window cleaning robot as claimed in claim 1, further comprising grooves (1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g) on the main body case (1a) for securely housing electrical wires and water inlets connected to respective modules.

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