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Currently, there is limited window-wiping technology available. It’s either windshield wipers that don't clean the entire window, or someone has the meticulous task of cleaning the window. We plan to create a robot that can clean windows in one single sweep without leaving any uncleaned residue. The path our mechanism will take must cover the entire surface of the window and even be able to reach into corners that are often forgotten. A combination of simple mechanisms will be necessary to achieve this goal. Recently, remote control Roomba-like robots have been made that clean windows. We plan to elevate this idea by making an automated robot so you can enjoy other activities while the cleaning gets done.
Solution Proposed Mechanism:
In order to address our problem, we propose a slider crank mechanism with sponges attached at the ends of our links. A slider crank mechanism will allow the sponges to travel in circular motions to avoid any residual streaks that are left from side-to-side motions. The flexibility of sponges, as opposed to squeegees, will help reach the corners of our window and apply more pressure to our glass surface. To automate this process we will attach a geared DC motor to our driving link to deliver low-speed and high-torque control of our system. By attaching our slider crank to a vertical slot mechanism, the slider crank will be able to move vertically while rotating around the window. To achieve this vertical movement we plan on either using a scissor lift, an archimedean spiral gear mechanism, or another slider crank that will move vertically as opposed to horizontally. All of these mechanisms are controlled by an input shaft that we will be able to automate using either a DC motor or a servo motor.
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