WO2020178851A1

WO2020178851A1 - Automobile cleaning

Info

Publication number: WO2020178851A1
Application number: PCT/IN2020/050191
Authority: WO
Inventors: Prashanth Srinivas MURTHY
Original assignee: Murthy Prashanth Srinivas
Priority date: 2019-03-01
Filing date: 2020-03-02
Publication date: 2020-09-10

Abstract

AUTOMOBILE CLEANING A cleaning system (100) for an automobile which includes a first reservoir (104), second reservoir (106) for holding a first cleansing agent and a second cleansing agent, a mixer valve (112) which receives from the first 5 cleansing agent and the second cleansing agent and creates a cleansing mixture by mixing the first cleansing agent and the second cleansing agent. The system includes nozzle elements (114) detachably attachable to the automobile (102) to be variably positionable for discharging the cleansing mixture, and a controller (118) to regulate a flow of the cleansing agents, 10 control the mixer valve (112) to mix the first cleansing agents, and control discharge of the cleansing mixture from the plurality of nozzle elements (114).

Description

AUTOMOBILE CLEANING

BACKGROUND

[0001] Cleaning of automobiles is an important aspect of automobile maintenance. Not only does the cleaning provide an aesthetic appeal to the automobile, but it also enhances the service life of various components of the automobile. While, generally, automobile aficionados prefer to clean their automobiles themselves, in recent times, various automobile cleaning services have become available. Such services include automated washing systems where the automobile is automatically cleaned without any manual intervention. Secondly, doorstep washing services are available in which, instead of sending the automobile to the automobile-wash, the service- provider can visit with the portable cleaning equipment and clean the automobile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0002] The above aspects are further described in conjunction with the figures below. It should be noted that the figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Therefore, various assemblies that encompass the principles of the present subject matter, although not explicitly shown herein, may be devised from the figures and are included within its scope. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0003] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of an automobile having a cleaning system for the automobile installed therein, according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0004] Fig. 2 illustrates a sectional top view of a reservoir of the cleaning system, according to an example of the present subject matter. [0005] Fig. 3 illustrates the side view and the front view of a nozzle element of the cleaning system, according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0006] Fig. 4 illustrates the top view of a mixer valve of the cleaning system, according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0007] Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of the automobile indicating the operation of the cleaning system, according to an example of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Apparatuses and setups for cleaning the exterior of an automobile are ubiquitous. Such cleaning apparatuses may, usually, include automated washing systems with various sub-systems along which the automobile may be moved in a predefined sequence, for instance, using a conveyor mechanism. As the automobile is moved through the washing sequence, the various sub-systems of the washing system perform different cleaning operations on the automobile. The sub-systems may include contact-type cleaners, such as those using brushes and cloths, as cleaning elements, and contactless-type cleaners.

[0009] In the contact-type cleaners, the cleaning elements are moved relative to and in contact with a surface of the automobile to loosen dirt or other contaminants from the surface using a cleaning solution. In the contactless type, the cleaning solution, such as a chemical solution or detergent, is directed towards the surface of the automobile under high pressure to dislodge the dirt and contaminants. Thereafter, the automobile is moved along a rinsing station where water or a rinsing solution is sprayed onto the surface of the automobile to carry away the loosened dirt, contaminants, and the cleaning solution. Other ways of cleaning an automobile may include, as explained previously, doorstep washing services are available in which the service-provider can visit with portable cleaning equipment and clean the automobile.

[0010] However, such conventional cleaning apparatuses suffer from various disadvantages. For example, automated washing systems may require a considerable amount of investment in terms of monetary investment as well as in terms of land infrastructure. In addition, given the use of multiple mechanisms, such automated washing systems may also require regular repair and maintenance further increasing the overall cost of such systems. The doorstep automobile cleaning services, though convenient, may not provide adequate cleaning of the automobile exterior. The portable cleaning equipment may be ineffective and may be unable to reach crevices in the automobile body where dust and contaminants may have accumulated. At the same time, for such doorstep services, the automobile user may have to be on a lookout to ensure that no damage is caused by the servicing agents, for instance, due to callous handling of the equipment around the automobile, and for also ensuring the safety of the automobile from break-in or theft. In all this, such services may fail to be either effective or convenient for the automobile user.

[0011] Further, automated automobile washing can be time- consuming as the customer is expected to still visit the automobile center with the automobile and spend 2 to 3 hours for cleaning and the cost associated with the automobile washing is higher. In addition, the consumption of water is in the conventional automobile cleaning system is high. Moreover, the automated automobile washing may not be of good quality, that can damage the quality of paint of the automobile. Also, since the automatic automobile washing is performed in a gated area that employs labor, there may be a concern of theft from the automobile.

[0012] Approaches for automobile cleaning are described herein. According to an aspect, the present subject matter discloses a fully cleaning system for an automobile. The cleaning system is provided on-board the automobile and maybe an in-built system or an externally provided system which is capable of effectively and thoroughly cleaning an exterior of the automobile. In other words, the cleaning system may be provided as integrated with other sub-systems of the automobile, such as a wiper cleaning system, or maybe provided as an after-market accessory for the automobile. The cleaning system is self-reliant and does not require any intervention by a human.

[0013] The cleaning system can include the following subsystems, namely, a plurality of reservoirs, a network of supply channels, a plurality of nozzle elements, an electronically-controlled mixer valve, and a controller. The plurality of reservoirs may include a first reservoir, a second reservoir, and a third reservoir to hold a first cleansing agent, a second cleansing agent, and a third cleansing agent respectively. In an example, the plurality of reservoirs may include the first reservoir for holding the first cleansing agent, the second reservoir for holding the second cleansing agent, such as a rinsing agent, and the third reservoir for storing a third cleansing agent, such as compressed gas or air. In one example, the third reservoir may be coupled to a compressor that provides compressed gas to the third reservoir for storing. Each of the first, second, and third reservoirs are coupled to one or more nozzle elements through the supply channels, such as a plastic or rubber conduits to supply the respective cleansing agents to the nozzle element. For instance, the first and the second reservoirs may further be each coupled to a pump to supply a mixture of the cleansing agents, referred to as the cleansing mixture, to the nozzle elements.

[0014] In addition, in an example, the first reservoir may include a lining of solid, dried cleansing agent, which can further be mixed with water to form a soap solution for use as the first cleansing agent. Further, in the said example, the first reservoir may include a motor-driven mixer, such as a mixing blade, to ensure effective mixing of the cleansing agent and water for forming the solution of the cleansing agent. The effective mixing also allows the solid particles of the cleansing agent to completely mix into the water allowing a smooth flow of solution through the supply channels and out of the nozzle elements without blocking either of them.

[0015] The cleaning system may use fewer or greater different types of reservoirs depending on the fluids that are being used for cleaning the automobile. For example, the cleaning system may only use the first cleansing agent, such as a soap mix, and the rinsing agent but may not use compressed gas. In such a case, the automobile cleaning system may not include the third reservoir or at least may not actively use it even if the third reservoir is present. On the other hand, in another case, the automobile cleaning system may also provide a fourth cleansing agent, such as a polishing agent, on the exterior of the automobile. In such a case, the cleaning system can include a fourth reservoir. Many such modifications are envisaged as being part of the present subject matter.

[0016] In an example, each nozzle element may include one or more nozzles through which the cleansing mixture can be discharged. In addition, as will be explained in detail later, each nozzle element may include an electronically-controlled valve which can be controlled to regulate the discharge of the cleansing mixture therefrom. Further, in an example, each nozzle element may have at least three inputs, one each from the first, the second, and the third reservoir. According to an aspect, each nozzle element may include an electronically- controlled valve which is controllable by the controller to regulate the fluid that would exit the nozzle element, based on the operation being performed. For example, to start with the controller may regulate the operation of the valve to allow only the cleansing agent, such as soap mix or detergent, to be impelled from the nozzle element. Once the automobile body has been adequately soaped, subsequently, the controller may control the valve to allow only the rinsing agent from the second reservoir to be impelled from the nozzle element to rinse the cleansing agent off the body of the automobile. Upon adequate rinsing, for example, based on the time for which the rinsing agent is allowed to flow out of the nozzle element, the controller may, then, control the valve to allow the compressed gas to flow out of the nozzle element. The flow of pressurized gas can provide for quick drying of the exterior of the automobile before the dust settles on the wet automobile to dirty the exterior again. In one example, a heater may be provided at an adequate location for heating the compressed gas being used for drying the automobile before it exits the nozzle element. The nozzle elements can be designed to include multiple micro-nozzles to control direction, pressure, and quantity of flow of the exiting fluid, i.e., the cleansing agent, the rinsing agent, as well as the compressed gas.

[0017] The present subject matter also envisages a controller for regulating the cleaning system of the present subject matter. The controller can be operably coupled to the various components of the cleaning system, such as the pumps connected to the reservoirs, the electronically-controlled valves, and the like, and can be configured to control the operation of such components.

[0018] In addition, the present subject matter intends to envisage a complimentary design of the automobile exterior which can provide for rainwater harvesting, i.e., the rainwater can be collected by the automobile body. Further, a plurality of collectors and channels can be provided which allow the collected rainwater to flow back to one or more of the reservoirs of the cleaning system. Accordingly, the cleaning system of the present subject matter harvests water thereby making the cleaning process greener than the conventional automobile cleaning process. Moreover, the cleaning system of the present subject matter uses the A/C unit to accumulate air needed cleaning. In other words, the cleaning system of the present subject matter perform‘green cleaning process’ because the cleaning system of the present subject matter saves and store water and also the air needed for the pressure later which can be accumulated by connection through the A/C fans to suck and store the air in the tanks.

[0019] In one example, the cleaning system may include a fail-safe mechanism that inhibits the cleaning process to initiate while the automobile is in motion because the cleaning process being performed on the automobile during motion may create a distraction for the driver and, in the worst case, may result in accidents. Further, the fail-safe mechanism only initiates the cleaning when the automobile is static. In one example, the fail safe mechanism may be linked to the transmission system or braking system of the automobile such that the fail-safe mechanism can only operate when the gear knob is in neutral or the hand brake is on.

[0020] There are various advantages associated with the cleaning system, few of which are described hereinafter.

[0021] Time-saving: The cleaning system does not require the driver to drive the automobile to a cleaning system, therefore, saving the time in traveling to the cleaning system and waiting during the cleaning of the automobile. Moreover, the nozzles are positioned such that the cleaning of the automobile is performed without taking much time.

[0022] Paint protection: The cleaning system of the present subject ensures paint protection because the cleaning system alleviates human intervention, and thus, the damage to the paint due to human error.

[0023] No theft: Since the cleaning system does not require human intervention, therefore there is no scope of the theft.

[0024] Environment-friendly: The cleaning system accumulates and stores rainwater water and air by itself, therefore, alleviating the hassle of refilling all the time.

[0025] Increases the life of the automobile body as the automobile body remains untouched. [0026] Ease of cleaning: Cleaning can be done at any time convenient to the owner of the automobile and the cleaning operation just takes a few minutes. It can be done multiple times as the automobile gets dirtier.

[0027] Ease of operation: The cleaning system is user-friendly and even a child can operate the cleaning system to clean the automobile.

[0028] Ease of service: The cleaning system can be serviced quickly, and an annual maintenance contract (AMC) can be provided for smooth functioning.

[0029] Customizability: The cleaning system can be customized to any automobile.

[0030] Safe operation: The cleaning system operates only when the automobile is static so there is no scope for any distraction while driving.

[0031] The above aspects are further illustrated in the figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Therefore, various arrangements that encompass the principles of the present subject matter, although not explicitly described or shown herein, may be devised from the description and are included within its scope. Additionally, the word“coupled” is used throughout for clarity of the description and may include either a direct connection or an indirect connection. Although aspects relating to automobile cleaning have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of automobile cleaning.

[0032] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of an automobile 102 having a cleaning system 100 for cleaning it installed therein. The cleaning system 100 for the automobile 102 may be installed on the automobile 102. The automobile 102 may include land automobiles, such as cars, trucks, and buses. Moreover, in an example, the automobile 102 may also include two- wheelers. As may be seen from the figure, the cleaning system 100 for the automobile 102 may include a plurality of reservoirs. The plurality of reservoirs may contain the various cleansing agents needed for the cleaning of the automobile 102. In an example, the plurality of reservoirs may specifically include a first reservoir 104, a second reservoir 106, and a third reservoir 108. Specifically, in an example, the first reservoir 104 may be adapted to hold a first cleansing agent. Further, the second reservoir 106 may be adapted to hold a second cleansing agent. Furthermore, the third reservoir 108 may be adapted to hold a third cleansing agent.

[0033] The cleansing agents, in an example, maybe specialized chemicals used for the purpose of cleaning the automobile. For example, the first cleansing agent may be used for unsettling the dirt on the automobile. In an example, the first cleansing agent may be car soap, automobile shampoo, or a mixture thereof. In addition, the first reservoir 104 may also be adapted to include the first cleansing agent in a dried and solid- state in the inner lining of the first reservoir 104. This would allow the user to simply add water to the first reservoir 104 to which mixes with the first cleansing agent to form a cleaning solution. In an example, the rinsing agent may be water or the like. Moreover, the third cleansing agent may be used for the purpose of drying the surface of the automobile body once the automobile is rinsed with the first cleansing agent and the second cleansing agent. In an example, the drying agent may be a compressed gas, such as air. Further, in an example, the third reservoir 108 may be connected to a radiator fan or to a compressor, for example, to either compress and store the air in the third reservoir 108 or to compress the air stored in the third reservoir 108 before providing it for further use. Further, in one example, the third reservoir 108 may be manually filled.

[0034] In addition, the cleaning system 100 for the automobile 102 may further include a fourth reservoir 1 10. Further, the fourth reservoir 1 10 may be adapted to hold a fourth cleansing agent. In an example, the fourth cleansing agent may be a polishing agent and may be used for polishing the body of the automobile 102.

[0035] The cleaning system 100 for the automobile 102 may further include a mixer valve 1 12 fluidically coupled to the first reservoir 104, the second reservoir 106, the third reservoir 108 and the fourth reservoir 1 10. Further, the mixer valve 1 12 may be configured to mix the first cleansing agent, the second cleansing agent, the third cleansing agent and the fourth cleansing agent received from their respective reservoirs. Furthermore, the mixer valve 1 12 mixes the cleansing agents in a pre-determined ratio, thereby creating a cleansing mixture. In addition, the mixer valve 1 12 may include at least one output port to discharge the cleansing mixture. The pre determined ratio may be dynamically determined and may be dependent on, for instance, the condition of the vehicle to be cleaned as well as the cleansing agents available and the kind of cleansing agents used. In one example, the user can select the ratio of the cleansing agents to be used, while, in another, based on various parameters as cited above, the ratio may be automatically determined by the cleaning system 100.

[0036] Further, the cleaning system 100 for the automobile 102 may include a plurality of nozzles elements 1 14 (hereinafter individually referred to as nozzles element 1 14 and collectively referred to as nozzles elements 1 14) fluidically coupled to the reservoirs 104, 106, 108, 1 10. In an example, the nozzle elements 1 14 may take input as the cleansing mixture from the mixer valve 1 12. Further, the nozzle elements 1 14 may discharge the cleansing mixture on the body of the automobile 102 in a pre-determined manner. In an example, the nozzle elements 1 14 may include convergent nozzles, divergent nozzles or combination of both.

[0037] In addition, the cleaning system 100 for the automobile 102 may include a plurality of conduits 1 16 (hereinafter individually referred to as conduit 1 16 and collectively referred to as conduits 1 16) which enables the various components of the cleaning system 100 to be fluidically connected in the required manner. For example, the conduits 1 16 may connect the first reservoir 104 to the mixer valve 1 12. Similarly, the conduits 1 16 may connect the second reservoir 106, the third reservoir 108 and the fourth reservoir 1 10 to the mixer valve 1 12. In addition, the conduits 116 may connect the mixer valve 112 to the nozzle elements 1 14. Further, in an example, the conduits 1 16 may connect the reservoirs 104, 106, 108, 1 10 directly to the nozzle elements 1 14.

[0038] Moreover, the cleaning system 100 for the automobile 102 may include a controller 118 which may be operably coupled to the other various components of the cleaning system 100 for regulating the operation of the cleaning system 100. For example, the controller 1 18 may monitor the pressure of the fluids in the various reservoirs, say using sensors, and regulate the pumps to maintain a predetermined level of pressure in the various reservoirs. As will be understood, the predetermined pressure level in each reservoir may be separately regulated by the controller 118.

[0039] In addition, in the manner explained above, the controller 1 18 may control the various valves to regulate the expulsion of the first cleansing agent, the second cleansing agent, the third cleansing agent and the fourth cleansing agent, or a combination thereof from the corresponding nozzle element 1 14 connected to the mixer valve 1 12. In such an example, as explained in detail later, each of the nozzle elements 1 14 can include electronically-controlled valves coupled to the controller 1 18 to individually control the discharge from each nozzle element 114.

[0040] Therefore, the controller 1 18 may be configured to achieve an automated cleaning operation of the automobile 102, once triggered by an input from the automobile 102 user to perform the cleaning. In one example, the cleaning system 100 for the automobile 102 may include an input device, such as a button, a remote/radio controller, or a touch-screen, to trigger the cleaning of the automobile 102, which when operated brings the cleaning system 100 into action and triggers the controller 1 18 to regulate the cleaning performed by the cleaning system 100 as explained above. In one example, the whole process may commence by just pressing a button on the dashboard of the automobile 102 or on the remote-control mechanism. Moreover, a time of operation of the plurality of nozzle elements 1 14 can be controlled by a timer, such that the cleaning process may last up to 6-8 minutes.

[0041] Moreover, the controller 1 18 may control the parameters required for the transmission of fluids and in the cleaning system 100 for the automobile 102. Further, in an example, the controller 1 18 may regulate a flow of the first cleansing agent from the first reservoir 104. Similarly, the controller 1 18 may regulate the flow of the second cleansing agent, the third cleansing agent and the fourth cleansing agent from the second reservoir 106, the third reservoir 108 and the fourth reservoir 1 10 respectively. In addition, the controller 1 18 may further control the mixer valve 1 12 to mix the first cleansing agent, the second cleansing agent, the third cleansing agent and the fourth cleansing agent in a predetermined ratio. Furthermore, the controller 118 may control the opening and closing of the nozzle elements 1 14 in the required manner.

[0042] In one example, the controller 1 18 can be implemented as a microcontroller, a microcomputer, and/or any device that manipulates signals based on operational instructions. According to said embodiment, controller 1 18 can include a processor and a device memory. The processor can be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals, based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor(s) is provided to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the device memory. The device memory may be coupled to the processor and can include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as Static-Random Access Memory (SRAM) and Dynamic- Random Access Memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as Read-Only Memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.

[0043] Fig. 2 illustrates a sectional top view of one of the plurality of reservoirs 104, 106, 108, 1 10 of the cleaning system 100, according to an example of the present subject matter. As an illustration, Fig. 2 illustrates the first reservoir 104 which includes the first cleansing agent, such as the soap mix. In said example, as can be seen in the figure, the first reservoir 104 may include a churning element 200 for mixing the contents of the reservoir, i.e. first cleansing agent. Further, the churning element 200 may be connected to a motor or a pump which enables to churning element 200 to rotate and churn the contents of the reservoir. In an example, the churning element 200 may be a turbine or the like. Furthermore, in an example, the second reservoir 106, the third reservoir 108 and the fourth reservoir 1 10 may also include the churning element 200 for churning the second cleansing agent, the third cleansing agent and the fourth cleansing agent respectively. In addition, the churning element 200 further prevents coagulation in the contents of the reservoir.

[0044] Fig. 3 illustrates the side view and the front view of the nozzle elements 1 14 of the cleaning system 100, according to an example of the present subject matter. As can be seen from the figure, the nozzle element 1 14 may take input via the conduit 116 which may be concealed. Further, as can be further seen from the side view of the nozzle element 114, the shape of the nozzle element 1 14 initially diverges and then converges. Further, as can be seen from the front view of the nozzle element 114, the nozzle element 1 14 may include a plurality of micro-nozzles 300 (hereinafter referred to as micro-nozzle 300 when singular, and micro-nozzles 300 when plural). In addition to the above, the nozzle element 1 14 may include an electronically-controlled valve (not shown) which may regulate the parameters of the discharge from the micro-nozzles 300. The parameters may include the direction, pressure, and quantity of discharge. In an example, the electronically controlled valve may be controlled by the controller 118 to regulate the direction, pressure, and quantity of discharge from the micro-nozzle 300 of the nozzle element 1 14.

[0045] In the example, the cleaning system 100 for the automobile 102 may be formed as integral to the automobile 102, the nozzle elements 1 14 may be fixedly positioned at various strategic locations on the exterior of the automobile. The cleaning system 100 for the automobile 102 of the present subject matter is flexible and may provide for any number of nozzle elements 1 14 to be a part of the system. Therefore, the nozzle elements 1 14 may be provided in every nook and crevices of the automobile 102 so that effective cleaning of the automobile 102 may be achieved.

[0046] On the other hand, in the example in which the cleaning system

100 for the automobile 102 may be provided as an after-market accessory, the system is again not limited by the number of nozzle elements 1 14 that can be coupled to the cleaning system 100 for the automobile 102. In said example, the automobile user may position the nozzle elements 1 14 on the exterior of the automobile 102 for achieving effective cleaning of the automobile 102. In said example, the nozzle elements 114 may be provided with a coupling mechanism (not shown), such as magnets or suction cups, for fixing the nozzle elements 114 on the exterior of the automobile 102 (shown in Fig. 5). Further, the plurality of nozzle elements 114 may be concealed in the body of automobile 102 such that the plurality of nozzle elements 1 14 are not visible and do not affect the aerodynamic design of the automobile 102.

[0047] Fig. 4 illustrates the mixer valve 1 12 of the cleaning system 100, according to an example of the present subject matter. As can be seen from the figure, the mixer valve 1 12 may include multiple inputs and a single output. In an example, the mixer valve 1 12 may include 3 input ports, namely, a first input port 400, second input port 402 and a third input port 404. Moreover, the mixer valve may further include an output port 406. In an example, the first input port 400 of the mixer valve 1 12 may take input from the first reservoir 104 fluidically connected via the conduits 1 16. Similarly, the second input port 402 and the third input port 404 of the mixer valve 1 12 may take input from the second reservoir 106 and the third reservoir 108 fluidically connected via the conduits 1 16. Further, the mixer valve 1 12 may be controlled to allow the opening and closing of the input ports and the output port. Further, the opening and closing of the ports may allow the mixer valve 1 12 to receive input in a pre-determined quantity, thereby allowing the mixer valve 1 12 to mix the first cleansing agent, the second cleansing agent and the third cleansing agent in a pre-determined ratio.

[0048] In an example, the nozzle elements 1 14 may directly receive input from the reservoirs 104, 106, 108, 1 10 in the form of the first cleansing agent, the second cleansing agent, the third cleansing agent, and the fourth cleansing agent, respectively, via conduits 1 16. Moreover, in an example, the conduits 116 connecting the reservoirs 104, 106, 108, 1 10 to the nozzle elements 1 14 may be sheathed together to form a master conduit which may run across the body of the automobile 102. In an example, the master conduit may run across a border or body line of the automobile 102 such as to cover the entire surface of the body of the automobile 102 and accommodated along the body line of the automobile 102 to remain hidden from view.

[0049] Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of the automobile 102 indicating the direction of the various cleansing agents during the operation of the cleaning system 100, according to an example of the present subject matter. As can be seen from the figure, the nozzle elements 1 14 are placed strategically on the exterior of the automobile 102. Further, automobile 102 may include a front A, a back B, a first side C, and a second side D. In an example, the nozzle elements 1 14 may be placed on the front A, the roof and over the back B of the automobile 102. The front A and back B of automobiles may be shaped to be slanted towards the front A and the back B of the automobile 102. Consequently, the nozzle elements 1 14 may be placed strategically on the automobile 102 such that the discharge from the nozzle elements 114 may flow along the slant of the automobile 102, instead of flowing against the slant. Furthermore, the nozzle elements 114 may be placed on either the first side C or the second side D of the automobile 102, thereby allowing the discharge from the nozzle elements 1 14 to flow on the other side. In an example, the nozzle elements 1 14 may be placed on, both, the first side C and the second side D of the automobile 102, thereby allowing the discharge from the nozzle elements 1 14 to flow on the opposite sides.

[0050] In addition, the present subject matter intends to envisage a complimentary design of the automobile 102 exterior which may provide for rainwater harvesting, i.e., the rainwater can be collected by the automobile body. Further, a plurality of collectors and channels may be provided which may allow the collected rainwater to flow back to one or more of the reservoirs of the cleaning system 100 for the automobile 102 for reuse. Accordingly, the cleaning system 100 for the automobile 102 of the present subject matter harvest water thereby making the cleaning process greener than the conventional automobile cleaning process.

[0051] Further, in an example, plurality of the micro-nozzles 300 of the nozzle elements 1 14 may be modified to suck the rain-water for rainwater harvesting. In another example, the micro-nozzles 300 of the nozzle elements 1 14 may be modified to suck the air for storing the same in the third reservoir 108. Further, the nozzle elements 1 14 may be modified to include a filter in the nozzle elements 114 to filter the rainwater or air to be collected. Moreover, the cleaning system 100 of the present subject matter uses the air conditioning (A/C) unit to accumulate air needed cleaning. In other words, the cleaning system 100 of the present subject matter perform ‘green automobile cleaning process’ because the cleaning system 100 of the present subject matter saves and store water and also the air needed for the pressure later which can be accumulated by connection through the A/C fans to suck and store the air in the tanks.

[0052] In one example, the cleaning system 100 for the automobile 102 may include a fail-safe mechanism which may inhibit the cleaning process to initiate while the automobile is in motion because the cleaning process being performed on the automobile during motion may create a distraction for the driver and, in the worst case, may result in accidents. Further, the fail-safe mechanism may only initiate the cleaning when the automobile 102 is static. In one example, the fail-safe mechanism may be linked to the transmission system or braking system of the automobile 102 such that the fail-safe mechanism can only operate when the gear knob is in neutral or the hand brake is on.

[0053] Although the subject matter has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the subject matter, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the subject matter. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present subject matter as defined.

Claims

I/We claim:

1. A cleaning system (100) for an automobile (102), the cleaning system (100) comprising:

a first reservoir (104) adapted to hold a first cleansing agent and a second reservoir (106) adapted to hold a second cleansing agent; a mixer valve (112) fluidically coupled to the first reservoir (104) and the second reservoir (106), wherein the mixer valve (1 12) is to receive from the first cleansing agent and the second cleansing agent and create a cleansing mixture by mixing the first cleansing agent and the second cleansing agent in a pre-determined ratio; a plurality of nozzle elements (1 14) fluidically coupled to the mixer valve (1 1 2) to discharge the cleansing mixture, wherein each of the plurality of nozzle elements (114) is detachably attachable to a component of the automobile (1 02) to be variably positionable for discharging the cleansing mixture; and a controller (118) operably coupled to the first reservoir (104), the second reservoir (106), the mixer valve (1 12), and the plurality of nozzle elements, wherein the controller (1 1 8) is to: regulate a flow of the first cleansing agent and the second cleansing agent from the first reservoir (104) and the second reservoir (106), respectively; control an operation of the mixer valve (1 1 2) to mix the first cleansing agent and the second cleansing agent in the pre-determined ratio; and control discharge of the cleansing mixture from the plurality of nozzle elements (114).

2. The cleaning system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a third reservoir (108) and a fourth reservoir (108) adapted to hold a third cleansing agent and a fourth cleansing agent, respectively.

3. The cleaning system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first reservoir (104) and the second reservoir (106) comprises a churning element disposed in a cavity of the at least one of the first reservoir (104) and the second reservoir (106) to mix the contents therein.

4. The cleaning system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of nozzle elements (1 14) comprises a coupling mechanism for detachably coupling the nozzle element (114) to the component of the automobile (102).

5. The cleaning system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of nozzle elements (114) comprises at least one electronically- controlled valve to regulate a discharge of the cleansing mixture from the nozzle element (1 14).

6. The cleaning system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of nozzle elements (1 14) comprises a plurality of micro-nozzles, wherein each of the plurality of micro-nozzles is operably coupled to an electronically-controlled valve to regulate a direction, pressure, and quantity of discharge of the cleansing mixture therefrom.

7. The cleaning system (100) as claimed in any one of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the controller (1 18) is operably coupled to the at least one electronically-controlled valve to regulate the discharge.

8. The cleaning system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the cleaning system (100) further comprises a rainwater harvesting system, a plurality of collectors to collect rainwater for reuse.

9. The cleaning system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a fail-safe mechanism to allow the cleaning system (100) to commence cleaning in response to a condition of motion of the automobile (102).

10. The cleaning system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a fail-safe mechanism is to allow the cleaning system (100) to commence cleaning in response to the automobile (102) being stationary.