Design of a Hybrid System for Robotic Cleaning in Square Ducts Using the Reuleaux Triangle

This article presents the conceptual design and simulation of an innovative hybrid cleaning system, to be implemented in an autonomous mobile robot intended for cleaning galvanized steel ducts with adhering grease. The main objective is to develop and simulate an efficient system capable of removing both thick and adhered grease, as well as diluted residues, optimizing its operation for cleaning the entire duct route (horizontal, vertical and elbows), in addition, a degreasing chemical will be sprayed to facilitate removal. The proposed cleaning system incorporates a rotary scraping mechanism using the Reuleaux triangle principle for the removal of stubborn or accumulated grease in square ducts. The methodology used includes CAD design (Inventor and Solid Works) of the cleaning system and multiphase simulation of the removal process under different operating conditions, and simulated grease accumulation. Initial simulations will seek to determine the duct removal efficiency. This approach will provide an optimized design for an efficient and autonomous robotic cleaning system for foodservice ducts.