There are over thirty different brands of carwash conveyor systems. Many work on the same theory of Hanna's Conveyor System. Others have unique differences. But there is quite a different in the modern car wash systems from almost 70 years ago when the first carwash conveyor system was introduced in Detroit. And in the last decade we have seen that even more industry changes are needed to the new robotic car wash conveyor systems. For instance a new set of upgrades is needed in the industry such as a new conveyor belt because of the many different types of cars. Think of the lowered "rice rockets" Japanese imports like the ones you saw in "The Fast and the Furious" movie, with fender flares. How about big dually pick-ups and big SUVs with over sized tires. How about those newer hybrids in which the wheels in the front do not line up with the ones in the back? Also consider the LLVs, which the US post office uses.
A conveyor system is needed indeed; a completely new style one, which takes these needs into consideration. Big tires pop-out of conveyor wash systems and damage vehicles. Little cars often have rims, which stick out past the tires and scratch, while the fender flares can be ripped up from the car? I propose these factors to be taken into consideration. Any gentleman or engineer who has the answer stands to make a whole lot of money in the new robotics world of car washing.
Car Washing is growing each year and there are 32,000 conveyor car washes in the United States alone. But a good conveyor system, which can be used for washing has other benefits and uses too. For instance other things such as; Shopping Carts for instance to prevent virus spread and to insure they are properly sanitized between users at the super market or how about wheel chairs at hospitals, where bacteria is known to be problematic.
There is a lot of money in the Car Wash Industry for equipment as a matter of fact we are now the 32nd largest trade show in the world? Crazy indeed. I have many thoughts on these things along this line of thinking for the future of car washing, here are some links:
www.CarwashGuy.com
http://www.carwashguys.com/073102_2.shtml
http://ezinearticles.com/?12-New-Rules-for-the-Car-Wash-Industry&id=33261
http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-The-Carwash-Industry-is-Stagnant;-What-You-Can-Do-to-Change-Your-Field&id=39081
If you want to learn more about carwashes and equipment used or if you are up for the challenge to build a better robotic mouse trap conveyor carwash system then I suggest that you read up on it. There are lots of articles and stuff on the Internet; search under: "car wash" and one word "carwash." If you put in "Car Wash" on Google you will see some more. Here are a couple more links:
http://www.carwashguys.com/00070303_1.shtml
http://www.carwashguys.com/080902_3.shtml
I think what is most important if you attempt to take up the challenge to build a better car wash conveyor is to keep the time per carwash under 60 seconds to go thru the tunnel. Also significant is dwell time for soap cycle, water pressure PSI, volume of water, durability of equipment, ease of maintenance, simplicity of number of moving parts, soap usage costs.
No touch or little touching of car is also a plus. The conveyor needs to not damage vehicles and take all types of cars. There will be a lot of business for someone who can build a better conveyor car wash. Car washing is a good CLEAN business. A proper conveyor system will reduce labor and add to quality control and more revenue and efficiency. Innovations are needed in the industry, very much so. Think of conveyors as a second per foot. Too fast they do a bad job, too slow the cars back up or stack up in the drying area, on a busy Fri or Sat, it is a big difference. These are very serious factors and you want the best combination, which can do the most with the least amount of breakdowns, water usage, power, etc. Think on this. Efficiency is always better, complete fanatics with efficiency, accuracy, performance is where the industry needs to go to stay healthy. The key is winning; being the best is not easy, nothing good ever is. Nor would you want it to be, I suppose for some, as the appreciation for it becomes lessoned. Do you have the dedication, knowledge and commitment to make the car wash industry a cleaner place? Think on this.
"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs
