Acoustic Bubble Cleaning Nozzle for Low-Damage Surface Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic cleaning systems face challenges with surface damage, poor cleaning of three-dimensional surfaces, inability to clean larger objects, and inefficiency in cleaning due to disturbance of the sound field when objects are inserted into cleaning baths.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a gas bubble generator and acoustic transducer to generate synchronized pulses of gas bubbles and acoustic energy, coordinated to achieve non-inertial cavitation for effective cleaning, allowing for portable and efficient cleaning of various surfaces without immersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ultrasonic cleaning baths are used for robust objects, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but surface damage occurs due to cavitation erosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cleaning system by transitioning from liquid-phase ultrasonic cavitation to gas-phase acoustic cavitation. This involves using acoustic waves in gas to generate cavitation bubbles that implode on the surface, providing cleaning action without the erosive effects of liquid cavitation. The parameter change from liquid to gas medium fundamentally alters the cavitation mechanism to reduce surface damage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
2Productivity
If objects are immersed in ultrasonic cleaning baths, then cleaning of complex geometries is improved, but the sound field is disturbed reducing cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional cleaning approach by instead of immersing the object in the cleaning medium, directing the cleaning medium (acoustic waves in gas) onto the object surface. This inversion allows the sound field to propagate in the gas phase without being disturbed by object immersion, while still achieving effective cleaning of complex geometries through the acoustic cavitation action on the surface.
3Productivity
If inertial cavitation is used for cleaning, then cleaning power is improved, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the liquid-based mechanical cavitation system with a gas-based acoustic cavitation system. By using acoustic waves propagating through gas to generate and control cavitation bubbles, the system eliminates the need for large volumes of liquid, thereby maintaining cleaning power while dramatically reducing water consumption. The mechanical action of cavitation is preserved but the fluid medium is substituted.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus and method provide efficient surface cleaning with reduced damage, enhanced cleaning of crevices and pores, and water conservation by using non-inertial cavitation, suitable for diverse surfaces including internal and external, hard and soft surfaces, and organic materials.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic transducer associated with the body to introduce acoustic energy into the liquid within the chamber whereby the acoustic energy is present in the liquid flowing out of the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a gas bubble generator for generating gas bubbles within the liquid flowing out of the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for cleaning a surface, the apparatus including a body defining a chamber, an inlet for liquid flow into the chamber, an outlet for liquid flow from the chamber, a nozzle connected to the outlet for generating an output flow of liquid for cleaning a surface, an acoustic transducer associated with the body to introduce acoustic energy into the liquid within the chamber whereby the acoustic energy is present in the liquid flowing out of the nozzle, and a gas bubble generator for generating gas bubbles within the liquid flowing out of the nozzle.