Acoustic Surface Cleaning System for Complex Geometry Debris Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surface cleaning methods face challenges in achieving consistent quality, particularly on complex and interior surfaces, due to limitations in accessing and cleaning these areas effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system employing acoustic waves, a cleaning medium dispenser, and vacuum suction to dislodge debris from surfaces, where acoustic waves generate vibrations to reduce adhesion and atomize cleaning fluids, allowing for efficient collection of debris by the cleaning fluids and subsequent rinsing with a rinsing medium, all managed by a robotic assembly for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional cleaning methods are used, then simple surfaces can be cleaned, but complex and interior surfaces cannot be effectively reached or cleaned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capability on complex surfacesVSAvoidaccessibility to interior surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical contact-based cleaning systems with an acoustic cleaning system that uses acoustic waves to generate vibrations on the surface. This substitution allows the cleaning energy to reach complex and interior surfaces without physical contact, overcoming the accessibility limitations of mechanical methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes acoustic waves to generate mechanical vibrations on the surface of objects. These vibrations dislodge debris from complex and interior surfaces through vibrational energy, enabling effective cleaning of areas that are difficult to reach with conventional mechanical cleaning tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Reliability

If acoustic waves are used to dislodge debris, then cleaning effectiveness on complex surfaces improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning quality consistencyVSAvoidacoustic device configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic device is designed to perform multiple functions: generating acoustic waves for debris dislodgement, atomizing cleaning fluid, and facilitating consistent cleaning across various surface types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining reliable cleaning quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls cleaning effectiveness by adjusting acoustic wave parameters such as frequency and amplitude. By modifying these parameters, the system can adapt to different surface types and contamination levels, ensuring consistent cleaning quality without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If cleaning fluid is applied to atomize debris, then debris removal efficiency improves, but fluid consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning fluid consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic waves generate vibrations that atomize the cleaning fluid into fine droplets, increasing the surface area of contact between the fluid and debris. This atomization enhances debris removal efficiency while using less total fluid, as the dispersed droplets cover larger surface areas more effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic energy induces phase transitions in the cleaning fluid, transforming it from liquid droplets into a finer aerosol state. This phase change increases the fluid's cleaning effectiveness and reduces the amount of fluid needed to achieve thorough debris removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 system effectively removes debris from complex surfaces by reducing adhesion and atomizing cleaning fluids, ensuring thorough cleaning without contact and minimizing contamination risks, while allowing for precise control over cleaning operations.

Implementation Method 1

acoustic waves generate acoustic vibrations in the object to dislodge debris from the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic vibrations: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

acoustic waves generate acoustic vibrations in the object to dislodge debris from the surface, and atomize the cleaning fluid and rinsing fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic atomization: Acoustic Cavitation

Data Source

PatentEP3110572B1System and method for surface cleaning

Publication Date: 2023.07.05 THE BOEING CO

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AI summary

A system (10) for cleaning an object (18) includes an acoustic device (20) configured to deliver acoustic waves (28) to the object (18), a cleaning medium dispenser (22) configured to deliver a cleaning medium (30) to a surface (16) of the object (18), a rinsing medium dispenser (24) configured to deliver a rinsing medium (32) to the surface (16), a vacuum (26) configured to deliver a vacuum airflow (34) proximate the surface (16), wherein the acoustic waves (28) generate acoustic vibrations in the object (18) to dislodge debris (14) from the surface (16), acoustically treat the cleaning medium (30) and the rinsing medium (32), and atomize the cleaning medium (30), the debris (14) collected by the cleaning medium (30) and the rinsing medium (32).