Adjustable Spray Bar Height for PCB Cleaning Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning apparatuses require manual adjustment of the spray system height, which is time-consuming and inconvenient, especially with the increased complexity and time demands of lead-free soldering processes and smaller electronic substrate designs.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable height spray system with a lift mechanism, including a linear actuator and linkage assembly, automatically moves the manifold and spray bars up and down to optimize the cleaning distance, utilizing a conveyor system for electronic substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment of spray system height is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray system transitions from a fixed manual adjustment mechanism to a dynamic automated system. The linear actuator enables the spray bars to move automatically between raised and lowered positions, allowing the system to adapt its height dynamically based on cleaning requirements without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. The linear actuator converts electrical signals into mechanical motion, automatically positioning the spray bars at the required height, thereby eliminating the need for manual operation and improving productivity.
2Ease of operation
If automated lift mechanism is added, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray system becomes self-adjusting through the automated lift mechanism. The linear actuator automatically positions the spray bars without requiring operator intervention, making the system serve itself by performing the adjustment function autonomously based on control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear actuator serves as an intermediary device between the control system and the spray bars. It translates control commands into physical movement, mediating the interaction between the operator/interface and the mechanical spray system, thereby improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spray system height is fixed, then device complexity is minimized, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic adjustable one. The linear actuator enables the spray bars to move between different height positions, allowing the system to adapt to various cleaning scenarios and substrate types while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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
Facilitates efficient and automated adjustment of spray system height, enhancing cleaning efficiency and convenience by adapting to the size and thickness of electronic substrates, reducing manual intervention and time consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The lift mechanism may include a linear actuator, which is mounted on a wall of the at least one cleaning module by a bracket.
Implementation Method 2
The lift mechanism further may include a linkage assembly having two pivot links, with each pivot link being pivotally secured to the wall of the cleaning module, and a linkage bar, which connects the ends of the pivot links.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus is configured to clean electronic substrates including printed circuit boards and semiconductor product assemblies. The cleaning apparatus includes at least one cleaning module configured to treat electronic substrates and a conveyor system configured to transport the electronic substrates through the at least one cleaning module. The at least one cleaning module includes a spray system having a manifold connected to a source of fluid and a plurality of spray bars fluidly coupled to the manifold, and an adjustable height spray system configured to move the manifold and the plurality of spray bars up and down with respect to the conveyor system.