Arc Turntable Cleaning for Hard-to-Reach Part Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parts washers are ineffective at cleaning uniquely shaped parts due to their inability to reach hard-to-reach areas, pose health and environmental risks, and are not cost-efficient, despite advancements in aqueous and ultrasonic cleaners.
Innovation Solution
A parts cleaning system with a modular, arc-shaped track and a 4-axis movable cleaning arm, comprising a drive rail, powered carriage, and a rotatable turntable, allowing for bidirectional movement along multiple axes to reach all parts surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spray-based parts cleaners are used, then they are simple and cost-effective, but they cannot reach hard-to-reach areas of uniquely shaped parts
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system employs a robotic arm with multiple degrees of freedom that can dynamically position and orient the cleaning nozzle to reach any surface of uniquely shaped parts. The arm moves along modular track sections and can articulate at multiple joints, transforming the static spray approach into a dynamic, adaptive cleaning mechanism that covers complex geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds spatial dimensions to the cleaning approach by utilizing a multi-axis robotic arm that operates in three-dimensional space. The arm can position the nozzle from multiple angles and heights, and the modular track system allows movement along curved and straight paths, enabling cleaning of surfaces that are inaccessible to conventional linear spray systems.
2Reliability
If solvent-based parts washers are used, then they are effective at cleaning contaminants, but they pose health and environmental risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the chemical parameter of the cleaning medium by using water-based effluent instead of solvent-based cleaners. This substitution maintains cleaning effectiveness for industrial parts while eliminating the toxic and flammable properties of traditional solvents, thereby removing health and environmental hazards associated with solvent exposure and disposal.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If aqueous parts cleaners are used, then they are safe and environmentally friendly, but they are not as effective at cleaning heavy grease or oil
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces chemical cleaning mechanisms with mechanical cleaning action. The robotic arm delivers high-velocity water jets that physically impact and remove heavy grease and oil through kinetic energy and mechanical force, rather than relying on chemical dissolution. This mechanical approach maintains safety and environmental benefits while achieving effective removal of stubborn contaminants.
4Ease of operation
If ultrasonic cleaners are used, then they can clean delicate parts and complex geometries, but they are more expensive and not suitable for all part types
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic cleaning system with modular track sections and multi-axis arm is designed to handle diverse part types and geometries through a single versatile platform. The system can be reconfigured by adding or removing track sections and adjusting arm positioning to accommodate different part sizes and shapes, providing universal cleaning capability without requiring multiple specialized cleaning systems like ultrasonic baths for different applications.
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
Effectively cleans parts of any shape without missing hard-to-reach areas, ensuring safety, environmental friendliness, and cost-efficiency, while using recycled cleaning fluids.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning arm (145) having a cleaning nozzle (125) mounted at one end, wherein the nozzle comprises one or more fluid openings... expel effluent from the nozzle onto the part to be cleaned
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed principles provide embodiments of a novel part cleaning system, and related methods of use and manufacturing, capable of cleaning parts having any nontraditional shapes. An exemplary parts cleaning system provides at least five axes of movement, and comprises a drive rail comprised of a plurality of connectable modular sections, a base configured to support the drive rail, and a cleaning arm and nozzle. The system includes base drive assemblies translating the drive rail across the base, a powered carriage driving on the drive rail, and a feed assembly moving the cleaning arm towards and away from the turntable. The system includes a rotational assembly on the carriage and carrying the feed assembly to rotate the feed assembly and the cleaning arm. A turntable is mounted on the base and sized to carry a part to be cleaned, where the turntable bidirectionally rotates the part along a fifth axis of movement.