Capillary Tube Cleaning via Atomized Droplet Acceleration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cleaning capillary tubes, especially those closed at one end, is challenging due to slow penetration of cleaning media, leading to unsatisfactory results and residual contamination that can harm electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the atomization and directional acceleration of cleaning medium droplets into capillary tubes, combined with rotational movements to ensure thorough filling and emptying, allowing for effective cleaning without pressure and minimizing residual particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning medium is used to clean capillary tubes, then cleaning action is achieved, but the cleaning medium penetrates slowly due to surface tension resulting in unsatisfactory cleaning results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cleaning medium by atomizing it into fine droplets with diameters of 1-100 micrometers. This parameter change reduces the surface tension effects and enables rapid penetration into capillary tubes while maintaining effective cleaning action throughout the tube volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning medium is segmented into numerous fine droplets through atomization rather than being applied as a continuous stream or large drops. This segmentation allows multiple droplets to penetrate different regions of the capillary tube simultaneously, overcoming the slow penetration problem while ensuring comprehensive cleaning coverage.
2Reliability
If a scooping capillary is flooded with cleaning medium, then cleaning action is achieved, but the enclosed air prevents the cleaning medium from passing through the entire volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the cleaning process by using ultrasonic vibration in addition to the linear flow of atomized droplets. This vibrational dimension creates pressure variations that disrupt air pockets and enable the cleaning medium to penetrate the entire capillary volume, including regions that would otherwise be blocked by trapped air.
Solution Approach 2:
Ultrasonic vibration is applied to the capillary tube during the cleaning process. This mechanical vibration creates acoustic pressure waves that collapse air pockets and facilitate the penetration of atomized cleaning droplets throughout the entire capillary volume, eliminating the air entrapment problem that prevents complete cleaning.
3Reliability
If mechanical cleaning methods are used, then cleaning action is achieved, but they are not suitable for all types of capillaries and involve extremely high outlay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical cleaning systems with a combined field-based approach using ultrasonic vibration and atomized droplet delivery. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive mechanical cleaning aids while achieving effective cleaning across all capillary types through the synergistic action of ultrasonic waves and fine droplet penetration.
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 method enables reliable and thorough cleaning of capillary tubes, including scooping capillaries, with reduced residual contamination, effectively addressing the limitations of prior art and ensuring cleanliness for electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
the cleaning medium, expediently in liquid form, is atomized or sprayed finely such that droplets of cleaning medium are accelerated in the direction of an opening
Implementation Method 2
on account of the surface tension, is slow to penetrate into the capillaries
Implementation Method 3
the tube is rotated in order to distribute the cleaning medium
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of cleaning tubes, in which the tube is at least partially filled with a cleaning medium, wherein a cleaning medium is atomized, in which case the droplets of cleaning medium are accelerated, at least in part, essentially in the direction of a center axis of the tube.