Cart Wheel Cleaning Shuttle for Cleanroom Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clean rooms face contamination risks due to dirt and contaminants introduced by operators and equipment, particularly through cart wheels, which can also lead to cross-contamination when moving equipment in and out of these environments.
Innovation Solution
A wheel cleaner system featuring an elongated body with a central channel and a shuttle mechanism that engages with cart wheels, allowing them to roll through and disengage at the exit, utilizing a cleaning pad for effective cleaning, and optionally includes a roller and drive mechanism for rotating the wheels during cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a wheel cleaning device is introduced to clean cart wheels, then contamination risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel cleaning device allows the cart wheel itself to drive the cleaning process. As the wheel is pushed through the channel, it rotates and engages the cleaning pad automatically, eliminating the need for external motors or complex actuation mechanisms. The wheel's own motion powers the cleaning action.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning pad is extracted as a separate, removable component that can be easily replaced. The pad is mounted on a carrier that can be detached from the channel, allowing for simple maintenance and replacement without disassembling the entire device.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cleaning pad is used to clean the wheel, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the cleaning pad wears out and requires replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning pad is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component. When the pad becomes worn or contaminated, it can be quickly removed and replaced with a fresh pad, ensuring continuous cleaning effectiveness without requiring complex regeneration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning pad is made from relatively inexpensive materials that can be easily replaced. This allows for frequent replacement to maintain cleaning effectiveness without significant cost or complexity, treating the pad as a consumable item.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the wheel is rotated during cleaning, then cleaning coverage is improved, but additional mechanical components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel rotation during cleaning is achieved through the wheel's own motion as it is pushed through the channel. The wheel naturally rotates on its axle, and this rotation brings different portions of the wheel surface into contact with the cleaning pad, providing comprehensive cleaning coverage without additional rotation mechanisms.
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 cleans cart wheels as they pass through, reducing contamination risks and facilitating the safe movement of equipment within and out of clean environments by ensuring wheels are thoroughly cleaned before re-entry.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding engagement between the wheel and the shuttle cleans the wheel as the wheel rolls through the channel
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for cleaning a cart wheel includes an elongated body having a central channel having an entry end and an exit end. A shuttle (300) slidably engages the elongated body and is engageable by a wheel entering the central channel from the entry end such that the wheel pushes the shuttle along the central channel and disengages the shuttle adjacent the exit end, wherein a sliding engagement between the wheel and the shuttle cleans the wheel.