Ceramic Component Cleaning via Solvent Boiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for cleaning ceramic components with complex internal structures or passages are inadequate, as they struggle to effectively remove residue from the creation process, which can damage the components during the firing process due to their complexity and the limitations of current cleaning technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a system with a cleaning vessel containing a solvent, a pressure control device, and a controller that changes the solvent's pressure and temperature to efficiently remove residue by boiling and vaporizing it, even in hard-to-reach areas, using a combination of pressure reduction and heating to ensure thorough cleaning without damaging the component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional cleaning methods are used on ceramic components with complex internal structures, then the cleaning process is simple and equipment is basic, but the residue removal effectiveness is insufficient and complex passages cannot be reached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of a cleaning fluid between liquid and vapor states through controlled heating and pressure reduction. The fluid is heated to boil and vaporize, enabling it to penetrate complex internal passages of ceramic components, then condensed and collected for recycling. This phase transition mechanism allows the cleaning system to effectively reach and clean hard-to-access areas while maintaining a manageable system complexity.
2Reliability
If the ceramic component is fired without thorough cleaning, then the firing process can proceed, but the residue causes damage to the component during firing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters (temperature and pressure) of the cleaning fluid to optimize cleaning effectiveness. By controlling the heating temperature and pressure reduction rates, the system achieves thorough residue removal from complex ceramic structures without causing damage. This parameter control ensures component integrity during subsequent firing while managing the overall manufacturing process complexity.
3Productivity
If pressure is reduced rapidly to boil the solvent, then cleaning efficiency increases, but the solvent temperature may drop below threshold requiring process interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback control by monitoring solvent temperature during the pressure reduction and boiling process. When the temperature approaches or drops below a predetermined threshold, the system adjusts the pressure reduction rate or applies additional heating to maintain optimal cleaning conditions. This feedback mechanism allows rapid pressure reduction for efficient cleaning while preventing temperature-related process interruptions.
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
This method allows for effective removal of residue from complex ceramic components, preventing damage during the firing process and ensuring the components are clean and ready for full strength development, even with intricate internal structures.
Implementation Method 1
reducing a pressure of the solvent sufficiently to boil the solvent
Implementation Method 2
vaporizing it, even in hard-to-reach areas
Implementation Method 3
heating the solvent in a liquid state
Data Source
AI summary
A method for cleaning a ceramic component includes generating a computer solid model of a component, converting the computer solid model to a stereo-lithographic instruction file, and preparing the component in a stereo-lithography machine in response to the stereo-lithographic instruction file. The method further includes providing an amount of solvent, where a residue left from preparing the component is at least partially soluble in the solvent. The method includes immersing at least part of the component in the solvent, heating the solvent in a liquid state, and reducing a pressure of the solvent sufficiently to boil the solvent. The method further includes heat-curing the component.