Cleaning apparatus and control method for cleaning apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning apparatuses for detection surfaces, such as image sensors, are inadequate in ensuring accurate and consistent removal of foreign particles, as they rely on human proficiency and lack a systematic approach to combine different cleaning methods effectively.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a combination of non-contact and contact cleaning units, controlled by a driver and a control unit, which adjusts the cleaning order and number of operations based on user settings, utilizing air pressure and wiping tools to remove foreign particles from detection surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single cleaning method is used, then the device complexity is low, but the cleaning precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is divided into multiple independent cleaning units, each employing a different cleaning method (e.g., contact cleaning with wiping elements, non-contact cleaning with air jets). Each cleaning unit can be selectively activated based on the detected foreign particle type and position, allowing precise cleaning without requiring all cleaning methods to be present simultaneously, thus maintaining relatively simple device structure while achieving high cleaning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cleaning methods are applied to different regions or types of foreign particles on the detection surface. The control unit selects appropriate cleaning units based on the detected foreign particle characteristics, applying the most suitable cleaning method locally rather than using a uniform cleaning approach across the entire surface, thereby optimizing cleaning precision for each specific contamination scenario.
2Reliability
If multiple cleaning methods are combined, then the cleaning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus employs a dynamic selection mechanism where the control unit automatically chooses which cleaning units to activate based on real-time detection results. The system can adaptively adjust the cleaning strategy by enabling or disabling specific cleaning methods according to the detected foreign particle type, size, and location, ensuring reliable cleaning while keeping the actual number of simultaneously active cleaning elements low, thus managing device complexity effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit and control unit work together to automatically determine the appropriate cleaning strategy without manual intervention. The system self-adjusts by selecting from available cleaning units based on detected contamination characteristics, reducing the need for complex manual control mechanisms while maintaining high cleaning reliability through automated decision-making.
3Measurement precision
If manual cleaning is performed, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and cleaning consistency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus incorporates a detection unit that scans the detection surface to identify foreign particles, providing feedback information about their type, size, and position to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically selects and activates the appropriate cleaning unit, creating a closed-loop system that continuously monitors and adjusts cleaning operations, thereby achieving high detection accuracy and consistent cleaning results without requiring complex manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with automated cleaning units that can be precisely controlled. Instead of relying on human operators to manually wipe or clean the detection surface, the apparatus uses automated mechanisms such as controlled wiping elements, air jets, or other non-contact cleaning methods that are actuated by the control unit based on detection feedback, thereby improving measurement precision and eliminating variability associated with manual cleaning.
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 apparatus ensures thorough and accurate removal of foreign particles from detection surfaces, reducing the risk of damage and improving cleaning consistency across different types of detection elements.
Implementation Method 1
a user takes an image sensor in a service store run by a manufacturer or the like and ask a dedicated worker to clean the image capturing surface of the image sensor. However, the accuracy of cleaning work varies depending on the difference in the proficiency level or the like of dedicated workers. In this regard, Japanese Patent No. 04537105 discusses an apparatus that is connected to a camera and cleans the front surface of an image capturing surface by wiping the surface using a wind pressure or an adhesive sheet.
Implementation Method 2
a user takes an image sensor in a service store run by a manufacturer or the like and ask a dedicated worker to clean the image capturing surface of the image sensor. However, the accuracy of cleaning work varies depending on the difference in the proficiency level or the like of dedicated workers. In this regard, Japanese Patent No. 04537105 discusses an apparatus that is connected to a camera and cleans the front surface of an image capturing surface by wiping the surface using a wind pressure or an adhesive sheet.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus that cleans a detection element including a detection surface, including a first cleaner configured to perform cleaning, and configured to clean the detection surface by using a first cleaning portion, a second cleaner, and configured to clean the detection surface by using a second cleaning portion, a driver to which the first cleaner and the second cleaner are attached and configured to move to approach or recede from the detection surface in a state where the first cleaner and the second cleaner are attached to the driver, and a control unit configured to control each of the first cleaner, the second cleaner, and the driver, wherein the control unit controls, based on the received setting, a cleaning order and/or a number of cleaning operations of the cleaning performed by the first cleaner and the cleaning performed by the second cleaner.