Compact Cleaning Apparatus Using Single-Axis Robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning apparatuses with wide-range motion robots occupy larger installation areas, necessitating a compact solution with a narrow-range motion robot for efficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
A compact cleaning apparatus featuring a single-axis robot with a column and articulated arm portion, partitioned into cleaning and drying stations by a separation wall, allowing for a narrow range of motion while maintaining efficient cleaning and drying capabilities through a multi-axis robot system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-axis robot with wide range of motion is used, then cleaning coverage and flexibility are improved, but installation area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning chamber is divided into multiple stations (cleaning station, drying station, loading station, unloading station) arranged linearly along the robot's travel path. This segmentation allows the robot to perform different operations at different locations, achieving comprehensive cleaning coverage while maintaining a compact linear footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a multi-axis robot operating in three-dimensional space to a single-axis robot traveling along a linear path with components arranged vertically and horizontally. The cleaning nozzles, drying nozzles, and other components are positioned at different heights and locations along the robot's linear trajectory, effectively using multiple dimensions along a single axis to achieve comprehensive coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If a single-axis robot with narrow range of motion is used, then installation area is reduced, but cleaning capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single-axis robot is designed to perform multiple functions through its linear travel path: transporting workpieces between loading and unloading stations, positioning them for cleaning, and coordinating with stationary cleaning and drying nozzles. This multi-functional design compensates for the narrow range of motion, maintaining comprehensive cleaning capability within a compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces stationary cleaning nozzles, drying nozzles, and support structures that remain fixed while the single-axis robot moves along a linear path. These stationary components act as intermediaries, providing the necessary cleaning and drying functions without requiring the robot to have complex multi-axis motion capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If cleaning and drying stations are separated by a separation wall, then functional organization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning chamber is divided into distinct functional stations (cleaning station, drying station, loading station, unloading station) separated by walls and partitions. This segmentation organizes different operations into discrete zones, improving manufacturing ease by allowing independent design and assembly of each station while maintaining overall system integration through the robot's coordinated motion.
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 compact design enables effective cleaning and drying operations within a smaller space, optimizing the use of area while maintaining the efficiency of a multi-axis robot system.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning nozzle configured to inject cleaning liquid
Implementation Method 2
a blow nozzle configured to inject dry air
Data Source
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AI summary
A compact cleaning apparatus including a robot with a narrow range of motion is provided. The cleaning apparatus (10) includes: a cleaning chamber (11); a cleaning station (15); a drying station (23); a separation wall (13); a single axis robot (44) including a column (46) arranged adjacent to a side surface (38), a linear guide (59) extending vertically, and a vertical moving saddle (77) movable vertically; an arm portion (45) including a first rotation saddle (93) rotatable about a second axis extending vertically, a first arm (101) swingable about a third axis (143) extending horizontally and extending orthogonal to the third axis (143), a second arm (113) rotatable about a fourth axis (145) orthogonal to the third axis (143), a second rotation saddle (129) rotatable about a fifth axis (147) orthogonal to the fourth axis (145), a third rotation saddle (136) rotatable about a sixth axis (149) orthogonal to the fifth axis (147); and a hand (137) for gripping a workpiece (151).