Contactless Cleaning Device Vacuum Ionization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact cleaning methods for workpieces, such as those using ionized compressed air, lead to environmental contamination and require complex, cost-intensive structures, while also failing to prevent secondary contamination of the workpiece.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact cleaning device with a housing that generates a controlled air flow using a vacuum source and an ionizer to neutralize and remove statically adhering particles without releasing them into the environment, utilizing a coaxial tube structure and adjustable nozzles to optimize media flow and particle collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If ionized compressed air is used to blow off particles, then particles are removed from the workpiece surface, but particles are dispersed into the surrounding environment and settle back onto the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful dispersed particles from the environment by introducing a vacuum source that creates negative pressure. This negative pressure field captures particles before they can settle back onto the workpiece, effectively removing them from the system and preventing secondary contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by establishing a negative pressure field before particles can disperse and settle. The vacuum source creates a controlled environment that prevents the harmful effect of particle redistribution, countering the dispersion issue before it occurs.
2Manufacturing precision
If compressed air and ionizer are used to remove particles, then statically adhering particles can be detached, but complex and costly equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the housing serves as both the structural enclosure and the vacuum chamber, the vacuum source provides both negative pressure for particle capture and airflow control, and the ionizer is integrated within the housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate compressed air systems, oil separators, and condensation separators.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum source performs multiple functions: it creates negative pressure to capture particles, generates controlled airflow through the housing, and maintains a clean environment. The housing simultaneously provides structural support, contains the ionizer, and directs airflow. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity and cost.
3Manufacturing precision
If ionizer is positioned near compressed air outlet nozzle, then high voltage ionizes the compressed air, but this requires precise positioning and high voltage equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the vacuum source's own airflow to transport ions generated by the ionizer directly onto the workpiece surface. The negative pressure field automatically draws ions through the housing and onto the workpiece, eliminating the need for precise positioning of the ionizer relative to a compressed air nozzle. The system uses its inherent airflow to deliver the ionizing effect.
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
Enables efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly cleaning of workpieces by preventing particle re-deposition and contamination, eliminating the need for compressed air and associated equipment, and allowing adaptation to various workpiece geometries.
Implementation Method 1
The housing is connected to a negative pressure source, in particular a vacuum source. An airflow can be generated within the housing, flowing from the first opening to the second opening through the housing or through the hollow interior
Implementation Method 2
at least one ionizer can be arranged at or near the first opening. This ionizer can emit ions by means of an connectable high voltage, which can at least partially ionize the air or medium flowing past the ionizer
Implementation Method 3
When this ionized compressed air is blown directly onto the workpiece surface, the surface is electrostatically discharged, and the statically adhering particles can be blown off
Implementation Method 4
The airflow passing over the workpiece detaches particles adhering to its surface. These particles are drawn towards the vacuum source and thus do not escape into the environment
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for contactless cleaning of a workpiece, said device having a housing that has a first region (2) and a second region (3), wherein the first region (2) has a first opening (4) and at least one ioniser (10) arranged in or on the first opening (4), wherein the first opening (4) is adapted to at least partially receive the workpiece to be cleaned, and the second region (3) has at least one second opening (5a, 5b) and is adapted to be connected to a low-pressure source. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.