Conveyor Mobile Device Cleaning for Faster Grading

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of cleaning and grading used mobile devices is complicated, time-consuming, and expensive due to the increasing complexity of these devices, necessitating a more efficient and automated cleaning solution.

Innovation Solution

An in-line, conveyor-based robotic cleaning system using automated force control linear actuators, sprayers, blowers, and smudge removing rollers to automate the cleaning process for mobile devices, ensuring consistency and speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual cleaning by operators is used, then cleaning can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning speedVSAvoidtime for manual cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated robotic system that uses conveyors, spray nozzles, wipers, and rollers to perform cleaning tasks automatically, eliminating the need for manual labor and increasing cleaning speed and consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system is designed to clean devices autonomously through a self-contained process where the conveyor moves devices through cleaning stations, spray nozzles apply cleaning solution, wipers wipe surfaces, and rollers remove smudges without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual cleaning is performed before grading, then devices can be cleaned, but throughput is reduced and consistency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning consistencyVSAvoiddevice throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces inconsistent manual cleaning with a standardized automated mechanical system that applies cleaning solution uniformly through spray nozzles, wipes surfaces consistently with wipers, and removes smudges reliably with rollers, ensuring every device receives identical cleaning treatment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning process is performed as a preliminary automated step before grading, with cleaning solution applied in advance via spray nozzles and surfaces prepared beforehand by wipers and rollers, ensuring devices are consistently clean and ready for grading without delaying the overall process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated robotic cleaning is implemented, then throughput increases and consistency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning throughputVSAvoidcleaning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is divided into separate functional modules: a conveyor system for transport, spray nozzles for applying cleaning solution, wipers for wiping surfaces, and rollers for removing smudges. Each module performs a specific cleaning function independently, making the complex overall system manageable through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The automated cleaning system is designed to handle multiple device types and cleaning requirements through a universal conveyor-based platform that can accommodate different device sizes and configurations, allowing the same system to clean various mobile devices without requiring device-specific customizations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 robotic cleaning system enhances the cleaning process by increasing throughput and reducing manual labor, providing consistent cleaning results and facilitating faster grading of mobile devices.

Implementation Method 1

sprayed with a cleaning solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

wiped dry with microfiber cloths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

a first wiper to wipe an automatically dispensed cleaning solution from a first major surface of the mobile device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical wiping: Friction

Implementation Method 4

an automated blower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 5

a first smudge remover to remove smudges from the first major surface or the second major surface of the mobile device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical contact: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20260084185A1System and method for cleaning mobile devices

Publication Date: 2026.03.26 COMMUNICATIONS TEST DESIGN INC

AI summary

An automated cleaning system for a mobile device includes a conveyor to move the mobile device through the cleaning system; a first wiper to wipe an automatically dispensed cleaning solution from a first major surface of the mobile device; a first mobile device flipper to flip the mobile device 180 degrees; a side cleaner to clean four sides of the mobile device; a second wiper to wipe an automatically dispensed cleaning solution from a second major surface of the mobile device; and a smudge remover to remove smudges from the first major surface or the second major surface of the mobile device.