Downdraft table for cleaning electronic equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downdraft tables lack an integrated source of compressed air, making them inefficient for cleaning larger electronic equipment like computers, which often require multiple cans of compressed air or alternative sources.
Innovation Solution
A downdraft table with a built-in air compressor and storage tank, along with a hose and nozzle for directing compressed air, combined with a grid-like support surface and a turntable for rotating the equipment, and a grounding mechanism to prevent static damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If canned compressed air is used for cleaning electronic equipment, then portability and simplicity are improved, but the quantity of compressed air available is limited and requires multiple cans for larger cleaning jobs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a downdraft table with an integrated compressed air system including a compressor and storage tank. This merging allows the cleaning system to provide both the portability of handheld cans and the continuous supply of a stationary system, enabling efficient cleaning of larger electronic equipment without requiring multiple cans.
2Quantity of substance
If a stationary compressed air source is used for cleaning electronic equipment, then the quantity of compressed air is improved, but portability and ease of movement are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compressed air delivery system into a stationary compression and storage component (compressor and tank integrated with the downdraft table) and a mobile delivery component (hose and nozzle). This segmentation allows the bulk compressed air supply to be stationary while maintaining operator mobility during the cleaning process.
3Productivity
If compressed air is used for cleaning electronic equipment, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but static electricity damage to equipment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a grounding wire as an intermediary element between the work surface and the electronic equipment. This grounding wire provides a safe path for static electricity to dissipate, mediating between the potentially harmful compressed air cleaning process and the sensitive electronic equipment to prevent static damage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
4Device complexity
If a simple downdraft table is used for cleaning, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle larger cleaning jobs efficiently is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional cleaning system that combines a downdraft table with compressed air delivery capabilities. This universal system can handle both small cleaning tasks (using the table's air flow) and large cleaning jobs (using the integrated compressor and hose), eliminating the need for separate equipment while maintaining reasonable complexity.
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 and safe cleaning of electronic equipment by providing a continuous source of compressed air and grounding to prevent static electricity damage, improving the cleaning process for larger electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
A fan located within the housing below the upper support surface draws air from above the surface downwardly through the grid
Implementation Method 2
An air compressor and compressed air storage tank are also located within the housing below the upper support surface for producing a source of compressed air
Implementation Method 3
a ground wire is connected to the housing and extends downwardly from above the upper support surface. The ground wire includes a spring clip at the distal end thereof which is adapted to be connected to the piece of electronic equipment for grounding the same
Data Source
AI summary
A downdraft table for cleaning electronic equipment includes a housing in the form of a cabinet having a grid-like upper surface with openings therein. A fan located within the housing below the upper surface draws air from above the surface downwardly through the grid. An air compressor and compressed air storage tank are also located within the housing below the upper surface for producing a source of compressed air and a hose is connected to the compressed air storage tank and extends upwardly above the upper surface. An air nozzle connected to the hose allows a workman to direct compressed air toward a piece of electronic equipment located on the upper surface. The upper surface preferably includes a turntable that is adapted to support the piece of electronic equipment thereby allowing the equipment to be rotated about a vertical axis as it is being cleaned. In addition, a ground wire is connected to the housing and has a spring clip at the distal end thereof which is adapted to be connected to the piece of electronic equipment for grounding the same.