Filter Cleaning Spiral Scanning for Full Surface Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated and semi-automated filtration systems lack effective scanning methods for cleaning cylindrical and flat surfaces, with prior art limited to helix trajectories and no ability to adjust or combine multiple motions for optimal coverage and contact time.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of spiral and spiral-like scanning trajectories generated by combinations of two or more circular and/or linear motions, allowing for complete coverage of filter element surfaces with an effective cleaning radius, suitable for planar or semi-planar surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single linear or rotational motion is used for cleaning, then the device complexity is low, but the cleaning coverage and adaptability to different surface shapes are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent motions (rotational motion of the filter element and axial reciprocating motion of the cleaning device) into a coordinated cleaning system. This merging of motions enables the cleaning device to access different surfaces (planar and cylindrical) effectively, increasing cleaning coverage without requiring overly complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device employs dynamic motion coordination where the axial position and rotational position are independently controllable. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different filter surface geometries and optimize cleaning paths, enhancing versatility while maintaining manageable device complexity
2Productivity
If the cleaning head moves quickly across the surface, then productivity is high, but the instantaneous contact time is insufficient for effective cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the cleaning head's axial reciprocating speed and rotational speed independently. This allows optimization of the instantaneous contact time at each location while maintaining overall high productivity. The cleaning head can move quickly between locations but spend adequate time at each cleaning point
Solution Approach 2:
The axial reciprocating motion creates periodic contact patterns where the cleaning head repeatedly passes over the same areas. This periodic action ensures sufficient cumulative contact time for effective cleaning while maintaining high overall cleaning speed through efficient path planning
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cleaning trajectory is fixed, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different filter surface shapes and sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning trajectory is made dynamic through independent control of axial position and rotational position. This allows the system to adapt to different filter element geometries (planar, cylindrical, conical) and sizes by adjusting motion parameters without requiring completely different mechanisms for each case
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinated motion system serves multiple functions: it can clean both planar and cylindrical surfaces, accommodate different filter element sizes, and optimize cleaning paths for various geometries. This universal capability is achieved through a relatively simple coordinated control system rather than multiple specialized mechanisms
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 dynamic cleaning of various filter surfaces, reducing system complexity and cost, while improving cleaning effectiveness and adaptability, and is compatible with diverse filtration media and methods.
Implementation Method 1
spiral or spiral-like trajectories produced by combined rotational and/or linear motions
Implementation Method 2
combined rotational and/or linear motions
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for filter cleaning including a filter element surface (12) to be cleaned, and a cleaning head (10), characterised by a controller (16) operative to move the cleaning head (10) with respect to the filter element surface (12) in a spiral scanning trajectory in such a way that a relative path of the cleaning head (10) with respect to the filter element surface (12) results in a trajectory that fully, or partially covers the filter element surface (12) and is produced by moving the filter element surface (12) in any combination of the following motions: a) one or more circular or semi-circular motions, b) one or more linear motions; while moving the cleaning head (10) in any combination of the following motions: c) one or more circular or semi-circular motions, d) one or more linear motions.