Foam-Body Cleaning Tool for Accelerator Column Glass Surface Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The glass surfaces within accelerator columns of beamline ion implanters are difficult to clean due to their inaccessible location and the accumulation of contamination, such as particles, between electrodes, which can affect the ion beam's trajectory and energy.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning tool with a shaft and a foam body having a textured surface is designed to be inserted between electrodes, allowing for rotation to effectively clean the glass surface, utilizing removable electrode inserts to create access and a modular design for varying lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the accelerator column is elongated to increase beam energy, then the beam energy capability is improved, but the accessibility for cleaning becomes worse
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into modular components: a long flexible shaft that can be inserted through the elongated accelerator column, a removable electrode insert that creates access points, and a cleaning head with foam bodies. This segmentation allows the cleaning tool to reach deep into extended accelerator columns without requiring disassembly of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable electrode insert serves as an intermediary element that temporarily removes blocking components to create access pathways. The electrode insert is removed to allow the cleaning tool to reach the glass surface, then replaced after cleaning. This intermediary approach enables cleaning of elongated structures without compromising the integrity or length of the accelerator column.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the internal diameter is reduced to fit component constraints, then the apparatus design flexibility is improved, but the cleaning accessibility becomes worse
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool employs a nested structure where foam bodies of different sizes are positioned along the shaft, with smaller foam bodies able to access narrower spaces between electrodes. The modular foam bodies can be selectively positioned and removed, allowing adaptation to various internal diameters and electrode spacing configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system incorporates flexible and movable components including a flexible shaft that can bend to navigate tight spaces, and foam bodies that can be independently positioned and removed. This dynamic design allows the same cleaning tool to adapt to different internal diameters and electrode arrangements without requiring fixed geometric constraints.
3Ease of operation
If the glass surface is left uncleaned due to inaccessibility, then the operational simplicity is maintained, but the ion beam trajectory and energy are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, with modular components that can be easily assembled and disassembled by operators without specialized training. The removable electrode insert and modular foam bodies allow operators to perform cleaning maintenance themselves without requiring complex tooling or extensive disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tool is designed to access and clean the glass surface before contamination can significantly affect ion beam performance. By providing easy access through the removable electrode insert mechanism, cleaning can be performed proactively as part of routine maintenance, preventing degradation of beam trajectory and energy rather than reacting to performance issues.
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 tool enables thorough cleaning of the glass surfaces, removing contamination and maintaining the accelerator column's performance by providing a convenient and accessible method for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, ensuring the ion beam's accuracy and energy are maintained.
Implementation Method 1
An outer circumference of the foam body includes a textured cleaning surface for contacting the glass surface of the accelerator column
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning tool for cleaning a glass surface of an accelerator column is disclosed. The cleaning tool includes a shaft including a first end and a second end; a foam body located at the first end of the shaft; and a mounting bracket coupled to the first end of the shaft, the mounting bracket receiving the foam body. An outer circumference of the foam body includes a textured cleaning surface for contacting the glass surface of the accelerator column.