Intelligent Hub Cleaning Device with Dynamic Nozzle Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional hub cleaning methods are inefficient, costly, and fail to effectively clean multiple types of hubs due to manual labor, limited automation, and the inability to adapt to varying hub shapes and sizes, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent hub cleaning device featuring a base, mounting transition plate, nozzle adjusting module, hub conveying modules, and a work fixture with ultrasonic sensors and high-pressure nozzles that automatically adjust to different hub sizes and shapes, ensuring thorough cleaning and reducing waste by only targeting surfaces that need cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual cleaning method is used, then working flexibility is maintained, but automation degree is low and efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation degreeVSAvoidcleaning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated high-pressure water jet system controlled by PLC. The cleaning process is transformed from manual brush/rag cleaning to automated high-pressure spray cleaning, achieving both high automation and high efficiency simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service cleaning where the hub cleaning process is automatically performed without manual intervention. The PLC-controlled system autonomously positions nozzles, controls water pressure, and completes cleaning operations, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining high efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If brush cleaning machine is used, then cleaning coverage is improved, but cleaning dead angles exist and adaptability to different hub types is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different hub typesVSAvoidcleaning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic positioning mechanisms that allow the cleaning nozzles to move and adjust their positions automatically. The multi-axis positioning system enables nozzles to reach different areas of various hub types, eliminating dead angles while adapting to different geometries without requiring complex dedicated fixtures for each hub type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system is designed with universal adaptability to handle multiple hub types using the same equipment. Through programmable control and adjustable nozzle positioning, a single system can clean different hub configurations without requiring separate specialized cleaning machines for each hub type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple high pressure nozzles are used to improve cleaning efficiency, then cleaning coverage is increased, but device cost is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of nozzles required
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using multiple fixed nozzles simultaneously, the patent employs a dynamic positioning system with fewer nozzles that can move to different positions. The nozzles are mounted on multi-axis positioning mechanisms that allow them to sequentially access different cleaning areas, achieving comprehensive coverage with fewer nozzles and reduced system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device significantly reduces costs and improves efficiency by enabling the cleaning of multiple hub types with automated positioning and real-time adjustment of nozzles, minimizing unnecessary cleaning and optimizing production processes.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic sensor and a high pressure nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic sensing: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

high pressure nozzles that automatically adjust to different hub sizes and shapes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh pressure water jet: Jet Erosion

Data Source

PatentEP3450033B1Intelligent hub cleaning device
Publication Date: 2022.05.18 CITIC DICASTAL CO LTD
  • EP3450033B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3450033B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

An intelligent hub cleaning device, comprising a base (1), a mounting transition plate (2), a nozzle adjusting module (3), hub conveying modules (4) and a work fixture (5), wherein the nozzle adjusting module (3) is connected onto the mounting transition plate (2), and the mounting transition plate (2) is fixed on the base (1); the work fixture (5) is arranged at a position parallel to the base (1), so that the nozzle adjusting module (3) can face the front side of a hub (6); and the hub conveying modules (4) are arranged on two sides of the work fixture (5). The device is simple in structure, and one device can complete cleaning of multiple types of hubs, thereby greatly reducing the input of enterprises on cleaning devices and saving a lot of money for the enterprises. The device is high in degree of intelligence, and can automatically seek the hub surface that needs to be cleaned, thereby avoiding time and cleaner waste on the surface that does not need to be cleaned.