Immersed Wheel Cleaning Device with Rotating Manipulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheel cleaning equipment in production lines is inefficient, failing to thoroughly clean wheels in all directions, which can affect subsequent machining and detection, and has a long cycle time, necessitating the development of new automatic equipment.
Innovation Solution
An immersed wheel cleaning device where the wheel is submerged in water and rotates during cleaning, utilizing a combination of servo motors, rotating disks, and manipulators to ensure uniform cleaning and reduce cycle time through a multi-step process involving positioning, primary and secondary cleaning, and blowing and discharging systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple cleaning equipment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning thoroughness and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into multiple independent cleaning stations (first cleaning station, second cleaning station, third cleaning station) with specialized functions. Each station handles specific cleaning tasks, allowing parallel processing and continuous operation, thereby improving productivity without requiring an overly complex single-unit design
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device integrates multiple functions into a unified system: positioning mechanism, multiple cleaning stations with different cleaning approaches, drying mechanism, and transfer system all work together. This multi-functional integration achieves high productivity while maintaining reasonable device complexity
2Device complexity
If the wheel is cleaned in limited directions, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from single-direction cleaning to multi-dimensional cleaning by arranging three cleaning stations at different positions and angles around the wheel's rotation path. The wheel rotates to present different surfaces to each station, achieving comprehensive cleaning of all directions and surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
Different cleaning stations employ different cleaning mechanisms segmented by function: the first station uses water spray for initial cleaning, the second station provides additional cleaning from another angle, and the third station focuses on drying. This segmentation allows each station to be relatively simple while collectively achieving high cleaning quality
3Manufacturing precision
If the cleaning cycle time is extended, then cleaning quality is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process is made continuous through multiple stations operating in sequence while the wheel rotates. Instead of a single long cleaning cycle, the wheel receives continuous cleaning action from multiple stations simultaneously during one rotation, maintaining high cleaning quality while reducing total cycle time
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel rotates periodically to bring different surfaces to each cleaning station at optimal intervals. This periodic rotation ensures each surface receives appropriate cleaning attention while maintaining a rapid, rhythmic process that improves productivity
4Device complexity
If manual positioning and handling is used, then device complexity is reduced, but labor intensity and cycle time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is designed to be self-positioned and self-handled through automated mechanisms. The positioning mechanism automatically orients the wheel, and the manipulator automatically transfers the wheel between stations without manual intervention. The wheel's own rotation serves the cleaning process, eliminating the need for complex external handling equipment
Data Source
AI summary
An immersed wheel cleaning device is composed of a wheel feeding system, a wheel cleaning system and a wheel discharging and blowing system. Cleaning and blowing of each wheel comprise four steps: step 1, feeding and clamping; step 2, primary cleaning; step 3, secondary cleaning; and step 4, blowing and discharging. Ordered engagement of discharging and feeding is realized by cyclic switching of manipulators, and the steps are engaged, so that the cycle time is greatly reduced.