Laser-Focused Fluid Beam Cleaning for 3D Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning methods for industrial robots, particularly in food-handling facilities, are inefficient in removing finer particles and bacteria from complex surfaces, and existing automated solutions lack adaptability for irregular 3D surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device that produces a fluid beam with a focused laser beam to create cavitation, allowing for automated and effective cleaning of 3D surfaces by adjusting the laser focus based on sensed length data, eliminating the need for high pressure or temperature and reducing humidity generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high pressure spraying is used for cleaning, then large dirt particles are removed effectively, but finer particles and bacteria remain on surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical high-pressure spray system with a laser-based cleaning system. The laser beam creates cavitation bubbles in the fluid that collapse on the surface, producing a mechanical cleaning effect through light energy rather than mechanical fluid pressure. This substitution enables effective removal of both large particles and fine bacteria without requiring high fluid pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to vapor through laser-induced cavitation. The laser energy causes localized boiling of the fluid, creating vapor bubbles that collapse and generate intense mechanical forces for cleaning. This phase transition mechanism enables thorough cleaning of fine particles and bacteria that conventional spray methods cannot remove.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical scrubbing is used to remove finer particles, then cleaning thoroughness improves, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scrubbing systems with a laser-based cavitation system. Instead of using mechanical brushes or scrubbing elements that require complex drive mechanisms and contact with surfaces, the system uses laser energy to create cavitation bubbles in a fluid that cleans surfaces remotely. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining high cleaning thoroughness.
3Ease of operation
If fixed focus laser cleaning is used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot clean arbitrary 3D surfaces effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic focusing capability where the laser beam focus can be adjusted along the fluid stream. This allows the system to adapt to different distances and angles of 3D surfaces being cleaned. The dynamic adjustment of focus position enables effective cleaning of arbitrary three-dimensional surfaces while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal cleaning system that can handle various surface types and geometries using the same laser cavitation mechanism. By combining the laser-induced cavitation effect with adjustable focusing and fluid stream manipulation, the system achieves multi-functionality for cleaning flat, curved, and complex 3D surfaces without requiring different specialized equipment.
4Manufacturing precision
If existing ultrasonic cleaning is used, then residue and bacterial removal is superior, but the operating range is limited making automated cleaning impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional ultrasonic cleaning with laser-induced cavitation. Both methods rely on cavitation bubble collapse, but the laser method allows for remote operation and greater flexibility in positioning. The laser beam can be directed through the fluid to clean surfaces at various distances and angles, greatly expanding the operating range compared to contact-based ultrasonic cleaners while maintaining superior residue removal effectiveness.
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 solution provides enhanced removal of bacteria and fine residue on 3D surfaces over distances, improving hygiene and reducing operational costs by automating the cleaning process and minimizing humidity and particle distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The laser has a fixed focus, and the concentrated energy causes the water to boil locally, forming vapour bubbles which collapse on the surface to give the cleaning effect
Implementation Method 2
transmit a laser light in a stream of water for cleaning purposes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A cleaning device and method for controlling a laser focus inside a fluid beam (2). The cleaning device (1) includes a fluid assembly (9) arranged to produce the fluid beam (2). The fluid assembly (9) includes an enclosure (10) with a fluid inlet port (11), an outlet orifice (12),and a fluid flow path (13) between the fluid inlet port (11) and the outlet orifice (12). The enclosure (10) includes a laser input port (24). The cleaning device (1) further includes an optical assembly (20) including a laser beam optic arrangement (23) configured to direct a first laser beam (5) through the laser input port (24) and further through the outlet orifice (12) and to focus the first laser beam (5) inside the fluid beam (2), and a sensing arrangement (26) configured to emit a sensing signal (28) through the outlet orifice (12), to receive a reflected signal (29), and to determine length data of the fluid beam (2) based on the reflected signal (29). The optical assembly (20) is further arranged to regulate the laser beam optic arrangement (23) based on the determined length data in order to control the focus of the first laser beam (5).