Laser Mould Cleaning With Robotic Positioning to Prevent Erosion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning methods for glass manufacturing moulds, such as shot blasting, lead to erosion of the mould material, dulling of edges, contamination, and increased manufacturing costs, while being labor-intensive and prone to operator inconsistencies.
Innovation Solution
An automated cleaning system utilizing a laser directed by detection apparatus and controlled by a processor to move and clean moulds within an isolated space, minimizing material erosion and operator exposure to noxious fumes, with a handling robot and cleaning robot working in conjunction to precisely clean the moulds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If shot blasting is used to clean moulds, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but mould erosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shot blasting system with a laser-based cleaning system. The laser cleaning apparatus uses optical energy to remove contaminants through ablation without the mechanical impact that causes erosion. The laser beam is directed at the mould surface to vaporize and eject contaminant particles, eliminating the trade-off between cleaning effectiveness and material loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental cleaning parameter from mechanical kinetic energy (shot blasting) to optical energy (laser). This parameter change allows for precise control of energy input, enabling effective cleaning while maintaining mould integrity. The laser parameters such as power, pulse duration, and wavelength can be optimized to achieve cleaning without erosion.
2Ease of operation
If manual shot blasting is used, then cleaning capability is achieved, but operator exposure to noxious fumes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical shot blasting with an automated laser cleaning system. The laser apparatus is mounted on a robotic arm or fixed positioning system that can be precisely controlled to clean moulds in challenging positions. This automation eliminates operator exposure to noxious fumes generated during the cleaning process while maintaining or improving cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser cleaning system is designed to be self-regulating with automated control systems that manage the cleaning process. The system includes feedback mechanisms to monitor cleaning effectiveness and adjust parameters automatically, reducing the need for manual intervention and operator exposure to harmful environments.
3Productivity
If conventional cleaning systems are used, then cleaning is achieved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser cleaning system enables continuous cleaning operation without the interruptions inherent in manual shot blasting. The laser beam can continuously scan across the mould surface or maintain focused contact with contaminant areas, eliminating cycle times associated with manual reloading, positioning, and inspection. This continuous action significantly reduces processing time while maintaining high cleaning output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic positioning and laser beam control systems that can rapidly adjust to clean different areas of the mould. The robotic arm or scanning mechanism moves the laser beam dynamically across complex mould geometries, maintaining optimal cleaning parameters throughout the process. This dynamic capability allows for faster cleaning compared to static conventional systems.
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 system enables precise and repeatable cleaning with reduced mould erosion, faster processing times, and improved safety by using a laser cleaning method that maintains mould integrity and reduces contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a laser configured to be directed at the object, to remove contaminants from the object
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an automated cleaning system for cleaning an object, comprising a laser configured to be directed at the object, to remove contaminants from the object, detection apparatus to identify a position of the object, movement apparatus to move the object into and/or out of a cleaning position, and control apparatus to direct the laser at the object in the cleaning position, and operate the laser to clean the object.