Motorized Cleaning Bullet for Conveyor Track Contaminants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor tracks accumulate dust and contaminants, posing challenges for cleaning and risking contamination, especially in industries like beverage bottling, where manual cleaning is labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled cleaning bullet with a motorized device and a flexible sheet or abrasive members that can be inserted into the track to clean the interior surfaces, using a power source to move along the track and dislodge contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cleaning with dampened cloth is used, then cleaning can be performed, but labor time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning bullet is equipped with its own motor and power source, enabling it to propel itself through the conveyor track without external assistance. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention and lift devices, significantly reducing labor time and cost while maintaining effective cleaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical cleaning system (workers using cloths and lift devices) with an automated motorized cleaning bullet. The motor-driven wheel propels the cleaning implement through the track, substituting human labor with an automated mechanical system that operates independently
2Ease of operation
If lift devices are used for manual cleaning, then overhead track cleaning is enabled, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning bullet autonomously navigates through the overhead track using its own motor-powered wheel, eliminating the need for external lift devices. The self-propelled mechanism allows the cleaning implement to access overhead areas independently, maintaining ease of operation while dramatically reducing the time required for cleaning operations
3Reliability
If pipeline pigs are used, then interior pipe cleaning is effective, but enclosed pipe environment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning bullet is designed with a motorized propulsion system that enables it to operate effectively in both enclosed pipes and open conveyor tracks with slots. This multi-environment capability makes the cleaning device universal, applicable to various conveyor track configurations without requiring complete enclosure like traditional pipeline pigs
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning bullet features a motor-driven wheel that provides active propulsion, allowing it to maintain effectiveness in open environments where air currents and track geometry vary. This dynamic propulsion system adapts to different track conditions, providing reliable cleaning in both enclosed and open configurations
4Speed
If air currents are used to propel cleaning body, then propulsion is achieved, but sufficient friction for cleaning is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning bullet combines two propulsion methods: air currents provide initial movement, while the motor-driven wheel provides additional propulsion and ensures sufficient friction contact with the track. This merging of passive and active propulsion systems maintains both speed and cleaning effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between propulsion capability and cleaning reliability
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 cleaning bullet efficiently and quickly removes contaminants from conveyor tracks with reduced manpower, improving sanitation and reducing the time and cost associated with manual cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
at least one wheel coupled to the body and engaging the track
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~7
AI summary
A cleaning bullet for use in a slotted track is disclosed, the cleaning bullet comprising: a body operable to move along the track; a wheel coupled to the body and disposed at least partially outside the track; a motor operably coupled to the wheel to rotate the wheel and move the body and the wheel along the track; and a power source coupled to the motor.