Movable Cleaning Unit for Paint Gun Cabin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices for objects soiled with varnishes, paints, or adhesives, such as painting and glue guns, often have cramped cabins, making working conditions unfavorable for operators, and require additional space to accommodate both manual and automatic cleaning processes.

Innovation Solution

A device with a fume cupboard-like structure featuring a movable cleaning unit, similar to a dishwasher, that can be pneumatically raised to free up the work surface for manual cleaning, allowing simultaneous automatic and manual cleaning operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a fixed cleaning device is installed in a cramped cabin structure, then automatic cleaning function is provided, but the work surface area available for manual cleaning is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic cleaning functionVSAvoidwork surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is made movable along a guide rail instead of being fixed, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned. The device can be moved to a first position where it provides automatic cleaning functionality, and to a second position where it clears the work surface for manual cleaning operations, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and work surface area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system is segmented into a movable cleaning device portion and a stationary work surface portion. This segmentation allows the cleaning device to be separated from the work surface area when manual cleaning is needed, enabling both automatic and manual cleaning functions to operate effectively in different spatial configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If two separate devices are placed next to each other to provide both manual and automatic cleaning, then sufficient space for manual cleaning is provided, but the device complexity and space requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual cleaning spaceVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single cleaning device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in an automatic cleaning mode when positioned at the first position, and it can be moved to a second position to clear the work surface for manual cleaning operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices while maintaining both automatic and manual cleaning capabilities.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The movable cleaning device combines the automatic cleaning functionality with the ability to accommodate manual cleaning operations within a single integrated system. By merging these functions into one device that can reposition itself, the system avoids the complexity and space requirements of having two separate devices while providing both cleaning modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If the cleaning device remains stationary, then automatic cleaning can be performed, but operator comfort and accessibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic cleaning capabilityVSAvoidoperator comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device transitions from a stationary configuration to a movable one, allowing it to be repositioned along a guide rail. When automatic cleaning is needed, the device is positioned at the first location; when operator comfort and accessibility are priorities, the device is moved to the second position, thus dynamically adapting to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3067122B1Device for cleaning
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 B TEC
  • EP3067122B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3067122B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3067122B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

According to the invention, a cabin-like device for cleaning objects contaminated with paints, varnishes or adhesives, in particular paint guns and/or glue guns, is presented with a working surface (1) arranged in the working volume and a cleaning unit (2) arranged in the working volume, wherein the cleaning unit (2) is movable in such a way that the working surface (1) is at least partially released.