Optical Element Cleaning Station with Swiveling Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for optical elements before hard coating are inefficient in achieving a thoroughly cleaned surface quality and require extended cleaning durations, which can lead to defects in the coating process due to residual polishing particles or dust.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning station with a swiveling or translational movement of the cleaning and drying nozzles, utilizing high-pressure deionized water and a drying additive, coupled with a suction system to ensure thorough cleaning and quick drying, is designed to efficiently clean optical elements by targeting the entire surface and preventing re-deposition of water droplets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional cleaning devices are used for optical elements, then cleaning can be performed, but the cleaning efficiency is low and surface quality is insufficient due to residual polishing particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cleaning jet movable rather than stationary. The cleaning jet is moved across the entire surface of the optical element, allowing dynamic coverage of all areas including edges and corners, which improves both cleaning efficiency and surface quality without requiring extended cleaning duration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a stationary single-point cleaning approach to a multi-dimensional cleaning strategy. By moving the cleaning jet across the surface and incorporating suction means positioned around the optical element, the system cleans not only the central area but also edges and corners, achieving thorough surface quality improvement across all dimensions of the optical element
2Manufacturing precision
If cleaning duration is extended to achieve better surface quality, then polishing particles can be removed, but the overall process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous useful action by combining cleaning and suction operations that occur simultaneously throughout the cleaning process. The suction means continuously remove cleaning liquid and detached particles while the cleaning jet moves across the surface, ensuring that cleaning action is continuously effective without requiring extended duration to achieve thorough particle removal
Solution Approach 2:
By dynamically moving the cleaning jet across the entire surface rather than focusing on a single point for an extended period, the system achieves comprehensive cleaning of all surface areas including edges and corners in a shorter time, improving surface quality without extending overall cleaning duration
3Manufacturing precision
If cleaning liquid is applied to ensure thorough cleaning, then surface quality improves, but water droplets may re-deposit on the cleaned surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces drying means as an intermediary system between the cleaning liquid application and the final dried surface. The drying means, positioned to face the optical element, actively remove water droplets from the cleaned surface, preventing re-deposition and ensuring that the thorough cleaning achieved by the cleaning liquid is maintained in the final dried state
Solution Approach 2:
The suction means continuously discard and remove cleaning liquid and water droplets from the optical element surface during and after the cleaning process. This active removal prevents water droplet re-deposition on the cleaned surface, maintaining the high surface quality achieved through thorough cleaning
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 station achieves a more efficient cleaning process, ensuring a better surface quality before coating and reducing the overall cleaning duration to approximately 20-30 seconds, thereby enhancing the adhesion and quality of the hard coat.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning nozzle (11) configured to project a cleaning jet (13) of a cleaning liquid, in particular of water under pressure
Implementation Method 2
The cleaning station (1) further comprises a cleaning nozzle (11) configured to project a cleaning jet (13) of a cleaning liquid, in particular of water under pressure
Implementation Method 3
The cleaning station (1) further comprises a suction means (25) for sucking the cleaning liquid after it has impacted the optical element (3)
Implementation Method 4
a drying nozzle (49) configured to project, after cleaning, a drying jet (49A) of a drying gas towards the optical element (3)
Implementation Method 5
a drying nozzle (49) configured to project, after cleaning, a drying jet (49A) of a drying gas towards the optical element (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning station (1) for an optical element (3) comprising - an optical element holder (5) for holding the optical element (3), - a first drive (7) for rotating the optical element holder (5) around a rotation axis (A), the rotation axis (A) coinciding with the optical axis (OA) of the optical element (3) when held by the optical element holder (5), - a cleaning nozzle (11) configured to project a cleaning jet (13) of a cleaning liquid towards the optical element (3), wherein the cleaning station (1) further comprises a separate drying nozzle (49) configured to project a drying jet (49A) towards the optical element (3), and the cleaning nozzle (11) and the drying nozzle (49) are configured to move in order to direct respectively the cleaning jet (13) / the drying jet (49A) successively to different locations on the optical element (3).