Optical Table Hole Cleaning with Fluid and Vacuum Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for cleaning optical table holes are time-consuming, inconsistent, and fail to reach deeper portions, leading to contamination buildup that compromises performance.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a manifold, nozzle assembly, and vacuum assembly that simultaneously delivers cleaning fluid and generates vacuum to thoroughly clean optical table holes, ensuring consistent and efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual cleaning methods (brushes, swabs, compressed air) are used, then the cleaning process can be performed with simple tools, but the cleaning time becomes extensive and the cleanliness is highly inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using compressed air delivered through a nozzle assembly to flush contaminants from optical table holes. The system includes a fluid delivery system that introduces cleaning fluid under pressure and a vacuum system that extracts contaminants, achieving automated high-speed cleaning that resolves the contradiction between device simplicity and cleaning productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning (brushes, swabs) with an automated system combining pneumatic fluid delivery and vacuum extraction. This substitution eliminates manual labor while significantly increasing cleaning speed and consistency, transforming a low-productivity manual process into a high-productivity automated system
2Device complexity
If manual cleaning is performed, then the device complexity is low, but the cleanliness achieved is highly inconsistent due to reliance on operator diligence and skill
Solution Approach 1:
The automated cleaning system performs cleaning actions consistently without relying on operator skill or diligence. The programmed sequence of fluid delivery and vacuum extraction ensures uniform cleaning results across all holes, making the process self-consistent and reliable regardless of who operates the device
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system provides feedback about contaminant removal effectiveness, allowing the system to adjust cleaning parameters to maintain consistent cleanliness standards. The coordinated operation of fluid delivery and vacuum extraction creates a controlled feedback loop that ensures reliable cleaning results
3Device complexity
If manual cleaning is used, then the equipment required is simple, but deeper portions of holes cannot be reached, resulting in contamination buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic fluid delivery system introduces cleaning fluid deep into the holes under pressure, reaching portions that manual brushes cannot access. The coordinated vacuum extraction then removes contaminants from the deepest areas, achieving thorough cleaning of hole interiors that maintains manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from surface-level manual cleaning to three-dimensional deep-hole cleaning by introducing fluid and vacuum actions along the longitudinal axis of the holes. This dimensional approach allows contaminants in deep portions to be effectively removed, improving hole cleanliness precision
4Device complexity
If traditional manual cleaning is performed on optical tables with thousands of holes, then no specialized equipment is needed, but the cleaning process takes several hours
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into modular components (nozzle assembly, vacuum assembly, fluid delivery) that can be independently configured for different hole types and locations. This segmentation allows efficient cleaning of thousands of holes by systematically processing them in organized sequences, dramatically reducing total cleaning time
Solution Approach 2:
The automated pneumatic cleaning system performs multiple cleaning actions simultaneously across multiple holes, reducing the several hours required for manual cleaning to a fraction of that time. The coordinated fluid delivery and vacuum extraction operations enable high-throughput cleaning of optical tables with thousands of holes
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 device significantly reduces cleaning time, ensures thorough cleanliness, and maintains precision by effectively removing contaminants from optical table holes.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum assembly is fluidly coupled to the vacuum passage via a vacuum outlet, and generates a vacuum within the at least one hole formed in the optical table
Implementation Method 2
A fluid inlet is fluidly coupled to the fluid passage, and provides a cleaning fluid to the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device for an optical table includes a manifold defining a fluid and vacuum passage, and a nozzle assembly fluidly coupled to the fluid passage. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle that engages at least one hole formed in the optical table. A vacuum assembly is fluidly coupled to the vacuum passage via a vacuum outlet, and generates a vacuum within the at least one hole formed in the optical table. A fluid inlet is fluidly coupled to the fluid passage, and provides a cleaning fluid to the nozzle. A plurality of alignment rods extend from a manifold distal end of the manifold and engage with a surface of the optical table. The fluid inlet provides the cleaning fluid to the nozzle of the nozzle assembly and the vacuum outlet generates the vacuum within the at least one of hole formed in the optical table simultaneously.