Paint Spray Robot Cleaning via Additional Robot

Solution Overview

Problem

Current paint spray robot cleaning processes in paint spray booths are manual, time-consuming, and resource-intensive, requiring multiple operators and significant time per cleaning cycle.

Innovation Solution

An automatic cleaning system within the paint spray booth utilizes an additional robot to autonomously clean parts of the paint spray robot, such as the wrist and atomizer, using a brush station with solvent-applying, drying, and lubricating brushes, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual cleaning is used for paint spray robot atomizers, then cleaning can be performed, but cleaning time and human resource consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning operationVSAvoidcleaning cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system enables the paint spray robot to clean its own atomizer automatically without human intervention. The robot positions itself, the cleaning device attaches to the atomizer, and the cleaning process executes autonomously, transforming a manual task into a self-service automated process that eliminates human labor while maintaining effective cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical cleaning process with an automated robotic system. A cleaning device with brushes and solvents is mechanically substituted for human hands and tools, controlled by a computer that coordinates robot positioning and cleaning device operation to achieve automated cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual cleaning is used for paint spray robot atomizers, then cleaning can be performed, but the number of operators required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning operationVSAvoidcleaning system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system enables the paint spray robot to clean its own atomizer automatically without human intervention. The robot positions itself, the cleaning device attaches to the atomizer, and the cleaning process executes autonomously, transforming a manual task into a self-service automated process that eliminates human labor while maintaining effective cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical cleaning process with an automated robotic system. A cleaning device with brushes and solvents is mechanically substituted for human hands and tools, controlled by a computer that coordinates robot positioning and cleaning device operation to achieve automated cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple cleaning operators are deployed, then cleaning coverage is sufficient, but resource consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidsolvent and rag usage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system enables the paint spray robot to clean its own atomizer automatically without human intervention. The robot positions itself, the cleaning device attaches to the atomizer, and the cleaning process executes autonomously, transforming a manual task into a self-service automated process that eliminates human labor while maintaining effective cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements precise control over cleaning parameters including solvent application rate, brush pressure, and cleaning duration through computer control. This optimized parameter management reduces solvent consumption and rag usage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness, contrasting with the excessive resource use of manual multi-operator cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 automatic cleaning system significantly reduces cleaning cycle time, minimizes the number of operators required, and optimizes solvent and resource usage, while maintaining high paint quality standards.

Implementation Method 1

a solvent-applying brush (5) to apply a solvent on the at least one part of the paint spray robot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

a drying brush (6) to dry the at least one part of the paint spray robot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a lubricating brush (7) to apply a lubricant on the at least one dried part of the paint spray robot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP4512536A1Paint spray booth and method for cleaning at least one part of a paint spray robot and corresponding method

Publication Date: 2025.02.26 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a paint spray booth (1) comprising at least one paint spray robot, at least one additional robot (2) and at least one control device for controlling operation of the paint spray robot and operation of the additional robot (2). To provide an automatic cleaning system and to reduce time requirements for cleaning a paint spray robot, the control device is arranged to operate the additional robot (2) at least outside a painting operation of the paint spray booth (1) in a cleaning mode in which the additional robot (2) is used to automatically clean at least one part of the paint spray robot.