Pipe Cleaning Tool With Spring-Blade Abrasion for Solder Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing oxidation and dirt from pipe surfaces before soldering are time-consuming, inefficient, and prone to incomplete cleaning, especially in dark environments, leading to potential leaks and structural damage over time.
Innovation Solution
A power-driven device with abrasive cleaning blades, biased by springs, that can be rotated using a hand drill to effectively clean both interior and exterior surfaces of pipes and fittings, utilizing composite materials like aluminum oxide and ceramic for efficient debris removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional manual cleaning methods (sand paper, wire brush) are used to remove oxidation from pipe surfaces, then the cleaning process can be performed with simple tools, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning (hand-held sand paper or wire brush) with a power-driven mechanical system. The cleaning device is rotated by a power drill, converting manual rotational effort into powered high-speed rotation, thereby dramatically increasing cleaning speed while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic reciprocating motion of the cleaning blades against the pipe surface. As the device rotates, the flexible blades naturally reciprocate back and forth due to centrifugal force and blade flexibility, creating continuous fresh contact points on the oxidation surface, which accelerates material removal compared to static abrasion.
2Device complexity
If manual cleaning with sand paper or wire brush is used, then the process requires minimal equipment, but visual inspection of clean surfaces becomes challenging in dark environments like basements or crawlspaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an LED light source that illuminates the pipe surface during cleaning. This lighting enables the operator to visually inspect the surface in real-time to determine when oxidation removal is complete, solving the detection problem in dark environments without adding complex inspection equipment.
3Ease of operation
If manual abrasive cleaning is performed, then the process can be done with basic tools, but the operator must continually stop to inspect the surface, increasing total time required
Solution Approach 1:
The powered rotation enables continuous cleaning action without the need to stop and reposition manual tools. The flexible blades continuously contact the rotating pipe surface, maintaining constant abrasive action. Combined with LED illumination for real-time inspection, this eliminates repeated stopping and starting, significantly reducing total cleaning time.
4Productivity
If improper cleaning of oxidation is performed, then the initial cleaning process is quick and easy, but leak-proof connections cannot be guaranteed and structural damage may occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The LED illumination provides real-time visual feedback to the operator about the cleanliness of the pipe surface. The operator can immediately see when oxidation is removed and when the surface is ready for soldering, ensuring proper cleaning is achieved before proceeding. This feedback mechanism guarantees connection reliability without sacrificing cleaning efficiency.
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 enables quick and thorough cleaning of pipe surfaces, ensuring leak-proof soldered joints and reducing the risk of future leaks and structural damage by providing a reliable and efficient method for oxidation and dirt removal.
Implementation Method 1
a power driven device configured for rotational positioning upon pipe end exterior surfaces and the interior surfaces of pipe fittings to remove oxidation and dirt and the like
Implementation Method 2
Biasing members or tension springs, such as leaf or coil springs contacting a base of each abrasive cleaning blades, impart a force or bias of the blade toward the surface of pipe or fitting to be cleaned
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe cleaning tool for cleaning pipe surfaces is configured for operative engagement with a drill motor. The cleaning tool includes a body having a sidewall extending between a first end and a second end of the body. Cleaning blades located in each of a plurality of slots which extend to respective openings in the sidewall of the body. The cleaning blades are biased to project past the sidewall and thereby contact a pipe surface positioned adjacent the sidewall to clean the pipe surface of oxidation and dirt when the body of the cleaning tool is rotated by the engaged drill motor.