Particle collection system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum-type particle collection systems are ineffective at distances from the surface and when particles are stuck, as they fail to dislodge and collect particles efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A particle collection system featuring a rotatable fixture with opposing nozzles connected to a source of compressed fluid, which generates a vortex to dislodge and collect particles from a surface, optionally assisted by a vacuum source, with adjustable components for optimal particle collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a vacuum-type collector is used to collect particles, then particles can be collected, but it does not work well at distances from the surface and when particles are stuck to the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by using compressed air nozzles to dislodge particles from the surface before vacuum collection. The nozzles blow compressed air at the surface to free stuck particles, creating a preliminary condition that enables subsequent vacuum collection at greater distances to be effective.
Solution Approach 2:
Compressed air acts as an intermediary substance between the vacuum collector and the particles. The compressed air nozzles deliver kinetic energy to dislodge particles from the surface, serving as a mediator that enables particle release without the vacuum collector directly contacting the surface.
2Productivity
If stationary nozzles blow compressed air towards the surface to dislodge particles, then particles are dislodged, but they are scattered
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two functions into one integrated rotating assembly: particle dislodgement via compressed air nozzles and particle collection via vacuum inlet. The nozzles and vacuum inlet are positioned together on the rotating fixture, allowing dislodged particles to be immediately captured by the vacuum without scattering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from stationary nozzles to a rotating dynamic system. The rotatable fixture with nozzles and vacuum inlet rotates to sweep across the surface, creating a moving collection zone that follows the dislodged particles and prevents scattering while maintaining continuous contact with the surface area being treated.
3Length of stationary object
If opposing sets of nozzles are rotated to create a vortex, then particles are picked up and carried to collection chamber, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating fixture serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds and rotates the compressed air nozzles for particle dislodgement, positions the vacuum inlet for particle collection, and creates the vortex flow pattern through its rotation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation of the fixture itself generates the vortex flow that carries particles to the collection chamber. The system uses its own rotational motion to create the necessary fluid dynamics for particle transport, rather than requiring separate vortex-generating components or complex mechanical conveyance systems.
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
Successfully collects particles at distances up to 20 inches from the surface, improving efficiency over traditional vacuum methods by creating a vortex to entrain and carry particles to the collection inlet.
Implementation Method 1
rotating the rotatable fixture to generate, as the nozzles rotate about the collection inlet, a vortex dislodging and picking up particles on the surface, entraining the particles, and carrying the particles to the collection inlet
Implementation Method 2
a rotatable fixture including at least a pair of nozzles about the collection inlet also aimable at the surface and fluidly connected to a source of compressed fluid in order to dislodge particles from the surface
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum source fluidly connected to the collection inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A particle collection system and method including a collection inlet aimable at a surface from which particles are to be collected, and a rotatable fixture including at least a pair of nozzles about the collection inlet also aimable at the surface and fluidly connected to a source of compressed fluid in order to dislodge particles from the surface. The rotatable fixture is rotated to generate, as the nozzles rotate about the collection inlet, a vortex dislodging and picking up particles on the surface, entraining the particles, and carrying the particles to the collection inlet.