Rotating Nozzle Cleaning Apparatus for Complex Geometries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning technologies struggle to effectively remove particulate contaminants from workpieces, particularly in areas with complex geometries like undercuts or recesses, and often require extensive manual effort or complex equipment.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus comprising a workpiece receptacle, a rotary part, a nozzle supporting part with nozzles arranged at a distance from their axis of rotation, and a charge generating device with electrodes for electrostatic charging and discharging. This setup allows for a net-like pattern of cleaning medium application, enhanced by electrostatic assistance, to effectively capture contaminants in difficult-to-reach areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional cleaning methods are used, then simple surfaces can be cleaned, but complex geometries like undercuts or recesses cannot be effectively cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second axis of rotation for the nozzle supporting part, creating a dual-rotation system. The nozzle supporting part rotates about an axis that is offset from the main rotation axis of the rotary part, allowing the cleaning medium to reach complex geometries through multi-dimensional motion patterns that conventional single-axis systems cannot achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic rotation of both the rotary part and the nozzle supporting part, creating continuously changing cleaning paths. This dynamic multi-axis rotation allows the cleaning medium to adapt to complex workpiece geometries in real-time, effectively cleaning undercuts and recesses that static or single-axis systems cannot access
2Area of stationary object
If a single nozzle is used, then the equipment is simple, but the cleaning action cannot be spread over a larger area
Solution Approach 1:
By adding the second rotation axis with offset positioning, a single nozzle can cover a larger effective area through its complex orbital motion path. The nozzle traces a circular path around the main axis while simultaneously rotating on its own offset axis, creating an expanded cleaning coverage area without requiring multiple nozzles
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-rotation mechanism enables a single nozzle to perform multiple cleaning functions by varying its position and angle throughout its orbital path. The same nozzle can clean different areas of the workpiece at different moments in its rotation cycle, effectively replacing what would traditionally require multiple fixed nozzles
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical cleaning only is used, then the process is simple, but dry particulate contaminants are not effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical cleaning (through the rotating nozzle applying cleaning medium) with electrostatic charging/discharging in a single integrated system. The charge generating device with electrodes is incorporated into the rotary part or nozzle supporting part, allowing both mechanical and electrostatic actions to work synergistically for enhanced contaminant removal
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system uses a composite approach by integrating two different cleaning mechanisms: the physical/chemical action of the cleaning medium from the nozzle and the electrostatic field from the charging device. This composite cleaning system addresses different types of contaminants more effectively than either method alone
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 apparatus achieves improved cleaning results by spreading the cleaning action over a larger area, effectively capturing contaminants in complex geometries, and enhancing the removal of dry particulate contaminants through electrostatic means.
Implementation Method 1
a charge generating device having at least one electrode for electrostatic charging and/or discharging of the workpiece and/or of the cleaning medium
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for cleaning workpieces, comprising a workpiece receptacle, a rotary part drivable in rotation about a main axis by way of a drive device, at least one nozzle supporting part which is drivable in rotation about an axis of rotation different from the main axis and on which at least one nozzle is arranged or formed at a distance relative to the axis of rotation, via which nozzle the workpiece can be acted upon by a cleaning medium, a charge generating device having at least one electrode for electrostatic charging and/or discharging of the workpiece and/or of the cleaning medium, wherein the at least one nozzle supporting part is held for rotation on the rotary part or wherein the workpiece receptacle is held to or formed by the rotary part.