Sensor Blow-off Device for Dust Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensors with detection surfaces oriented vertically in production systems, particularly in wood or paper processing, face contamination issues due to dust, leading to frequent manual cleaning challenges, potential system downtime, and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A self-sufficient cleaning system for each sensor, comprising a blow-off device with a small compressed air generator and an electrically controllable switching valve, allowing for automatic and regular cleaning using short bursts of compressed air, ensuring the detection surface remains clear without requiring extensive maintenance or pneumatically operated systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning of sensors is performed regularly, then detection surface contamination is removed, but production downtime increases and labor costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-cleaning through an integrated blow-off device that automatically removes contamination from the detection surface using compressed air, eliminating the need for manual intervention and preventing production downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The blow-off device is positioned to continuously or periodically blow away dust particles before they can settle on the detection surface, preventing contamination rather than removing it after accumulation
2Extent of automation
If compressed air piping system is installed for sensor cleaning, then automatic cleaning capability is achieved, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air generator is integrated directly into the sensor assembly, extracting the cleaning function from a centralized piping system and creating a self-contained unit that requires no external air supply infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is segmented into a modular blow-off device that can be independently installed and maintained alongside the sensor, allowing for simplified implementation without overhauling the entire production system
3Object-generated harmful factors
If standard compressed air is used for cleaning, then dust removal is effective, but sensor surface contamination risk increases due to oil content
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air is passed through a cooling element that lowers its temperature, causing moisture and oil contaminants to condense and be removed before the air contacts the detection surface, leaving only clean dry air for the cleaning function
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
Enables regular, automatic, and efficient cleaning of sensors, reducing downtime and maintenance needs, as the separate blow-off device can be easily replaced and is adaptable for various industries, ensuring continuous system operation.
Implementation Method 1
blowing off the dust using compressed air
Implementation Method 2
a airflow is provided around the lens to cool it and prevent particles from settling on it
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for processing or handling or transporting products using materials made of wood-based material, cardboard or plastic, comprising at least: a) a machine (1), b) at least one sensor (10) associated with the machine (1), which b1) has a detection surface (11) oriented substantially in a vertical direction V, b2) is subject to contamination of the detection surface (11) during the processing or handling process, is characterized in that the at least one sensor (10) is associated with its own compressed air-operated blow-off device (20) comprising at least: c) a compressed air generator (21), d) an overpressure vessel (22), e) a blow-off nozzle (23) and f) an electrically controllable switching valve (24), wherein the compressed air generator (21) is connected to the overpressure vessel (22) via a first line (25) and the overpressure vessel (22) is connected to the blow-off nozzle (23) via a second line (26).