Solid CO2 Jet Cleaning for Vehicle Adhesive Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for cleaning adhesive surfaces of vehicle components are inefficient in terms of adhesion, process time, and economy, particularly when using solid carbon dioxide.

Innovation Solution

An automated procedure using solid carbon dioxide in a particle, granulated, or crystalline form, accelerated by compressed air through a jet nozzle, to clean adhesive surfaces with specifically adapted cleaning parameters such as distance, speed, mass flow, pressure, and angle, optimizing adhesion and process efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cleaning methods are used for adhesive surfaces, then the cleaning process can be performed, but the adhesion quality is insufficient and process time is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion qualityVSAvoidprocess time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically optimizing cleaning parameters including nozzle distance (5-15 cm), jet velocity (100-300 m/s), solid carbon dioxide mass flow (5-20 kg/min), and cleaning angle (30-60 degrees) to achieve optimal adhesion quality while reducing process time. This parametric optimization resolves the contradiction between adhesion quality and process efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions of carbon dioxide (solid to gas sublimation) as the cleaning mechanism. The solid carbon dioxide particles sublimiate upon impact with the adhesive surface, providing effective cleaning that improves adhesion while maintaining efficient process timing, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and process duration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Reliability

If conventional cleaning methods are used for adhesive surfaces, then the cleaning can be performed, but the cleaning effectiveness and adhesion optimization are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion optimizationVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical cleaning systems with a pneumatic system using accelerated solid carbon dioxide jets. This substitution achieves superior cleaning effectiveness and adhesion optimization by utilizing high-velocity particle impact and sublimation mechanisms, while maintaining ease of implementation through standardized pneumatic components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatics by using compressed air to accelerate solid carbon dioxide particles to velocities of 100-300 m/s. This pneumatic delivery system achieves optimal cleaning effectiveness and adhesion results, resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and ease of manufacture through well-established pneumatic technology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Productivity

If non-optimized cleaning parameters are used, then the cleaning process can be completed, but the economic efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeconomic efficiencyVSAvoidparameter optimization system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring cleaning parameters (nozzle distance, jet velocity, mass flow, angle) and adjusting them to maintain optimal cleaning effectiveness. This feedback-controlled parameter optimization achieves high economic efficiency while managing device complexity through automated control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making cleaning parameters adjustable and optimizable during the cleaning process. The system dynamically adapts nozzle distance, velocity, mass flow, and angle parameters to achieve optimal economic efficiency, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity through flexible, adaptive parameter control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 procedure achieves improved adhesion, reduced process time, and enhanced economic efficiency by optimizing cleaning parameters, resulting in a more effective and automated cleaning process for vehicle components.

Implementation Method 1

The solid carbon dioxide is accelerated by compressed air as it passes through a jet nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressed air acceleration: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The solid carbon dioxide is accelerated by compressed air as it passes through a jet nozzle and impacts the adhesive surface to be cleaned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSublimation: Sublimation

Data Source

PatentEP3359336B1Method for cleaning using solid carbon dioxide
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP3359336B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3359336B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for cleaning using solid carbon dioxide, wherein adhesive surfaces of the vehicle components (102) are cleaned automatically in an assembly line having several work stations.