Suction Nozzle Cleaning and Drying via Segmented Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzle cleaning devices face challenges in effectively removing viscous fluids from suction nozzles and drying them, especially when the nozzles are supported by tools, as water often gets between the tool and the nozzle, making thorough cleaning and drying difficult.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle cleaning device with a nozzle support tool that fixes the suction nozzle in a cleaning box, a water jetting apparatus that jets water at the nozzle tip, and a jetting direction changing mechanism to clean the nozzle, along with a drying method that involves holding the nozzle with a tool and moving it to a drying device for individual drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If water is jetted at the suction nozzle to clean it, then adhering items are removed, but water gets between the nozzle support tool and the suction nozzle making it difficult to dry
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning and drying processes are segmented into separate operational phases. During cleaning, the nozzle remains supported on the support tool. During drying, the nozzle is transferred to a drying device where it is held separately, preventing water trapped between the support tool and nozzle from re-contaminating the cleaned surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle is pre-positioned on the support tool for stable cleaning, then transferred to a drying device that provides a different holding mechanism. This preliminary positioning allows the cleaning to occur in an optimal configuration before the transfer to drying configuration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the suction nozzle is fixed on a nozzle support tool for cleaning, then the nozzle is stabilized, but water gets between the tool and nozzle preventing proper drying
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between two different devices: the nozzle support tool provides stability during cleaning, while the drying device provides a separate holding mechanism during drying. This segmentation prevents water entrapment by eliminating the interface between support structure and nozzle during the drying phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle itself acts as an intermediary that is transferred between two support systems. By moving the nozzle from the support tool to the drying device, the system uses the nozzle as a carrier to transition between cleaning and drying environments, avoiding direct contact between water and the support tool interface during drying.
3Device complexity
If simple water jetting is used to clean the nozzle, then the cleaning process is simple, but adhering items cannot be appropriately removed
Solution Approach 1:
The water jetting system incorporates dynamic elements including movable jetting units that can change position and angle relative to the nozzle. This allows the water jets to dynamically adapt to different nozzle positions and orientations, effectively removing adhering items from various surfaces including the tip and side surfaces without requiring complex disassembly or reconfiguration.
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 solution allows for effective removal of adhering items from the nozzle tip and sides, and ensures proper drying by isolating the nozzle from the support tool, enabling thorough cleaning and drying of suction nozzles.
Implementation Method 1
a water jetting apparatus that jets water at the tip of the suction nozzle supported by the nozzle support tool so as to clean the suction nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle cleaning device for cleaning suction nozzle 62, wherein the jetting direction of water jetted towards the tip section of the suction nozzle is changed by a tapered second internal surface 374 of socket 370. Accordingly for example, not only is it possible to appropriately remove items adhering to the lower surface of the tip of the suction nozzle, it is possible to remove items adhering to the side surfaces of the tip of the suction nozzle by applying water. The suction nozzle is cleaned while being supported by nozzle pallet 152; after the suction nozzle is cleaned, the suction nozzle is held by a holding tool and removed from the nozzle pallet. Accordingly, the suction nozzle removed from the nozzle pallet is individually dried by the nozzle drying device. Thus, it is possible to appropriately dry the suction nozzle after cleaning.