Suction Nozzle Cleaning via Relative Pipe Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing foreign matter from component holding bodies, such as suction nozzles, face challenges in effectively clearing debris from the interface between movable sections, leading to incomplete cleaning and potential misclassification as defective.

Innovation Solution

A foreign matter removal method and device that employs a combination of gas blowing and relative movement between the holding section and main body section, utilizing a first gas blow device to dislodge foreign matter and a second gas blow device to remove it from the interface, along with a contacting mechanism to facilitate the movement of the suction pipe within the holding tube.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If gas blowing is performed towards the component holding body, then foreign matter on the surface can be removed, but foreign matter between the holding section and main body section cannot be effectively removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidaccess to interface area
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the holding section movable relative to the main body section by providing a moving mechanism that enables the holding section to move toward and away from the gas blowing direction. This dynamic configuration allows the holding section to be positioned at different locations during the cleaning process, enabling gas to reach the interface area between the holding section and main body section where foreign matter accumulates, thereby resolving the limitation of static gas blowing methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the holding section and main body section are kept stationary, then the structure is simple, but foreign matter between them cannot be removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidcleaning completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a moving mechanism that enables the holding section to move relative to the main body section along the gas blowing direction. This dynamic design allows the system to achieve complete cleaning of the interface area without significantly complicating the overall structure. The movement capability ensures that gas can effectively reach and remove foreign matter from between the holding section and main body section, thereby maintaining cleaning completeness while minimizing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If gas is blown continuously, then foreign matter removal is thorough, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforeign matter removal effectivenessVSAvoidgas blowing energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements periodic action by alternating between gas blowing periods and holding section movement periods. During gas blowing, the holding section remains stationary to allow effective cleaning; during movement, gas blowing is paused to save energy. This periodic alternation ensures thorough foreign matter removal while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous gas blowing, as the system only consumes gas energy when actually performing the cleaning function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

This approach allows for thorough removal of foreign matter from between the holding section and main body section, preventing false defect identification and ensuring proper functionality of the component holding tools.

Implementation Method 1

a first gas blow device configured to blow gas towards the inside of the suction pipe of the suction nozzle held by a holding tool; the suction pipe is moved towards the outside of the holding tube by the first gas blow device blowing gas inside the suction pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

foreign matter adhering to the suction nozzle is removed by the second gas blow device blowing gas towards the inside of the housing in a state with the suction nozzle held by the holding tool moved inside of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP3307043B1Deposit removal method and deposit removal device
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 FUJI CORP
  • EP3307043B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3307043B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3307043B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

With nozzle drying device 100 of the present invention, suction nozzle 60 held by holding chuck 128 is inserted inside housing 160, and air is blown towards the suction nozzle by operation of air blow device 164. Also, suction pipe 68 of the suction nozzle held by the holding chuck is inserted inside body tube 64 by the suction pipe being contacted against contacting table 162. That is, by sliding the suction pipe and the body tube with respect to each other by inserting the suction pipe inside the body tube, liquid is ejected from inside the body tube, and the liquid can be removed by blowing air. By this, it is possible to appropriately remove liquid that has entered between the suction pipe and the body tube.