Timed Air-Wipe Base Station for Driveshaft Spline Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for cleaning drive shaft splines require manual operation of air wipe devices, which is inefficient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A base station that automatically activates an air wipe device using a plunger mechanism activated by the drive shaft spline, with a timer to control the air flow duration, ensuring efficient and automated cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual operation of air wipe device is used, then the cleaning process can be performed, but the efficiency is low and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The air wipe device is automatically activated by the plunger mechanism when the drive shaft spline is inserted into the aperture. The spline itself triggers the cleaning process by depressing the plunger, eliminating the need for manual operation and enabling self-service cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The timer is pre-set to control the duration of air flow, and the plunger mechanism is pre-positioned to activate the air wipe device immediately when the spline is inserted. This preliminary preparation ensures the cleaning action occurs automatically without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If automated plunger mechanism is used, then manual effort is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual effortVSAvoidbase station structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plunger mechanism and timer are extracted as separate, simple components from the overall base station structure. This modular approach allows the automated function to be achieved without significantly complicating the main device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The plunger acts as an intermediary mechanical element that translates the insertion of the spline into activation of the air wipe device. This simple intermediary component enables automated operation without requiring complex sensors or control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system provides an efficient and automated method for cleaning drive shaft splines, reducing manual effort and shortening the cleaning time while ensuring thorough particle removal.

Implementation Method 1

a spring, wherein the spring is connected to the plunger, and wherein the spring compresses when the plunger is depressed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring compression: Spring

Implementation Method 2

Air wipe devices produce a ring of air that removes particles from a tube or spline inserted into the air wipe device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS12440875B2Air wipe timed base station for driveshafts

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 TOYOTA MOTOR ENG & MFG NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

Systems are provided for a base station to house an air wipe device. Certain embodiments of the base station may include a plunger that activates a pneumatic timer when depressed to compress an accompanying spring. The base station may be formed to optimize the process of removing particles from a driveshaft spline.