Automated Tool Cleaning Apparatus with Cycle-Based Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the automotive sector, tools such as stud drivers accumulate debris, leading to reduced effectiveness and increased maintenance needs, requiring frequent manual cleaning with lubricants, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus that includes a support structure with a nozzle and circuitry communicatively coupled to an electronically-actuated fluid release mechanism and a robot, which automatically determines the tool's operation cycle count and aligns it with the nozzle to release a cleaning fluid for a set duration, effectively removing debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning with lubricant is performed frequently, then tool effectiveness is maintained, but time and cost of maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning by having the robot automatically align the tool with the nozzle and the electronically-actuated fluid release mechanism automatically release cleaning fluid based on operation cycle count, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the cleaning process
Solution Approach 2:
The circuitry monitors the operation cycle count and uses this feedback to automatically trigger the cleaning process when the threshold is reached, creating a closed-loop system that maintains tool effectiveness without requiring manual timing or judgment
2Reliability
If manual cleaning with lubricant is performed frequently, then debris is removed from tool, but production speed is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic cleaning action triggered by operation cycle count threshold, cleaning the tool at optimal intervals rather than continuously or based on manual observation, thereby maintaining cleanliness while minimizing disruption to production flow
Solution Approach 2:
The automated cleaning system operates independently without removing the tool from the robot or stopping production, allowing cleaning to occur seamlessly as part of the normal operation cycle
3Extent of automation
If automated cleaning system is implemented, then manual intervention is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system performs multiple functions - both the original tool operation and the alignment/cleaning function - by programming the existing robot to execute additional cleaning sequences, eliminating the need for dedicated cleaning equipment and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the cleaning function with the existing robot and tool setup by having the robot align the tool with the nozzle and coordinate the fluid release, combining multiple cleaning components into a single integrated automated process
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 automates the cleaning process, reducing manual intervention, maintaining tool effectiveness, and decreasing maintenance time and costs while ensuring the tool is ready for the next operation cycle.
Implementation Method 1
The circuitry may be further configured to control the electronically-actuated fluid release mechanism based on whether the tool is aligned with the nozzle, to release a cleaning fluid through the nozzle for a first time-duration to clean the tool
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus for a tool is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a support structure having a first base portion, and a nozzle disposed on the first base portion of the support structure. The cleaning apparatus further includes circuitry that is communicatively coupled to an electronically-actuated fluid release mechanism and a robot. The circuitry determines a count of operation cycles of the tool coupled to an end-effector of the robot and instructs the robot to align the tool with the nozzle. The instruction is provided to the robot based on a determination that the determined count is greater than or equal to a threshold number. The circuitry controls the electronically-actuated fluid release mechanism based on whether the tool is aligned with the nozzle, to release a cleaning fluid through the nozzle for a first time-duration to clean the tool.