Ultrasonic Cleaning Frequency Modulation for Sound Pressure Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic cleaning apparatuses with two-tank structures face issues of nonuniform sound pressure distribution due to variations in transducer mounting accuracy, bottom plate alignment, and shape, leading to reduced cleaning efficiency and potential damage to electronic components.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs frequency modulated signals with two portions having different modulation widths, combined with an inclined inner tank bottom plate, to maintain uniform sound pressure and prevent excessive pressure on components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If single frequency signals are used for ultrasonic cleaning, then cleaning efficiency at the suitable frequency is improved, but sound pressure becomes nonuniform across the cleaning tank due to variations in transducer mounting and bottom plate alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies frequency modulation to convert the static single-frequency signal into a dynamic signal that varies over time. By modulating the frequency around a center frequency, the ultrasonic vibrations dynamically adjust to compensate for spatial variations in the cleaning tank, thereby achieving uniform sound pressure distribution while maintaining high cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the ultrasonic signal from a constant value to a modulated value that varies within a specific range. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different spatial positions in the cleaning tank, ensuring uniform sound pressure distribution across the entire cleaning area while maintaining optimal cleaning performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If frequency modulated signals are used to achieve uniform sound pressure, then sound pressure uniformity is improved, but cleaning efficiency may be reduced due to frequency variation away from the optimal center frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic frequency modulation where the signal oscillates between frequencies above and below the center frequency. This periodic action ensures that the ultrasonic vibrations systematically cover different frequency ranges, achieving uniform sound pressure distribution while maintaining adequate cleaning efficiency through the repeated exposure to optimal frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a modulation width that is optimized to provide sufficient frequency variation for uniformity without excessive deviation from the center frequency. By carefully controlling the modulation depth, the system achieves the necessary sound pressure uniformity while minimizing the loss of cleaning efficiency that would result from operating too far from the optimal frequency.
3Productivity
If high sound pressure is applied to ensure adequate cleaning, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but electronic components may be damaged due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic frequency modulation to distribute the cleaning action uniformly across the cleaning tank. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve effective cleaning at moderate sound pressure levels by ensuring that all areas receive adequate ultrasonic exposure, thereby preventing the need for excessively high pressure that would damage sensitive electronic components.
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 ensures high cleaning efficiency by maintaining uniform sound pressure across the cleaning tank while preventing component damage, even when the bottom plates are not perfectly aligned or the transducer mounting is inaccurate.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus having a two-tank structure using high-frequency signals equal to or higher than 100 kHz... generate ultrasonic vibrations... clean the object to be cleaned by ultrasonic vibrations
Implementation Method 2
the signal includes at least two frequency modulated portions having modulation widths different from each other with a single frequency as a center frequency... maintain uniform sound pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic cleaning method of using ultrasonic vibrations to clean an object that is immersed in a cleaning liquid in a cleaning tank is provided. The method includes generating a frequency modulated signal including at least two frequency modulated portions having modulation widths different from each other with a single frequency as a center frequency, such that among the at least two frequency modulated portions a frequency modulated portion having a smaller modulation width is generated at a timing when a frequency modulated portion having a larger modulation width reaches the center frequency. The method further includes generating the ultrasonic vibrations based on the frequency modulated signal and transferring the ultrasonic vibrations to the cleaning tank to clean the object.