Vent Hole Cleaning Apparatus Using 3D Laser Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for cleaning vent holes on molding surfaces of rubber product molds are inefficient due to the small diameter of the holes and the large number of them, often resulting in missed cleaning spots during the process.
Innovation Solution
A vent hole cleaning apparatus and method that utilizes a 3D laser sensor to detect the molding surface shape, calculates the position of the vent holes using pre-stored information, and employs a guiding mechanism to move a cleaning means, such as ultrasonic vibration, to ensure accurate and automatic cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning method is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but cleaning completeness deteriorates due to missed vent holes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the mold's own shape information (detected by 3D laser sensor and stored in database) to automatically guide the cleaning process. The mold itself provides the positioning data needed for accurate vent hole location, eliminating the need for external fixtures or manual measurement tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated system that uses 3D laser sensing, database storage, and robotic positioning. The cleaning mechanism (ultrasonic or rotary brush) is automatically positioned and operated based on calculated vent hole coordinates, substituting human operation with automated control systems.
2Reliability
If automated cleaning system is introduced, then cleaning completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mold's shape information and vent hole positions are pre-stored in a database before the cleaning operation. This preliminary data preparation allows the cleaning system to quickly retrieve and use the information without real-time complex calculations, simplifying the control process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the mold's shape and vent hole positions by scanning with 3D laser sensor and storing in database. This digital model is then used to guide the cleaning process without needing physical templates or manual measurements, simplifying the physical apparatus.
3Measurement precision
If 3D laser sensor is used for detection, then positioning precision is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mold's shape information is detected and stored in the database in advance, before the actual cleaning operation. This preliminary detection allows the system to quickly retrieve pre-processed data during cleaning, avoiding time-consuming real-time scanning and calculations.
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 ensures that all vent holes are accurately located and cleaned, preventing oversight and effectively removing deposits even in dirty conditions, thereby ensuring thorough cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a 3D laser sensor for measuring the three-dimensional shape of the molding surface
Implementation Method 2
the cleaning means cleans the vent hole by ultrasonic vibration
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a vent hole cleaning apparatus and a vent hole cleaning method which can accurately calculate a position of a vent hole and can automatically clean the vent hole. [Solution] An apparatus 1 for cleaning a vent hole 5 provided on a molding surface 4 of a mold 3 for vulcanizing a rubber product. The apparatus 1 comprises a detecting means 11 for detecting a shape of the molding surface 4, a cleaning means 12 for cleaning the vent hole 5, a controlling means 13 for storing molding surface information in advance and including shape information of the molding surface 4 including a position of the vent hole 5 and for calculating the position of the vent hole 5 by comparing the shape of the molding surface 4 obtained by the detecting means 11 with the molding surface information, and a guiding means 14 for moving the cleaning means 12 based on the calculated position of the vent hole 5.