Workpiece Cleaning Chamber with Inclined Self-Centering Rollers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices for workpieces require complex procedures for loading and unloading, leading to long cycle times and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with inclined roller bodies that center and support the workpiece without additional alignment, combined with a two-part cleaning chamber that allows for easy loading and unloading, utilizing a tangential cleaning air flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a closed cleaning chamber with complex loading/unloading procedures is used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but cycle time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning chamber is divided into two separate parts: a stationary cleaning chamber and a movable receiving chamber. The receiving chamber can be quickly inserted and removed, allowing for rapid loading and unloading of workpieces while the cleaning chamber remains in place, thus reducing cycle time without compromising cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving chamber is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be dynamically inserted and removed from the cleaning chamber. This dynamic design enables quick changeover and reduces the time required for loading and unloading operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional alignment measures are used to center the workpiece, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece centering accuracyVSAvoidalignment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined roller bodies are designed to automatically center the workpiece through gravity and geometry. When the workpiece is placed on the inclined rollers, it naturally settles into a centered position without requiring external alignment mechanisms, thus achieving positioning accuracy while keeping the device simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Complex mechanical alignment mechanisms are replaced by the inclined roller design that uses gravity and geometric principles to achieve automatic centering. This substitution eliminates the need for additional alignment devices while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If multiple roller bodies are used to center the workpiece, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece loading simplicityVSAvoidroller body configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller bodies serve multiple functions: they support the workpiece during loading, automatically center it through their inclined design, and can be adjusted radially to accommodate different workpiece diameters. This multi-functionality simplifies operation while the modular design keeps complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The roller bodies are designed with radial adjustability, allowing their position to be dynamically changed to match different workpiece sizes. This dynamic capability enhances ease of operation for various workpieces while the adjustment mechanism is integrated into the roller design rather than adding separate complex systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Achieves short cycle times and effective cleaning by simplifying workpiece handling and optimizing the cleaning process.

Implementation Method 1

the roller bodies are inclined relative to the vertical, onto which the workpiece is placed. Since the roller bodies are inclined relative to the vertical according to the invention, the typically rotationally symmetrical workpiece or workpiece holder is simultaneously centered without the need for additional measures to align the workpiece or for holders during rotation. Rather, the workpiece rests on the roller bodies, which are inclined relative to the vertical, due to its own weight.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

at least one pressure device for generating a cleaning air flow passed through openings in the cleaning chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4349503B1Device for cleaning a workpiece
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 NEUHAUSER GMBH & CO
  • EP4349503B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4349503B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4349503B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for cleaning a workpiece (1), which is equipped with at least one cleaning chamber (3, 4) for receiving the workpiece (1), optionally arranged on a workpiece holder. Furthermore, at least one pressure device is provided for generating a cleaning airflow that passes through openings in the cleaning chamber (3, 4). Additionally, a motion unit (2) is provided that acts on the cleaning chamber (3, 4) and/or the workpiece holder and/or the workpiece (1) to generate a relative movement of the workpiece (1) with respect to the openings. The motion unit (2) operates at least rotaryally. According to the invention, the motion unit (2) has several roller bodies (2) on which the workpiece (1), optionally including the workpiece holder, is received.