Workpiece Cleaning System with Reversible Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for treating workpieces with cavities are limited in effectively cleaning both internal cavity surfaces and external surfaces, as they primarily focus on fluid flow within the cavities without adequately addressing contamination on external surfaces or reversing fluid flow to dislodge stuck dirt.
Innovation Solution
A system with a process chamber, suction device, and adjustable valves allows for the use of various process fluids to flow through cavities in both directions, combined with a nozzle jet and ultrasound application, ensuring thorough cleaning of both internal and external surfaces by reversing fluid flow and using compressed air for high flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If process fluid is supplied only through line channels to clean cavity surfaces, then internal cavity surfaces are cleaned, but external surfaces of the workpiece cannot be cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The process chamber serves multiple functions: it receives the workpiece, supplies process fluid through line channels to clean internal cavity surfaces, and also directly discharges process fluid onto external surfaces through its outlet. This multi-functional design enables comprehensive cleaning of both internal and external surfaces without requiring separate cleaning systems.
2Productivity
If process fluid flows in one direction through the cavity, then cleaning is simple, but stuck dirt and particles cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reverses the flow direction of the process fluid through the cavity by controlling the inlet and outlet channels. This dynamic flow reversal creates alternating flow patterns that effectively dislodge and remove stuck dirt and particles from cavity surfaces, significantly improving cleaning efficiency compared to unidirectional flow.
3Productivity
If suction device generates negative pressure to draw process fluid through cavities, then fluid circulation is achieved, but external surfaces remain untreated
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process is segmented into two distinct pathways: (1) process fluid is drawn through line channels and adapters to clean internal cavity surfaces, and (2) process fluid is simultaneously discharged through the process chamber outlet to clean external surfaces. This segmentation allows each pathway to optimize its function while achieving comprehensive cleaning coverage.
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 effectively cleans both internal cavity surfaces and external surfaces of workpieces by reversing fluid flow and using compressed air, ensuring efficient dirt removal and contamination prevention on external surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device which is connected to the process chamber for generating a negative pressure through a suction channel in order to draw in the process fluid from a fluid container through the at least one conduit and the at least one cavity into the process chamber
Implementation Method 2
a device for impinging the at least one cavity in the workpiece in the process chamber with at least one nozzle jet
Implementation Method 3
a device for applying ultrasound to the at least one workpiece in the process chamber
Implementation Method 4
a device for charging the process chamber with a gaseous fluid, in particular with compressed air
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to equipment (10) for treating a workpiece (14) with a process fluid (18), which workpiece has a workpiece body (32) comprising at least one hollow space (38) that extends from a first opening (36) to a second opening. The equipment (10) contains a conduit system for feeding the process fluid (18), which conduit system has at least one conduit channel (46) comprising an adapter (34) that is adapted to the workpiece body (32), said adapter for connecting the conduit system to the at least one hollow space (38). According to the invention, there is a process chamber (12) in the equipment (10) for accommodating the workpiece (14) during treatment, which process chamber has an outlet (26) for the removal of process fluid (18) introduced into the hollow space (38) for treating the workpiece (14).