US-12617004-B2 - System and method for cleaning an electronic device with dry ice

US12617004B2US 12617004 B2US12617004 B2US 12617004B2US-12617004-B2

Abstract

A system and method for cleaning an electronic device with dry ice is shown and described. The Method includes placing an electronic device in a first location to be cleaned. Applying dry ice to each side of the electronic device. Applying air to each side of the electronic device. Removing the electronic device from the first location.

Inventors

Jaclyn Domsohn
Krithika Muthuveerappan
Nidhin Davis
Sourish MOTEY

Assignees

COMMUNICATIONS TEST DESIGN, INC.

Dates

Publication Date: 20260505
Application Date: 20240507

Claims (14)

1 . A method for cleaning an electronic device with dry ice, the method comprising: providing a first robotic arm, having interchangeable tool heads comprising a first tool head and a second tool head; placing an electronic device in a first location; securing the electronic device to the first tool head of the first robotic arm; cleaning the electronic device by removing the electronic device from the first location to a second location and applying dry ice to five sides of the electronic device via a dry ice nozzle, wherein the dry ice nozzle is secured to the second tool head and the second tool head is removably secured to a tool head mount positioned adjacent to the first robotic arm; wherein the first robotic arm moves the electronic device into a stream of dry ice sprayed by the dry ice nozzle which remains stationary in the tool head mount; exchanging the tool heads on the first robotic arm, wherein the first robotic arm exchanges the first tool head for the second tool head; applying dry ice to a final side of the electronic device using the first robotic arm and the second tool head; and applying air to each side of the electronic device.
2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising entering the electronic device into a tracking system.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the electronic device is moved into the first location via a conveyor.
4 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining a flow rate and particle size of the dry ice to be applied.
5 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining a type of electronic device.
6 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising selecting a cleaning pattern based on a cleaning type desired.
7 . The method of claim 5 , further comprising determining a cleaning pattern based on the type of electronic device.
8 . A method for cleaning an electronic device with dry ice, the method comprising: providing a first robotic arm, having interchangeable tool heads comprising a first tool head and a second tool head; placing an electronic device in a first location, wherein the first location is on a first conveyor; removing the electronic device from the first conveyor via the first robotic arm, wherein the first robot arm has the first tool head secured thereto; cleaning the electronic device by applying dry ice to each side of the electronic device via a dry ice nozzle, wherein the dry ice nozzle is secured to the second tool head and the second tool head is removably secured to a tool head mount positioned adjacent to the first robotic arm; wherein the first robotic arm moves the electronic device into a stream of dry ice sprayed by the dry ice nozzle which remains stationary in the tool head mount; applying air to five sides of the electronic device; placing the electronic device on a second conveyor such that a cleaned surface of the electronic device is placed on the second conveyor; exchanging tool heads on the first robotic arm, wherein the first robotic arm exchanges the first tool head for the second tool head; applying, for a second time, dry ice to the electronic device using the first robotic arm and second tool head, such that a final surface of the electronic device is cleaned.
9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the electronic device is secured to the first robotic arm via the first tool head, wherein the first tool head comprises a suction device.
10 . The method of claim 8 , further comprising applying, for a second time, air to the electronic device.
11 . The method of claim 8 , further comprising entering the electronic device into a tracking system.
12 . The method of claim 8 , further comprising determining a flow rate and particle size of the dry ice to be applied.
13 . The method of claim 8 , further comprising determining a type of electronic device.
14 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising determining a cleaning pattern based on the type of electronic device.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/657,073 filed on May 7, 2024. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technology is always advancing and has done so at a rapid pace for the last several decades. Technology has become sophisticated, smaller, and accessible across the globe. This has led to technology becoming integral in everyday life. As with any integral element of life, the demand for technology is high. This high demand has led to a rise in the cost of technological devices. In addition to high demand, even the simple replacement of devices can be expensive. If one merely discards older equipment or equipment with minor defects for a brand-new piece, the cost can escalate quickly. If, however, technology is upgraded or repaired this process can be much more cost effective for both the company and consumer. Even if a user of an electronic device keeps it in good condition minor blemishes may occur. For example, dust may enter one of the ports of the device. Further, in order for a device to be resold, it must be returned as closely to the new condition as possible. The process of removing scratches or applying a fresh coat of paint may leave some surfaces in need of cleaning. Cleaning electronics with liquids may be undesirable because liquids could damage the device. Further, liquids can be difficult to manage and would require specialized draining equipment to be in place for the machine to operate. Many companies have been taking advantage of the repair instead of discard philosophy. Further, many consumers are happy purchasing a lightly used and repaired device instead of a brand-new one. However, the process of properly cleaning and restoring a device is wrought with constant challenges. Consequently, there is always a need for an improvement in the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure provides for a system and method for cleaning an electronic device with dry ice. The present disclosure provides a solution to a problem in the industry while significantly diverging from the present prior arts. The system for cleaning an electronic device with dry ice includes a first chamber, having a frame and a plurality of sides. At least one of the sides comprises an opening to allow access to an interior of the first chamber. The system includes a first electronic device location within the first chamber for placement of the electronic device. A robot arm is configured to pick up the electronic device from the first electronic device location and move the electronic device within the first chamber to be cleaned by a flow of dry ice. A dry ice machine provides the flow of dry ice for cleaning at least one surface of the electronic device. Another object of the present invention is to have a second electronic device location within the first chamber for placement of the electronic device after it has been cleaned by the flow of dry ice. Another object of the present invention is to have at least one door. The door is part of at least one of the plurality of sides which least partially opens allowing access to the interior of the first chamber. Another object of the present invention is to have the dry ice machine comprise a hopper that accepts dry ice, the dry ice machine sizes the dry ice into a desired particle size and controls particle flow. Another object of the present invention is to have the particle flow rate determined by airflow and particle amount. Another object of the present invention is to have the first electronic device location be one a first conveyor. Another object of the present invention is to have the second electronic device location be one a second conveyor. Another object of the present invention is to have at least one pneumatic actuator positioned about the second device location such that the pneumatic actuator secures the electronic device. Another object of the present invention is to have the robot arm configured to accept at least one removable tool head. Another object of the present invention is to have a first tool head. The first tool head is configured to pick up the electronic device. Another object of the present invention is to have a second tool head. The second tool head is configured to contain a nozzle in fluid connection with the dry ice machine such that the flow of dry ice exits the nozzle. Another object of the present invention is to have at least one tool head mount. The at least one tool head mount is configured to removably secure a removable head thereto. Another object of the present invention is to have at least one door sensor. The system shuts off when the at least one door sensor senses the door is open. Another object of the present invention is to have an exhaust fan to vent CO2 gasses from the first chamber. Another object of the present in