Particle capture system
View Patent ↗A particle capture system includes a container sized to receive a structural disc drive component. A fixture is able to maintain the disc drive component within a spray zone in the container, and a first nozzle in the container is connected to a fluid source and is oriented to direct fluid at the spray zone. A particle trap is connected to a fluid outlet of the container and is able to trap particles from fluid exiting the container through the fluid outlet.
1. A particle capture system, comprising:
a container sized to receive a component, the container including a fluid outlet, and wherein the container defines an upwardly-facing opening;
a fixture operable to maintain the component within a spray zone in the container;
a first nozzle in the container oriented to direct fluid at the spray zone;
a fluid source connected to the nozzle;
a particle trap connected to the fluid outlet operable to trap particles from fluid exiting the container through the fluid outlet; and
a vacuum source connected to the fluid outlet.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the particle trap comprises a filter.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the filter has a filter area of about 250 square millimeters.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the container is a closed container.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fixture comprises a cord operable to suspend the component within the spray zone.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fixture comprises a clamp operable to hold the component within the spray zone.
7. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an actuator connected to the fixture operable to rotate the component within the spray zone.
8. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a second nozzle, wherein the first nozzle and the second nozzle are located on opposite sides of the spray zone.
9. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a clamp securing the particle trap to the fluid outlet.
10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the particle trap further comprises a removable insert within the clamp, the insert holding or receiving a filter.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fluid source is a liquid source.
12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fluid source is a gas source.
13. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a lid spanning the opening.
14. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a lid spanning and sealing the opening.
15. The system of claim 1 , wherein the component is a disc drive component.
16. A particle capture system, comprising:
a container sized to receive a component, the container including a fluid outlet, and wherein the container defines an upwardly-facing opening;
a fixture operable to maintain the component within a spray zone in the container;
an actuator connected to the fixture operable to rotate the component within the spray zone;
a first nozzle in the container oriented to direct fluid at the spray zone;
a fluid source connected to the nozzle;
a particle trap connected to the fluid outlet operable to trap particles from fluid exiting the container through the fluid outlet; and
a clamp securing the particle trap to the fluid outlet, wherein the particle trap further comprises a removable insert within the clamp, the insert holding or receiving a filter.
17. The system of claim 16 , wherein the particle trap comprises a filter.
18. The system of claim 16 , further comprising a second nozzle, wherein the first nozzle and the second nozzle are located on opposite sides of the spray zone.
19. The system of claim 16 , wherein the actuator comprises:
a motor; and
a drive shaft.
20. The system of claim 16 , wherein the component remains in the spray zone when rotated by the actuator.