1. Resources Requirements Technical Approach Introduction Audiophiles often prefer the sound of vinyl records when compared with digital storage methods. Vinyl records are also a primary medium of electronic and hip-hop DJs. To achieve the best sound quality, records must be cleaned regularly, a time-consuming process by hand. An ultrasonic cleaning device provides a safe, automated way to clean vinyl records. Current commercial ultrasonic record cleaners are expensive, often costing several thousand dollars. The project goal is to design an effective ultrasonic cleaning device comparable to current models at a fraction of the cost. Abstract Schedule Team Information Client: Ralph E. Patterson, III Faculty Advisors: Ralph E. Patterson, III John Lamont Team Members: Brad Aswegan, CprEAndrew Whitcomb, EE Daniel Wilcox, CprEKen Uhlenkamp, EE Summary Vinyl records, often considered a thing of the past, are considered by many to offer superior audio quality. They have become a rare commodity and those who collect them will go to extreme lengths to care for them. Clean records sound better and last longer, making routine cleaning a necessity for any serious collector. However, vinyl is delicate and care must be taken to prevent damage during cleaning. Ultrasonic cleaning can provide a safe and extremely efficient method of cleaning and can reduce the time spent maintaining a collection. Personnel Effort ( hrs ) Estimated Costs Problem Statement The ultrasonic cleaner must be constructed to be as effective as commercial models while costing only a fraction of the price. The ultrasonic cleaner must be constructed to be as effective as commercial models while costing only a fraction of the price. Approach Statement Available technologies and materials will be tested and selected based on criteria such as effectiveness, durability, and cost. Available technologies and materials will be tested and selected based on criteria such as effectiveness, durability, and cost.Assumptions Used by adults 18 and older Used by adults 18 and older Components cannot be harmful to users Components cannot be harmful to users Cleans 78rpm, 45rpm, and 33rpm records Cleans 78rpm, 45rpm, and 33rpm records All labels are smaller than those of an average 33rpm record All labels are smaller than those of an average 33rpm record Center diameter of each record is the same Center diameter of each record is the sameLimitations Uses 110V outlet indoors Uses 110V outlet indoors Surface defects cannot be removed Surface defects cannot be removed Labels will remain moisture-free Labels will remain moisture-free Records will not be permanently altered Records will not be permanently altered Project will be completed by May 2005 Project will be completed by May 2005 Intended Uses Removing dirt and dust from records Removing dirt and dust from records Adapted for cleaning of other items such as dentures or jewelry Adapted for cleaning of other items such as dentures or jewelry Intended Users May 05-09 project team May 05-09 project team Ralph E. Patterson, III Ralph E. Patterson, III Other audiophiles Other audiophiles Operating Environment Level, indoor surface Level, indoor surface Approximately 65°-70° F Approximately 65°-70° F Adjacent to 110V outlet Adjacent to 110V outlet Design Objectives Clean all contaminates from surface of vinyl record Clean all contaminates from surface of vinyl record Filter out the contaminates from the record cleaning solution Filter out the contaminates from the record cleaning solution Record is ready for use at the end of the cleaning process Record is ready for use at the end of the cleaning process Operation Procedure User loads a series of records onto a spindle to be cleaned User loads a series of records onto a spindle to be cleaned The spindle of records is lowered into the ultrasonic cleaning solution The spindle of records is lowered into the ultrasonic cleaning solution User sets a desired length of time for the cleaning process User sets a desired length of time for the cleaning process The spindle is removed from the solution and records dry once cleaning is complete The spindle is removed from the solution and records dry once cleaning is complete Other Technologies Considered Manual cleaning with wet brush and cleaning solution Manual cleaning with wet brush and cleaning solution Pressurized water cleaning to force debris off record Pressurized water cleaning to force debris off record Expected End Product and Deliverables Working 110V-outlet-powered ultrasonic record cleaner in a single commercial package Working 110V-outlet-powered ultrasonic record cleaner in a single commercial package Short manual including safety information, basic operational procedure, and intended uses Short manual including safety information, basic operational procedure, and intended uses Testing Approach Find optimum signal generation by cleaning records with different frequencies Find optimum signal generation by cleaning records with different frequencies Determine whether sweeping frequencies is a more effective way to clean Determine whether sweeping frequencies is a more effective way to clean Test system automation to determine whether cleaner requires user intervention Test system automation to determine whether cleaner requires user intervention Calculate average cleaning time of a very dirty record, a moderately dirty record, and a reasonably clean record Calculate average cleaning time of a very dirty record, a moderately dirty record, and a reasonably clean record Milestones Research and concept testing Research and concept testing Purchasing materials Purchasing materials Initial testing Initial testing Implementation Implementation Final testing Final testing Design review Design review A nice clean vinyl record being played on a turntable. A nice clean vinyl record being played on a turntable. + + Picture taken from http://www.twentysix.net/colors/gallerty/pages/misc-turntable.htm ++ Picture taken from http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue9/images/NYC_record_cleaner.jpg Functional Requirements Clean maximum number of records simultaneously Clean maximum number of records simultaneously Product is as automated as possible Product is as automated as possible Do not harm records, labels, or users Do not harm records, labels, or users Thoroughly clean records Thoroughly clean records Design Constraints Able to be moved by a single individual Able to be moved by a single individual Available power not exceeded Available power not exceeded Total cost under $250 Total cost under $250 http://seniord.ee.iastate.edu/may0509/ A prototype of an ultrasonic record cleaner. A prototype of an ultrasonic record cleaner. ++