Abstract
Technical Approach
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.
• The ultrasonic cleaner must be
Expected End Product and Deliverables
constructed to be as effective as
commercial models while costing only a
fraction of the price.
• Working 110V-outlet-powered ultrasonic record cleaner in a single commercial package
• Short manual including safety information, basic operational procedure, and intended uses
Testing Approach
Approach Statement
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• Available technologies and materials will
be tested and selected based on criteria
such as effectiveness, durability, and
cost.
Assumptions
such as dentures or jewelry
Requirements
Resources
Design Objectives
Personnel Effort (hrs)
• Clean all contaminates from surface of vinyl record
• Filter out the contaminates from the record cleaning solution
• Record is ready for use at the end of the cleaning process
214
Functional Requirements
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May-05
• Level, indoor surface
• Approximately 65°-70° F
• Adjacent to 110V outlet
Apr-05
Operating Environment
Mar-05
• May 05-09 project team
• Ralph E. Patterson, III
• Other audiophiles
Problem Definition
Technology Considerations and Selection
End-Product Design
End-Product Prototype Implementation
End-Product Testing
End-Product Documentation
End-Product Demonstration
Project Reporting
Feb-05
Intended Users
Jan-05
Uses 110V outlet indoors
Surface defects cannot be removed
Labels will remain moisture-free
Records will not be permanently altered
Project will be completed by May 2005
Schedule
Dec-04
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• Removing dirt and dust from records
• Adapted for cleaning of other items
Nov-04
Limitations
Intended Uses
Oct-04
•
A nice clean vinyl record being played on a turntable.+
Find optimum signal generation by cleaning records with different frequencies
Determine whether sweeping frequencies is a more effective way to clean
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
Sep-04
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User loads a series of records onto a spindle to be cleaned
The spindle of records is lowered into the ultrasonic cleaning solution
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
• Manual cleaning with wet brush and cleaning solution
• Pressurized water cleaning to force debris off record
Problem Statement
records
All labels are smaller than those of an
average 33rpm record
Center diameter of each record is the
same
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Other Technologies Considered
Introduction
• Used by adults 18 and older
• Components cannot be harmful to users
• Cleans 78rpm, 45rpm, and 33rpm
Operation Procedure
Estimated Costs
$100.00 ,
38%
$30.00 ,
12%
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Clean maximum number of records simultaneously
Product is as automated as possible
Do not harm records, labels, or users
Thoroughly clean records
$30.00 ,
12%
198
203
Aswegan, Brad
Uhlenkamp Kenneth
Whitcomb Andrew
Wilcox Daniel
Design Constraints
• Able to be moved by a single individual
• Available power not exceeded
• Total cost under $250
$50.00 ,
19%
$50.00 ,
19%
Ultrasonic Transducers
Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution
Mechanical Components
Electronic Components
Poster Printing
Summary
Milestones
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Research and concept testing
Purchasing materials
Initial testing
Implementation
Final testing
Design review
A prototype of an ultrasonic record cleaner.++
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.
Team Information
Client:
+
Ralph E. Patterson, III
Faculty Advisors:
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
Ralph E. Patterson, III
John Lamont
Team Members:
Brad Aswegan, CprEAndrew Whitcomb, EE
Daniel Wilcox, CprE Ken Uhlenkamp, EE
http://seniord.ee.iastate.edu/may0509/