Magnetic cleaning system and method for cleaning ferromagnetic objects

Abstract

A cleaning system and a method for cleaning a surface of a ferromagnetic object are disclosed. Accordingly, to an example configuration, the cleaning system includes a device body that comprises a magnetic system that urges an abrasive layer against the surface of the ferromagnetic object by a magnetic force. In at least some examples, the magnetic force provided by the magnetic system is adjustable to achieve a target magnetic force for cleaning the surface.

1 . A cleaning system for cleaning a surface of a ferromagnetic object, the cleaning system comprising:
 a device body defining a cleaning face having an abrasive layer configured for selective placement against the surface, the device body comprising a magnetic system configured to generate a magnetic field of a strength that is adjustable in relation to the abrasive layer,   wherein the magnetic field generated by the magnetic system is configured to urge the abrasive layer against the surface of the ferromagnetic object with a magnetic force corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field.   
     
     
         2 . The cleaning system of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic system includes a plurality of magnets;
 wherein the device body further defines one or more receptacles or mounts that accommodate one or more select magnets of the plurality of magnets; and   wherein the one or more select magnets accommodated by the one or more receptacles or mounts are removable from the one or more receptacles or mounts of the device body.   
     
     
         3 . The cleaning system of  claim 2 , wherein the device body is formed of a non-magnetic material. 
     
     
         4 . The cleaning system of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of magnets include at least a first magnet and a second magnet;
 wherein a strength of a magnetic field generated by the first magnet differs from a strength of a magnetic field generated by the second magnet; and   wherein the strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic system is adjustable by replacement of the first magnet with the second magnet at a receptacle or mount of the device body.   
     
     
         5 . The cleaning system of  claim 2 , wherein the strength of magnetic field generated by the magnetic system is adjustable by increasing or decreasing a quantity of the plurality of magnets accommodated by the one or more receptacles or mounts of the device body, or by adjusting a positioning of one or more of the plurality of magnets in relation to the abrasive layer. 
     
     
         6 . The cleaning system of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic system includes:
 one or more electromagnets; and   an electronic controller that varies electrical current supplied to the one or more electromagnets to adjust the strength of the magnetic field responsive to a user input.   
     
     
         7 . The cleaning system of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic controller maintains the strength of the magnetic field at a constant strength following adjustment of the strength of the magnetic field responsive to the user input. 
     
     
         8 . The cleaning system of  claim 1 , wherein the abrasive layer is permeable by ferromagnetic particulate produced from the surface of the ferromagnetic object. 
     
     
         9 . The cleaning system of  claim 1 , wherein the abrasive layer is mounted to and removable from the cleaning face of the device body. 
     
     
         10 . The cleaning system of  claim 1 , wherein the device body includes a guide portion projecting outward from a first edge of the cleaning face to form an interior-facing corner with the cleaning face. 
     
     
         11 . The cleaning system of  claim 1 , wherein the device body includes one or more handles configured to enable a user to move the abrasive layer of the cleaning face relative to the surface. 
     
     
         12 . A method for cleaning a surface of a ferromagnetic object, the method comprising:
 selecting a cleaning system that includes a device body comprising a magnetic system configured to generate a magnetic field, the device body coupled to an abrasive layer configured for selective placement against the surface;   placing the abrasive layer in contact with the surface with the magnetic field generated by the magnetic system urging the abrasive layer against the surface of the ferromagnetic object with a magnetic force corresponding to a strength of the magnetic field; and   moving the abrasive layer relative to the surface while the abrasive layer is in contact with the surface.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 adjusting the strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic system in relation to the abrasive layer from a first value to a second value to vary the magnetic force urging the abrasive layer against the surface of the ferromagnetic object.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the device body defines one or more receptacles or mounts that accommodate one or more permanent magnets; and
 wherein adjusting the strength of the magnetic field includes adding, removing, replacing, or adjusting a positioning of one or more permanent magnets accommodated by the one or more receptacles or mounts.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the magnetic system includes:
 one or more electromagnets; and   wherein adjusting the strength of the magnetic field includes varying electrical current supplied to the one or more electromagnets.   
     
     
         16 . A cleaning system for cleaning a surface of a ferromagnetic object, the cleaning system comprising:
 a device body forming a shroud mountable to a power tool that includes a power take-off element, the shroud defining an interior region that is configured to accommodate and partially surround the power take-off element;   wherein the shroud comprises a magnetic system configured to generate a magnetic field urging a distal end of the power-take-off element toward the surface of the ferromagnetic object with a magnetic force corresponding to a strength of the magnetic field.   
     
     
         17 . The cleaning system of  claim 16 , wherein the shroud includes a plurality of magnets of the magnetic system located on opposing sides of the interior region. 
     
     
         18 . The cleaning system of  claim 17 , wherein the plurality of magnets include permanent magnets that each generate a persistent magnetic field. 
     
     
         19 . The cleaning system of  claim 17 , wherein the plurality of magnets include electromagnets that each generate a magnetic field responsive to electrical current being supplied to the electromagnets. 
     
     
         20 . The cleaning system of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 the power tool mounted to the shroud with the power take-off element accommodated by the interior region; and   an abrasive layer mounted to the distal end of the power take-off element.