Method for optimizing adhesive dispensing

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and system for optimizing the dispensing of adhesive from a dispensing device comprising controllable settings. The invention consists in obtaining target parameters for parameters of a structure to be formed by the adhesive after the adhesive has been dispensed. Then values ​​of local parameters in the vicinity of the dispensing device are obtained, the local parameters being physical parameters of the adhesive in the dispensing device, environmental conditions in the vicinity of the dispensing device, or mechanical parameters of the dispensing device. Then a model of the relationship between the local parameters, the parameters of the structure and the intrinsic properties of the adhesive is generated. Using this model and the obtained values, controllable settings for operating the dispensing device are determined to form a structure after dispensing of the adhesive that meets the target parameters.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of controlling or optimizing the dispensing of adhesives from dispensing devices, typically in industrial manufacturing facilities. More specifically, the invention teaches adapting the parameters of the dispensing unit (pump, nozzle, conveyor belt... moving the substrate onto which the adhesive is dispensed) in such a way that the adhesive, once dispensed, maintains its properties within predefined values. This ensures that the adhesive meets the expected performance, regardless of the local or environmental parameters at the dispensing site. [Background technology]

[0002] The properties of the adhesive may vary based on the conditions under which the adhesive is dispensed. In particular, the adhesive strength (hereinafter also referred to as bond strength) may depend on parameters such as the thickness of the layer formed on the substrate, also referred to as coat weight (hereinafter also referred to as coating weight), the nozzle pressure used to dispense the adhesive, or the temperature of the adhesive during the dispensing step. Besides the local parameters that characterize the condition of the adhesive itself, other parameters may also affect the quality of the structure formed by the adhesive after it has been dispensed.

[0003] One solution to compensate for changes in any of these parameters and maintain the desired quality of the structure formed by the adhesive after it is dispensed is to manually adapt the settings of the dispensing device. Due to the complex interdependencies between the many different parameters that affect the properties of the structure formed by the adhesive after it is dispensed, this manual adjustment, based on a subjective human assessment of the parameters that need to be changed, is often too slow and lacks precision.

[0004] Attempts to replace manual adjustments with automatic processes generally give limited results. This is because these processes consist of adding detectors that measure parameters of the structure formed by the adhesive after it has been dispensed, coupled with a feedback loop acting on a controller that manipulates the settings of the dispensing device. This approach does not prevent errors from occurring in the dispensing process, in particular because adjustments are made in response to detected deviations from the desired properties of the structure formed by the adhesive after it has been dispensed. However, deviations are not always variable and noticeable, and deviations from ideal parameters can gradually affect the production line before reaching an acceptability threshold at which the deviations become detectable. In such cases, many articles are manufactured in barely acceptable conditions before the deviations become noticeable. In an industrial situation, this results in unwanted waste before detection is made.

[0005] For the above reasons, there is a need for an apparatus and method that can help optimize the dispensing of adhesive from a dispensing device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to address the above needs, the present invention provides a processor-implemented method for optimizing dispensing of adhesive from a dispensing device including at least one controllable setting, the method comprising: - obtaining at least one target parameter value for at least one parameter of a structure to be formed by the adhesive after the adhesive has been dispensed; - obtaining at least one value of a local parameter in the vicinity of the dispensing device, the local parameter comprising at least one of a physical parameter of the adhesive in the dispensing device, an environmental condition in the vicinity of the dispensing device, and a mechanical parameter of the dispensing device; - generating or obtaining a model comprising at least a description of the relationship between at least one local parameter, at least one parameter of the structure formed after the adhesive is dispensed, and the intrinsic properties of the adhesive; - determining, using the model, a set including at least one controllable setting for operating the dispensing device based on at least one target parameter value and on values ​​of at least one local parameter, such that said set guides the dispensing device to form a structure after dispensing of the adhesive that satisfies the at least one target parameter; - selecting the determined set for operating the dispensing device; Includes.

[0007] The present invention allows for better optimization of adhesive dispensing that takes into account the interplay between the adhesive's properties, the environment in which the adhesive is dispensed, and the properties of the structure formed by the adhesive after it is dispensed (e.g., as defined by a user of the adhesive and the method of the present invention). Unlike typical approaches to regulating adhesive dispensing, the method of the present invention allows for more proactive adjustment of controllable parameters of the dispensing device. The method of the present invention can, for example, change the controllable parameters before deviations in the local parameters where the adhesive is dispensed begin to occur that affect the properties of the structure formed by the adhesive after it is dispensed. This approach reduces waste and increases user satisfaction.

[0008] By generating a model that includes dependencies between local parameters, the intrinsic properties of the adhesive, and the properties of the adhesive after it has been dispensed, the present invention provides a flexible means to adapt to any particular set-up at a client's site. In particular, the present invention overcomes the burden of having to perform extensive manual calibration or relying on error-prone and poorly efficient standard feedback control loops or human intervention to adjust parameters of the adhesive dispensing set-up.

[0009] "Obtaining" in the context of the present invention may refer to obtaining this information, for example, from an external source or memory. The information may be accessed, for example, in a cloud, a remote or local database, or may be provided by the user via a user interface or from the user's terminal. Another alternative or complementary approach is to generate the information by taking initial measurements to gather information about the functionality of the dispensing device, conditions in the vicinity of the dispensing device, and the behavior of the adhesive.

[0010] The term "proximal" typically refers to conditions within a room in which the dispensing device is located.

[0011] The term "controllable settings" refers to settings such as, for example, the flow rate of adhesive through the nozzle of the dispensing device, the temperature within the room in which the dispensing device is located, the pressure exerted on the adhesive, the speed at which the substrate onto which the adhesive is dispensed moves, and the temperature applied to the adhesive to heat or cool it within the dispensing device.

[0012] The term "structure formed by the adhesive after it is dispensed" can refer to any type of shape or size that the adhesive typically forms after it is dispensed. These shapes and characteristics of the dispensed adhesive depend on the use of the adhesive. In the electronics industry, the adhesive is often dispensed in the form of beads, for example. In other applications (e.g., end-of-line packaging or nonwoven / hygiene products, such as diapers), the adhesive may typically be dispensed as a line or layer having a specific desired thickness. Other applications can result in user-specific requirements that can be expressed in numerical values, ranges of values, or qualitative descriptions of the desired properties of the adhesive.

[0013] The term "physical parameters of the adhesive in the dispensing device" refers to measurable parameters such as the pressure exerted on the adhesive, the pressure in the nozzle used to dispense the adhesive, the temperature of the adhesive, the viscosity of the adhesive, etc. This term may be similar to the term "intrinsic properties of the adhesive", however, the intrinsic properties of the adhesive do not refer to values ​​specific to the situation of the adhesive in the dispensing device, but rather represent static or dynamic properties of the adhesive (e.g. its curing / setting temperature, its coat weight or its change in adhesive strength as a function of temperature...).

[0014] According to an embodiment, the local parameters may include at least one physical parameter of the adhesive in the dispensing device and an environmental condition in the vicinity of the dispensing device. The local parameters may also include a physical parameter of the adhesive in the dispensing device and a mechanical parameter of the dispensing device. The local parameters may also include an environmental condition in the vicinity of the dispensing device and a mechanical parameter of the dispensing device. The local parameters may also include a physical parameter of the adhesive in the dispensing device, an environmental condition in the vicinity of the dispensing device, and a mechanical parameter of the dispensing device.

[0015] By combining different types of local parameters, the model generated is more accurate since it better reflects the dependencies between these parameters and their influence on the characteristics of the dispensed adhesive. For example, the local parameters used as inputs can include a combination of physical parameters of the adhesive (such as temperature before dispensing, the volume occupied by the adhesive in the nozzle), environmental conditions in the vicinity of the dispensing device (typically temperature, humidity, among others), and mechanical parameters of the dispensing device (e.g., application speed, nozzle pressure, temperature applied to the adhesive to melt or harden it). In combination, these values ​​of the local parameters provide a more complete description of the conditions that affect the characteristics of the adhesive after it is dispensed, thereby allowing better achievement of the desired target parameter values. In addition to the intrinsic properties of these "local parameters" of the adhesive, such as the curing / solidifying temperature of the adhesive, its composition, the ratio of the components mixed before dispensing, are also taken into account when generating the model. "Better" should be understood to refer, for example, to a higher quality of the adhesive parameters after dispensing, a more efficient dispensing process for dispensing the adhesive.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the method comprises: - monitoring the value of at least one parameter of the formed structure; - initiating the determination of a set comprising at least one controllable setting for operating the dispensing device when detecting that a difference between a monitored value of at least one parameter of the formed structure and at least one target parameter value exceeds a predefined threshold value; It may further include.

[0017] Although the present invention does not require active monitoring of one or more parameters of the structure formed by the adhesive after it has been dispensed, unexpected deviations from the predictions can be further prevented by checking whether the model's predictions are accurate. This approach can further enable an iterative approach to training a learning algorithm that can update the model based on new inputs acquired during use of the dispensing device.

[0018] The term "predetermined threshold" may typically refer to a relative difference of less than 10%, or less than 5%, or less than 1%.

[0019] The method is - monitoring the value of at least one parameter of the formed structure; - initiating the determination of a set comprising at least one controllable setting for operating the dispensing device when detecting that a difference between the monitored value of at least one parameter of the formed structure and at least one target parameter value is less than a predefined threshold value; It should be noted that the number of bits may further include:

[0020] According to one embodiment, the step of determining a set comprising at least one controllable setting for operating the pipetting device comprises: - determining achievable parameter values ​​of a structure formed by the adhesive after the adhesive has been dispensed based on the model; - identifying achievable parameter values ​​that match at least one target parameter value or that differ from at least one target parameter value by less than a predetermined amount, and identifying a set that includes at least one controllable setting associated with these achievable parameter values; may include:

[0021] The present invention provides some additional flexibility in the selection of the most appropriate settings for operating the dispensing device. In fact, the model can provide several good sets of controllable settings that allow reaching the desired target parameters for the structure formed by the adhesive after it is dispensed. The present invention can then output several sets of controllable settings that the user can select from. An automatic selection of the best match can also be programmed. The present invention can include pre-programmed logic in selecting the best candidate among multiple sets of suitable controllable settings, for example by selecting the one that consumes the least energy, consumes the least adhesive, emits the least CO2, increases the yield of the dispensing device.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the method comprises: - determining a plurality of sets comprising at least one controllable setting for operating the dispensing device; -Energy consumption; -Glue consumption; -CO2 gas emissions; -Time to dispense adhesive, selecting a set from among the sets that minimizes one of may include:

[0023] According to one embodiment, the model may be generated using a machine learning algorithm that is trained on measurement data obtained from previous uses of the dispensing device and knowledge of the adhesive's unique properties.

[0024] "Previous use" may typically be from an initial run of the dispensing device to measure and understand the interdependencies between different parameters that arise during the dispensing process, including local parameters (mechanical parameters of the dispensing device, parameters measurable in the vicinity of the dispensing device, or properties of the adhesive within the dispensing device), parameters of the structure formed by the adhesive after it is dispensed, and the behavior of the adhesive itself.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the model can be generated using a previous model obtained or generated in relation to at least one other dispensing device and / or features of the dispensing device and at least one other target parameter including features that differ from the target parameter by less than a certain amount.

[0026] In some embodiments, it is possible to shorten the training step for generating the model by using models that are already known from previous implementations of the method with similar setups, e.g. the same type of dispensing technique, and / or by using the same adhesive, e.g. for similar applications. It is also possible to combine initialization of the method where data specific to the dispensing task is obtained, but where additional "generic" data from previous similar setups is additionally fed to the algorithm.

[0027] The term "constant amount" can refer to, for example, a relative difference of less than 20% or less than 10% or less than 5% or less than 1% in the values ​​of the same parameters. The similarity between the current dispensing device setup and the previous dispensing device setup can be further defined as referring to a difference in some of the parameters considered of less than 5 or less than 1. In essence, the concept of "similarity" between two setups in an adhesive dispensing device depends on one or more variables being changed, considering that the interdependencies between all parameters are often complex. However, the experience gained by implementing the method on different dispensing setups allows for clustering the setups into categories of similarity. Models from similar setups can then be used on other setups of the same category.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the method comprises: - obtaining at least one subset of target fixed settings for at least one controllable setting; - determining a set of at least one controllable setting taking into account a subset of the minimum one target fixed setting; It may further include.

[0029] In some embodiments, a user can set constraints on parameters of their dispensing setup that would otherwise be considered controllable settings (e.g., the speed at which the substrate onto which the adhesive is dispensed moves relative to the adhesive dispensing unit, or the adhesive temperature). When one such parameter needs to be fixed (and one such parameter is considered a user-determined constraint), the method of the present invention can find a new model (algorithms can also be considered "models" in the context of this invention) taking this constraint into account in order to still maintain the best possible quality in the structure formed by the adhesive after it is dispensed.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the local parameters are: - temperature of glue; - the temperature of the room in which the dispensing device is located; - pressure exerted on the adhesive; - the nozzle pressure of the nozzle dispensing the adhesive, - the pressure in the chamber in which the dispensing device is located; - the speed at which the substrate onto which the adhesive is dispensed moves relative to the dispensing device; -The thickness of the adhesive structure after the adhesive has been dispensed; -The bond strength of the adhesive structure after the adhesive is dispensed; - the flow rate at which adhesive is dispensed from the dispensing device; - the material properties of the substrate onto which the adhesive is to be dispensed; the distance between the nozzle of the dispensing device and the substrate onto which the adhesive is dispensed; It may be at least one of the following.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the specific properties of the adhesive are: - adhesive curing temperature; - solidification temperature of adhesive; - the proportion of the adhesive's components that are mixed with each other when dispensing; - viscosity of adhesive; -Thermal conductivity of the adhesive; -Conductivity of the adhesive; - adhesive bond strength; - a function that represents the bond strength of the adhesive as a function of the adhesive temperature and the adhesive viscosity; - a function that represents the bond strength of the adhesive as a function of the adhesive coat weight; may include at least one of the following:

[0032] According to one embodiment, the target parameters are: - the bond strength of the adhesive on the substrate onto which the adhesive is dispensed; - the width of the adhesive structure formed by the adhesive after it has been dispensed; - the height of the adhesive structure formed by the adhesive after it has been dispensed; - the shape of the structure formed by the adhesive after it has been dispensed; - the uniformity of the structure formed by the adhesive after it has been dispensed; may include at least one of the following:

[0033] Typically, the bond strength of an adhesive on a substrate is the adhesive strength of the adhesive applied to connect two surfaces together.

[0034] The adhesive structure may typically comprise layers, lines or beads.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a system for optimizing the dispensing of adhesive from a dispensing device including at least one controllable setting, the system comprising: - a dispensing device configured to dispense adhesive; - a controller configured to operate the dispensing of adhesive from the dispensing device; a processor, obtaining at least one target parameter value for at least one parameter of a structure formed by the adhesive after the adhesive is dispensed; obtaining at least one value of a local parameter in the vicinity of the dispensing device, the local parameter comprising at least one of a physical parameter of the adhesive in the dispensing device, an environmental condition in the vicinity of the dispensing device, and a mechanical parameter of the dispensing device; generating or obtaining a model comprising at least a description of the relationship between at least one local parameter, at least one parameter of the structure formed after the adhesive is dispensed, and the intrinsic properties of the adhesive, using the model to determine, based on at least one target parameter value and on values ​​of at least one local parameter, a set comprising at least one controllable setting for operating the dispensing device such that said set directs the dispensing device to form a structure after dispensing of the adhesive that satisfies the at least one target parameter; a processor configured to Equipped with The controller is further configured to receive the determined set from the processor and select the determined set for operating the pipetting device.

[0036] The system is configured to carry out the above-described method.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the system may further comprise a measurement device configured to measure a value of at least one parameter of the formed structure, the measurement device comprising one of an optical detector, a thermometer, a pressure sensor, a hydrometer.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the method comprises: a user terminal configured to receive inputs relating to fixed local parameter and / or target parameter values; - a platform comprising an algorithm configured to determine a set comprising at least one controllable setting for operating the dispensing device, the platform being further configured to update the determined set based on input received from a user terminal; may further comprise:

[0039] In particular, the invention can be implemented as part of an IoT solution for controlling and / or optimizing the dispensing of adhesive from a dispensing device. In such a setup, a user can interact with a platform stored in the cloud, for example from his terminal (e.g. portable device, computer, server). The information required to execute the method of the invention can be received on this platform, in particular the algorithms that process the inputs to generate a model that can control the parameters of the dispensing device. This allows a more flexible approach to implementing the method of the invention, since the user can benefit from the best possible model predictions based on up-to-date, regularly improved models that can converge the information received from the various inputs.

[0040] The present invention further relates to a computer program product including instructions for carrying out a method for optimizing dispensing of adhesive from a dispensing device including at least one controllable setting, the method comprising: - obtaining at least one target parameter value for at least one parameter of a structure to be formed by the adhesive after the adhesive has been dispensed; - obtaining at least one value of a local parameter in the vicinity of the dispensing device, the local parameter comprising at least one of a physical parameter of the adhesive in the dispensing device, an environmental condition in the vicinity of the dispensing device, and a mechanical parameter of the dispensing device; - generating or obtaining a model comprising at least a description of the relationship between at least one local parameter, at least one parameter of the structure formed after the adhesive is dispensed, and the intrinsic properties of the adhesive; - determining, using the model, a set including at least one controllable setting for operating the dispensing device based on at least one target parameter value and on values ​​of at least one local parameter, such that said set guides the dispensing device to form a structure after dispensing of the adhesive that satisfies the at least one target parameter; - outputting the determined set for operating the dispensing device; Includes.

[0041] The above computer program product may also be considered as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program including instructions for performing the above method. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] The present disclosure is now described in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like numbers refer to like elements and in which:

[0043] [Figure 1] 4 is a flowchart illustrating steps of a method according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system including a dispensing device capable of performing a method according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an improved system according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a diagram showing a model describing the evolution of adhesive bond strength as a function of coat weight, which can be used for further incorporation into the model used in the method of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another model for the evolution of adhesive bond strength as a function of coat weight that can be used for further integration into the model used in the method of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] The present invention provides a method that is flexible and can perform well with any kind of adhesive dispensing setup. The present invention overcomes the standard feedback loop approach of the prior art and instead proposes to determine a set of controllable settings including at least one setting of the dispensing device that is predicted to be suitable for achieving desired target parameters for the structure formed by the adhesive after the adhesive has been dispensed.

[0045] The exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings and described below may include additional features not necessarily shown in the drawings. Elements presented in association with particular drawings may also be combined to form additional exemplary embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0046] The method of the present invention, the steps of which are depicted in more detail in FIG. 1, may be implemented, for example, to better control or optimize the dispensing of adhesive from a dispensing device.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 1, the method 1 of the invention may for example comprise a step 2 of obtaining at least one target parameter value 1002 for a parameter of a structure to be formed by the adhesive after the adhesive has been dispensed. This target parameter value 1002 may be a certain value or a range of values. To input this value or this range, a user may provide information as input, for example via a user interface on a user terminal. Alternatively, the target parameter value 1002 may be expressed qualitatively by the user, for example that the adhesive should have a certain shape or a certain deformability. In this case, it is for example possible to allow the user to select among several "conditions" of the structure to be formed by the adhesive, for example from a list that may be stored in a database of typical structures that the adhesive can form.

[0048] Among examples of target parameter values ​​1002 one can find, for example, the adhesive strength (or bond strength), typically expressed in N / mm, the coating weight of the adhesive, the thickness, width or uniformity of the structure formed by the adhesive after it has been dispensed. This list is non-limiting, since the parameters can be expressed in different ways and depend on the user's requirements.

[0049] As further shown in FIG. 1, method 1 includes obtaining values ​​of local parameters 1003 in the vicinity of the dispensing device. The local parameters 1003 can be one of the following: physical parameters of the adhesive in the dispensing device, environmental conditions in the vicinity of the dispensing device, and mechanical parameters of the dispensing device. For example, the local parameters 1003 can include the temperature of the adhesive, the temperature in the room in which the dispensing device is located, the pressure exerted on the adhesive, the nozzle pressure, the pressure in the room in which the dispensing device is located, the speed at which the substrate on which the adhesive is dispensed moves relative to the dispensing device, the thickness of the adhesive structure after the adhesive is dispensed, the adhesive strength of the adhesive structure after the adhesive is dispensed, the flow rate at which the adhesive is dispensed from the dispensing device, the material properties of the substrate on which the adhesive is to be dispensed, the distance between the nozzle of the dispensing device and the substrate on which the adhesive is dispensed. Depending on the context in which the adhesive is dispensed, further parameters can be defined. The final nature of the local parameters 1003 can depend on the setup.

[0050] As further shown in FIG. 1, the method 1 includes a step 4 of obtaining or generating a model 1004 based on the local parameters 1003, the parameters of the adhesive after it is dispensed (one or more target parameters set by the user) and the inherent properties of the adhesive. This model 1004 generally serves as a numerical description of the dependencies between these three (or more) parameters. The model 1004 can be obtained especially when a similar setup has already been used and stored in a database. It can then be assumed that the dependencies between the parameters are already known and can be applied without significant further modifications in relation to the current dispensing task.

[0051] Alternatively or in addition to this approach, in which a previous description of the relationships between these parameters is used as the basis for predicting a set of controllable parameters for operating the dispensing device, it is possible to go through an initialization phase in which measurements or other types of data are obtained regarding the dispensing device, adhesive, and target parameters.

[0052] For example, the user can provide the adhesive provider or any service provider assisting in implementing method 1 of the present invention with target parameters that are important to the user, with a list of values ​​(predetermined values ​​or ranges of values) for these parameters. The service or adhesive provider already has a better understanding of the static and dynamic behavior of the adhesive. This description of the adhesive can be summarized in a function that represents the response of the adhesive to different environmental or local parameters 1003. A digital twin or model of the adhesive may be available to describe these unique properties of the adhesive.

[0053] By combining such knowledge of the adhesive's unique properties with target parameters provided by the user and also with controllable parameters of the dispensing device, it is possible to generate a model 1004 that can be used to determine 5 a set of at least one controllable parameter value 1005 in the dispensing device that enables one or more desired target parameter values ​​1002 to be obtained.

[0054] The user can then set the determined values ​​in the controllable parameters, a process that can also be done automatically with the aid of a controller operating the dispensing device.

[0055] To further illustrate how method 1 of the present invention can be applied to a dispensing task, FIG. 2 provides a schematic diagram of a system 100 for optimizing the dispensing of adhesive from a dispensing device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] As can be seen in Figure 2, the dispensing device 10 may include a nozzle 40 and a container 23 with adhesive therein. The adhesive is dispensed onto substrates 4001, 4002, 4003, 4004, which may be disposed on a moving belt 50 that moves relative to the dispensing nozzle 40 of the dispensing device 10. Once dispensed onto the substrates 4001-4004, the adhesive forms structures 41, 42, 43, 44. In the example shown in Figure 2, the structures 41-44 are beads, although the nature of the structures 41-44 will depend on the dispensing task set by the practitioner of the method 1 of the present invention.

[0057] The system 100 may further comprise measuring devices 21, 22, 24 capable of measuring local parameters 1003 such as temperature, humidity, pressure, viscosity, etc. The measuring devices 21, 22, 24 may for example be thermometers, hygrometers, cameras or any other optical detectors capable of acquiring images or video streams of the dispensing device 10 or parts of the structures 41-44 formed by the adhesive.

[0058] The system 100 also comprises a controller 30, which may comprise or cooperate with a processor 31 or part of a computer, server, which may be part of the dispensing device 10 itself. Typically, the processor 31 receives the aforementioned inputs and generates or obtains the model 1004 based thereon. Additionally, the controller 30 operates the dispensing device 10 by issuing instructions to modify controllable settings of the dispensing device 10.

[0059] The method 1 and system 100 of the present invention are further illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 3 shows a data enabled service including the dispensing device 10, a platform 300, such as a cloud infrastructure or similar type of central computing service, a user terminal 200, an adhesive product 400 having an identifier 401, and a service provider 500 that can interact with the platform 300 to assist the user in the initial step of collecting data that can be used to generate a model 1004 that can be used to update information therein or to determine a set of controllable parameter values.

[0060] This IoT (Internet of Things) data-enabled service may for example rely on the availability of information about the adhesive 400 used in the user's dispensing process. The adhesive 400 used may be stored in a container provided with an identifier 401, such as for example a barcode, a label, a QR code, a readable characteristic pattern, etc. Once the identifier 401 is read, the information about the adhesive may be extracted, for example, from access to the correct database via the platform 300 (a cloud architecture or any server, or other storage capacity may provide access to the database).

[0061] Information about the adhesive may be provided to the platform 300 by an adhesive manufacturer. This information may be provided as static information about the adhesive's inherent properties and / or as dynamic information about the adhesive's inherent properties. The dynamic information may be provided as a function or several functions describing the response of the adhesive as a function of parameters such as, for example, coat weight, viscosity, temperature, pressure, flow rate, etc. Some exemplary graphical representations of such models are provided for illustrative purposes in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0062] To read the identifier 401, the user can use the terminal 200, for example a mobile terminal, or any other device capable of reading the identifier, such as a scanner or optical detector. The terminal 200 can transmit the identified code to the platform 300 so that the platform 300 accesses the correct database for the adhesive identified and submitted by the user. Information regarding the dispensing device 10 and the target parameters 1003 selected by the user can also be transmitted to the platform 300, for example directly from the controller 30 or processor 31 of the dispensing device 10 or via the terminal 200. The platform 300 can operate instead of or in addition to the processor 31, to generate or obtain a model 1004 used to determine a set 1005 comprising at least one controllable setting of the dispensing device 10.

[0063] In one exemplary embodiment, the platform 300 can generate or obtain the model 1004 and send it to the controller 30 or processor 31 of the dispensing device 10. In other embodiments, the platform 300 is not needed or only accessed when updates to method 1 are available, for example, because an adhesive manufacturer has prepared a better model 1004 of the adhesive 400 behavior that the controller 30 can use to make a more accurate model 1004 that can be used to control or optimize the dispensing process.

[0064] As can be seen in Fig. 3, the service provider 500 can add information to the platform 300. This service provider 500 can integrate inputs it receives from the user, for example, during a first initialization of the method 1 of the present invention or when there is not enough information to obtain or generate a model 1004 usable for implementing the method 1 of the present invention. The service provider 500 can, for example, query target parameter values ​​1002 (predetermined values ​​or ranges of values) from the user, receive the specific properties of the adhesive, and check the availability of existing models 1004 for similar dispensing tasks in a database (for example, the platform 300) so that the effort required to initialize an embodiment of the method 1 of the present invention is minimized. It is also possible to check the physical setup of the dispensing machine. The service provider 500 can, for example, participate in the observation and first test runs of the dispensing device 10 to obtain the values ​​of a certain amount of local parameters 1003 necessary for the successful implementation of the method 1. These data points can be obtained by studying the user's setup, identifying the scales used to control different settings of the dispensing apparatus 10, and collecting available parameters that can be controlled and / or measured or determined when operating the dispensing apparatus 10. Preferably, the local parameters 1003 obtained include at least one of physical parameters of the adhesive within the dispensing apparatus 10, environmental conditions in the vicinity of the dispensing apparatus 10, and mechanical parameters of the dispensing apparatus 10, as previously described.

[0065] The terminal 200 can also receive notifications from the platform 300, for example to inquire whether the user is satisfied with the performance of the dispensing device 10. If the method 1 and system 100 also monitor and / or measure parameters of the dispensing device 10, performance feedback can also be sent to the user based on the received information. The platform 300 can also provide the user via the terminal 200 with suggestions to update certain parameters if a better model 1004 is available to optimize the dispensing process.

[0066] 4 provides an exemplary diagram 410 of a model describing the response of an adhesive as a function of coat weight. In particular, the bond strength is modeled by regression through the acquired data points to provide some insight into the adhesive's response to the amount of adhesive dispensed onto a substrate. This simple model 413 includes coat weight on the horizontal axis 12 and bond strength on the vertical axis 411. The regression curve 414 can be related to a mathematical function that can be used to generate the model 1004 used in the method 1 of the present invention.

[0067] Because the response of adhesive 400 depends on other parameters as well, FIG. 5 provides a diagram 420 of a more sophisticated model that integrates adhesive temperature (which is local parameter 1003) on vertical axis 421, adhesive viscosity on horizontal axis 422, and includes two fixed parameters with coat weight 431 and linear velocity 432 (the speed at which the substrate moves relative to the dispensing nozzle 40). It should be noted that in some embodiments, the dispensing nozzle 40 moves relative to the substrate. The lines depicted in FIG. 5 are schematic diagrams of contour plots, with each line having a different value that is numerically depicted on the diagram and corresponds to bond strength 423. If the target parameter desired by the user is to maximize bond strength, then the contour plot of FIG. 5 provides a graphical representation of the optimal settings that should be adhered to to achieve this goal.

[0068] When generating or obtaining a model 1004 that includes interdependencies between the local parameters 1003 or local parameters, the target parameters 1002 or target parameters, and the inherent properties of the adhesive, it is possible to generate functions of many more variables than the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5. In complex cases, the multi-dimensional function corresponding to the model 1004 may not be visually represented, but may be used mathematically to help the user find an appropriate set of parameter values ​​1005 to achieve a desired set of goals.

[0069] The use of the model 1004 can be viewed as a mathematical problem corresponding to finding the global optimum of a function over the values ​​achievable by the function with controllable parameters of that function. Known mathematical tools for solving such equations can be used.

[0070] Since the adhesive 400 may be responsive to controllable settings that provide several suitable candidate sets 1005 for obtaining a desired target parameter value 1002 (a fixed value or a range of values), the present invention may further include logic for selecting the best suitable candidate set 1005. For example, the selection may be based on energy consumption, adhesive consumption, CO2 gas emissions, and time to dispense the adhesive.

[0071] Method 1 of the present invention can be applied to many different use cases: Among some non-limiting examples, Method 1 can be used to control the dispensing of adhesive in diapers or feminine hygiene products, where the quality requirements of the final product require that a specific adhesive dispensing process be adhered to.

[0072] Similarly, the method 1 of the present invention can be used to optimize adhesive dispensing in the electronics industry, for example in the deposition of adhesives used in the manufacture of communication devices, phones, smartphones, tablets. The quality of the bond strength and the uniformity of the deposition in such applications are important requirements in such industries. The term "quality" encompasses precision, especially for small dispensed volumes.

[0073] Essentially, method 1 of the present invention can be applied in any other industrial or even non-industrial situation where the properties of the adhesive after it has been dispensed need to meet specific requirements.

[0074] The steps of the above examples and embodiments can be performed by a processor, such as a processor in a computer, or by the computer itself. A computer program product including the steps of the above method 1 can be used to perform the method 1 on a computer.

[0075] The computer program containing instructions for implementing the method of the invention can be stored on different non-transitory computer readable storage media, which can include for example a processor or chip, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an electronic circuit containing several processors or chips, a hard drive, a flash or SD card, a USB stick, a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM or a Blue-Ray disk, or a diskette.

[0076] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the above detailed description, it should be understood that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit in any way the scope, applicability, or configuration of the various embodiments. Rather, the foregoing detailed description provides those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiments contemplated herein. It is understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the various embodiments as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A processor-implemented method (1) for optimizing dispensing of adhesive (400) from a dispensing device (10) including at least one controllable setting, comprising: - obtaining (2) at least one target parameter value (1002) for at least one parameter of a structure (41-44) to be formed by said adhesive after said adhesive has been dispensed; - obtaining (3) at least one value of a local parameter (1003) in the vicinity of the dispensing device, said local parameter comprising at least one of a physical parameter of the adhesive in the dispensing device, an environmental condition in the vicinity of the dispensing device, and a mechanical parameter of the dispensing device; - generating or obtaining (4) a model (1004) comprising a description of the relationship between at least said at least one local parameter, said at least one parameter of said structure formed after said adhesive is dispensed, and the intrinsic properties of said adhesive; - using said model, based on said at least one target parameter value and said value of said at least one local parameter, determining (5) a set (1005) comprising at least one controllable setting for operating said dispensing device such that said set guides said dispensing device to form a structure after dispensing of said adhesive that satisfies said at least one target parameter; - selecting the determined set for operating the dispensing device; The method (1) includes:

2. - monitoring the value of said at least one parameter of said formed structure; - initiating the determination of said set comprising at least one controllable setting for operating said dispensing device when detecting that a difference between said monitored value of said at least one parameter of said formed structure and said at least one target parameter value exceeds a predetermined threshold; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

3. Determining the set including at least one controllable setting for operating the pipetting device includes: - determining achievable parameter values ​​of a structure formed by the adhesive after it has been dispensed based on said model; - identifying achievable parameter values ​​that match the at least one target parameter value or that differ from the at least one target parameter value by less than a predetermined amount, and identifying the set that includes the at least one controllable setting associated with these achievable parameter values; The method of claim 1 , comprising:

4. - determining a plurality of sets comprising at least one controllable setting for operating said dispensing device; - energy consumption; - adhesive consumption; - CO2 gas emissions; - the time for dispensing the adhesive selecting a set from the plurality of sets that minimizes one of The method of claim 1 further comprising:

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the model is generated using a machine learning algorithm that is trained on measurement data obtained from previous uses of the dispensing device and knowledge of the inherent properties of the adhesive.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the model is generated using a previous model obtained or generated in relation to at least one other dispensing device and / or at least one other target parameter that includes features of the dispensing device and features that differ from the target parameter by less than a certain amount.

7. - obtaining a subset of at least one target fixed setting for said at least one controllable setting; - determining said set of said at least one controllable setting further taking into account said subset of said minimum one target fixed setting; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

8. The local parameters are: the temperature of the adhesive; the temperature of the room in which the dispensing device is located; - the pressure exerted on the adhesive; - the nozzle pressure of the nozzle dispensing the adhesive; - the pressure in the chamber in which the dispensing device is located; - the speed at which the substrate onto which the adhesive is dispensed moves relative to the dispensing device; - the thickness of the adhesive structure after the adhesive has been dispensed; - the adhesive strength of the adhesive structure after the adhesive has been dispensed; - the flow rate at which the adhesive is dispensed from the dispensing device; - the material properties of the substrate onto which the adhesive is to be dispensed; the distance between the nozzle of the dispensing device and the substrate onto which the adhesive is dispensed; The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method is at least one of:

9. The inherent properties of the adhesive include: the curing temperature of the adhesive; the solidification temperature of the adhesive; the proportions of the adhesive's components that are mixed together when dispensed; - the viscosity of the adhesive; - the thermal conductivity of the adhesive; - the electrical conductivity of the adhesive; - the bond strength of the adhesive; a function that describes the bond strength of the adhesive as a function of adhesive temperature and adhesive viscosity; a function that describes the bond strength of the adhesive as a function of adhesive coat weight; The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least one of:

10. The target parameters are: - the bond strength of the adhesive on the substrate onto which it is dispensed; - the width of the adhesive structure formed by said adhesive after said adhesive has been dispensed; - the height of the adhesive structure formed by said adhesive after said adhesive has been dispensed; - the shape of the structure formed by the adhesive after it has been dispensed; - the uniformity of the structure formed by the adhesive after it has been dispensed; The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least one of:

11. 1. A system (100) for optimizing dispensing of an adhesive (400) from a dispensing device (10) including at least one controllable setting, comprising: a dispensing device configured to dispense said adhesive; a controller (30) configured to operate the dispensing of the adhesive from the dispensing device; a processor (31), obtaining (2) at least one target parameter value (1002) for at least one parameter of a structure (41-44) to be formed by said adhesive after said adhesive has been dispensed; obtaining (3) a value of at least one local parameter (1003) in the vicinity of the dispensing device, the local parameter comprising at least one of a physical parameter of the adhesive in the dispensing device, an environmental condition in the vicinity of the dispensing device, and a mechanical parameter of the dispensing device; generating or obtaining (4) a model (1004) comprising at least a description of the relationship between said at least one local parameter, said at least one parameter of the structure formed after said adhesive is dispensed, and an intrinsic property of said adhesive, Using the model, based on the at least one target parameter value and the value of the at least one local parameter, determine (5) a set (1005) comprising at least one controllable setting for operating the dispensing device such that the set directs the dispensing device to form a structure after dispensing of the adhesive that satisfies the at least one target parameter. a processor configured to: Equipped with the controller is further configured to receive the determined set from the processor and select the determined set for operating the pipetting device. System (100).

12. 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a measurement device (21, 22, 24) configured to measure a value of the at least one parameter of the formed structure, the measurement device comprising one of an optical detector, a thermometer, a pressure sensor, and a hydrometer.

13. a user terminal (200) adapted to receive inputs relating to predetermined local parameters and / or said target parameter values; a platform (300) comprising an algorithm configured to determine said set comprising said at least one controllable setting for operating said pipetting device, said platform (300) being further configured to update said determined set based on input received from said user terminal; The system of claim 11 or 12, further comprising:

14. 1. A computer program product comprising instructions for performing a method (1) for optimizing dispensing of an adhesive (400) from a dispensing device (10) including at least one controllable setting, the method comprising: - obtaining (2) at least one target parameter value (1002) for at least one parameter of a structure (41-44) to be formed by said adhesive after said adhesive has been dispensed; - obtaining (3) at least one value of a local parameter (1003) in the vicinity of the dispensing device, said local parameter comprising at least one of a physical parameter of the adhesive in the dispensing device, an environmental condition in the vicinity of the dispensing device, and a mechanical parameter of the dispensing device; - generating or obtaining (4) a model (1004) comprising a description of the relationship between at least said at least one local parameter, said at least one parameter of said structure formed after said adhesive is dispensed, and the intrinsic properties of said adhesive; - using said model, based on said at least one target parameter value and said value of said at least one local parameter, determining (5) a set (1005) comprising at least one controllable setting for operating said dispensing device such that said set guides said dispensing device to form a structure after dispensing of said adhesive that satisfies said at least one target parameter; - outputting said determined set for operating said dispensing device; a computer program product,

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