Adhesion Primer Application Using Optical Indicators

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

It is difficult to visually determine if the area of the enamel band on a window requiring an adhesion primer has been properly primed, as the primer becomes invisible after application.

Innovation Solution

A process involving directing light onto the window to illuminate the area, applying an adhesion primer along the illuminated portion, and using infrared imaging or ultraviolet light to confirm the application, depending on the primer's properties, to indicate and verify the primed area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the primer is applied to the enamel band to improve bond strength, then the adhesion between the enamel band and adhesive is improved, but the primer becomes visually undetectable after application making it difficult to confirm proper application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebond strengthVSAvoidvisual detectability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a visual indicator system that changes color or becomes visible under specific lighting conditions (infrared or ultraviolet) to indicate the presence and coverage of the primer. This allows operators to visually confirm proper primer application while maintaining the primer's primary function of improving bond strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary visual indicator component that mediates between the invisible primer and the human eye. This indicator is applied together with or after the primer and provides visual feedback about primer coverage without interfering with the primer's adhesion function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If mechanical means or templates are used to control the priming area, then the area to be primed can be precisely controlled, but the process complexity and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepriming area controlVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical guidance systems (edge guides, templates) with an optical visualization system. By projecting visible patterns or using infrared/ultraviolet indicators, the system guides the priming process without requiring complex mechanical fixtures, thereby reducing setup time and process complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical contact or visual inspection of the primer itself to optical detection using infrared or ultraviolet light. This parameter change allows for precise area control and verification without the need for complex mechanical positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If robotic priming is used to apply the primer, then application consistency is improved, but the ability to verify proper application in real-time is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication consistencyVSAvoidapplication verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback system where the visual indicator (infrared or ultraviolet) provides real-time information about primer application quality. This feedback loop allows operators to immediately verify whether the robotic application was successful and identify any missed areas, compensating for the lack of human sensory feedback in automated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This process ensures accurate application and confirmation of the adhesion primer, enhancing the bond strength between the window and adhesive or paint film, and providing a quality control check for proper primer application.

Implementation Method 1

If the adhesion primer contains a component that evaporates, then the process can further include the step of forming an infrared image of the window as the component evaporates to indicate the area of application of the adhesion primer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

If the adhesion primer contains a component that fluoresces when illuminated by ultraviolet light, then the process can further include the step of illuminating the window with ultraviolet light to indicate the area of application of the adhesion primer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS7736692B2Process for applying an adhesion primer to a window

Publication Date: 2010.06.15 DDP SPECIALTY ELECTRONICS MATERIALS US LLC

AI summary

A process for applying an adhesion primer to a window. The process includes the steps of directing light (11) onto the window (10) to illuminate a portion (13) of the window and then applying an adhesion primer along the illuminated portion of the window. If the adhesion primer contains a component that evaporates, then the process can further include the step of forming an infrared image (19) of the window as the component evaporates to indicate the area of application (20) of the adhesion primer. If the adhesion primer contains a component that fluoresces when illuminated by ultraviolet light, then the process can further include the step of illuminating the window with ultraviolet light (22) to indicate the area of application (23) of the adhesion primer.