Adhesive Dispensing Control for Proactive Quality Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adhesive dispensing technologies face challenges in maintaining consistent adhesive properties due to varying local and environmental parameters, leading to inefficiencies and waste, as manual adjustments are slow and imprecise, and automatic feedback loops are insufficient in preventing deviations before they affect production.

Innovation Solution

A method using a processor to optimize adhesive dispensing by obtaining target and local parameter values, generating a model of relationships between these parameters, and determining controllable settings for the dispensing device to maintain desired adhesive properties, allowing proactive adjustments and reducing waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of dispensing parameters is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the adjustment speed and precision are insufficient leading to quality deviations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive structure qualityVSAvoidadjustment response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated computer-controlled system that calculates optimal dispensing parameters based on detected adhesive properties and environmental conditions, thereby improving both precision and response time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor adhesive properties (viscosity, temperature) and environmental parameters, and the controller automatically adjusts dispensing settings to maintain quality within specifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If automatic feedback loop is implemented, then the response speed improves, but the system cannot prevent deviations before they occur leading to waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive structure qualityVSAvoidadhesive waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary adjustments by detecting changes in adhesive properties and environmental conditions before they cause quality deviations, proactively modifying dispensing parameters to prevent defects rather than reacting to them

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts dispensing parameters in real-time based on continuous monitoring of adhesive viscosity, temperature, and environmental factors, allowing flexible adjustment to maintain optimal conditions throughout the dispensing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If complex model-based optimization is implemented, then the dispensing precision and adaptability improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive structure qualityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a computer as an intermediary that processes complex calculations and model-based optimization, separating the computational complexity from the physical dispensing mechanism and allowing precise control without complicating the hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4201534A1Method for optimizing the dispensing of an adhesive
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP4201534A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4201534A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4201534A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides a method and system for optimizing the dispensing of an adhesive from a dispensing device comprising a controllable setting. It consists in obtaining target parameters for a parameter of a structure formed by the adhesive after it is dispensed. Then a value of a local parameter near the dispensing device is obtained, which is a physical parameter of the adhesive in the dispensing device, an environmental condition near the dispensing device or a mechanical parameter of the dispensing device. Then a model of relationships between the local parameter, the parameter of the structure and intrinsic properties of the adhesive is generated. Using this model and the obtained values, a controllable setting for operating the dispensing device is determined to form a structure after dispensing of the adhesive that satisfies the target parameter.