Adhesive Pump Pressure Feedback for Consistent Per-Substrate Dosing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems lack sufficient control in applying adhesive to substrates, leading to issues such as increased costs, reduced aesthetics, and compromised packaging integrity due to improper adhesive application.

Innovation Solution

A closed-loop control system utilizing sensors and controllers to manage adhesive application based on flow rate and substrate count, ensuring consistent adhesive application per substrate through a hot melt adhesive system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If more adhesive is applied to the substrate, then the bonding integrity is improved, but the cost increases and aesthetics deteriorate due to adhesive squeeze-out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding integrityVSAvoidadhesive waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a closed-loop feedback mechanism where a sensor detects the actual adhesive application rate and substrate throughput, and this information is fed back to the controller which adjusts pump pressure in real-time to maintain the desired adhesive application rate, thereby preventing both over-application and under-application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the pump pressure parameter based on feedback from the sensor to maintain consistent adhesive application rate. By changing this physical parameter in response to measured conditions, the system achieves precise control over adhesive application, ensuring optimal bonding without excess waste

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If less adhesive is applied to the substrate, then the cost is reduced and aesthetics are improved, but the bonding integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive wasteVSAvoidbonding integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closed-loop feedback system continuously monitors adhesive application rate and substrate count, comparing actual performance against target values. When the application rate deviates from the target, the controller adjusts pump pressure to correct the deviation, ensuring minimum bonding requirements are met while minimizing adhesive waste

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically self-regulates adhesive application through the feedback loop without manual intervention. The sensor and controller work together to self-correct application rate variations, ensuring consistent bonding quality and optimal adhesive usage without operator involvement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If manual adhesive application control is used, then the system complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision of adhesive application is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidadhesive application rate precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical control of adhesive application with an automated electronic control system. The controller receives sensor data and automatically adjusts pump pressure through electronic signals, substituting human-operated mechanical adjustment with precision electronic control to achieve consistent adhesive application rates

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

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback mechanism provides continuous monitoring and automatic correction of adhesive application rate, replacing imprecise manual control with a self-regulating system that maintains manufacturing precision through real-time adjustments based on measured performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4275800B1Systems and methods of controlling adhesive application
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 NORDSON CORP
  • EP4275800B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4275800B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4275800B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods for controlling adhesive application are disclosed. The systems and methods may include a controller and one or more sensors configured to measure an amount of adhesive applied to a plurality of substrates by a pump, detect a number of the substrates, determine an amount of adhesive applied per substrate, compare the adhesive applied per substrate to a target value, and adjust a pressure of the pump based on the comparison. The sensor(s) may include one or more of a valve sensor coupled to an adhesive supply, a flow rate sensor coupled to a manifold, a flow rate sensor coupled to one or more hoses, and a flow rate sensors coupled to a gun.