Adjustable Film Applicator with Multi-Knife Height Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional film applicators are limited in forming multiple layers of thin film simultaneously, requiring multiple applicators for different film characteristics, which is inefficient for industrial usage.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable film applicator with movable knives and adjustable screws allows for the simultaneous formation of multiple layers of thin film with varying thickness, using a single device by adjusting the height of multiple knives to achieve desired film layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fixed-gate applicators are used to form multiple layers of film with different characteristics, then the film layers can be formed with specific thickness and material properties, but the device complexity and number of devices required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to form multiple layers with varying thickness and materialVSAvoidnumber of applicators required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single applicator device capable of forming multiple film layers with different thicknesses and material properties by incorporating multiple adjustable knives (first knife, second knife, etc.) that can be independently positioned. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate applicators, as each knife can be adjusted to create films with specific characteristics on the substrate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs adjustable knives that can be moved along the applicator body to different positions, allowing dynamic adjustment of film thickness and properties. The knives are not fixed but can be repositioned according to the desired film characteristics, enabling a single device to adapt to multiple film formation requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a single applicator is used to form multiple film layers, then the number of devices is reduced, but the precision of controlling film thickness for each layer becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of film formationVSAvoidcontrol of film thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is divided into multiple independent knife units (first knife, second knife, etc.), each capable of being adjusted independently. This segmentation allows each knife to control the thickness of a specific film layer precisely, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling the formation of multiple layers in a single device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each knife in the applicator can be adjusted to have different local properties (position, height, angle) according to the specific requirements of each film layer. This local adjustability ensures that each film layer can be formed with the precise thickness and quality required, even though multiple layers are being formed by a single device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7823530B2Adjustable film applicator

Publication Date: 2010.11.02 CHUNG YUAN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

AI summary

The present invention discloses an adjustable film applicator which comprises an applicator body, a first knife, a second knife, a first fixing apparatus, a second fixing apparatus, a pair of first adjusting screws, and a pair of second adjusting screws. The first and second knife are adjusted to a first and second height by adjusting the first and second adjusting screws, wherein the second height is greater than the first height.