Adjustable Sealant Nozzle for Glazing Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealant applicator machines require nozzle changes to accommodate different spacer widths in insulating glazing units, leading to increased downtime and reduced efficiency in made-to-order production.
Innovation Solution
The development of a sealant applicator machine with both a fixed width and an adjustable sealant-dispensing head, featuring moveable inner and outer nozzle portions that allow for adjustable gap distances, enabling the machine to dispense sealant arrangements of varying widths without the need for nozzle changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional sealant applicator machines use fixed width nozzles to dispense sealant, then the sealant arrangement width is consistent and controlled, but the machine requires nozzle changes to accommodate different spacer widths, leading to increased downtime and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system is made dynamically adjustable through a positioning mechanism that allows the nozzle to move along a guide rail. The actuator (motor or servo) enables real-time adjustment of the nozzle position to match different spacer widths, transforming a static fixed-nozzle system into a dynamic adaptive system that eliminates downtime for nozzle changes while maintaining precise sealant application width control
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the nozzle relative to the spacer by using a positioning mechanism with an actuator. The nozzle position is adjusted according to the specific spacer width required, allowing the same nozzle to accommodate multiple spacer widths by changing its position parameter rather than requiring physical nozzle replacement
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sealant applicator machines require nozzle changes to accommodate different spacer widths, then the sealant arrangement can be adapted to different widths, but the complexity of nozzle management and setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single nozzle is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating different spacer widths through positional adjustment. The universal nozzle system with a positioning mechanism and actuator eliminates the need for multiple specialized nozzles, reducing nozzle management complexity while maintaining the ability to adapt to various spacer widths through controlled position changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated or semi-automated adjustment of the nozzle position through an actuator (motor or servo) that can be controlled to match the required spacer width. This self-adjusting capability reduces manual intervention and complexity associated with manual nozzle changing procedures
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a sealant applicator machine for dispensing sealant onto an insulating glazing unit. The insulating glazing unit may include two panes separated by a spacer having a spacer width. The sealant may be dispensed around a periphery of the insulating glazing unit. In certain embodiments, the sealant applicator machine includes both a fixed width sealant-dispensing head comprising a fixed width dispensing nozzle, and an adjustable sealant-dispensing head having a plurality of adjustable dispensing nozzles. The fixed width sealant-dispensing head and the adjustable sealant-dispensing head may be operably coupled to one or more sealant supplies.