Adjustable Valve End Effector for Conformal Coating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic dispensing systems face challenges in efficiently coating components of varying sizes and dimensions due to static valve distances and the need to move entire end effectors, which limits precise and efficient conformal coating applications.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a proximity adjustment mechanism that allows for adjustable horizontal distance between moveable valves, enabling independent movement and tilting of valve bodies along multiple axes, including a slider mechanism and gear system for precise positioning without requiring movement of the entire end effector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire end effector is moved to adjust valve positions for coating components of varying sizes, then the coating adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is segmented into independent valve units (first valve and second valve) that can move independently along the X-axis. Each valve has its own positioning mechanism with slider and gear, allowing individual adjustment without moving the entire end effector assembly. This segmentation enables flexible adaptation to different component sizes while simplifying the overall control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve positioning system transitions from a static fixed-distance arrangement to a dynamic adjustable system. The sliders can move along the tracks to change the horizontal distance between valves, and the gears provide controlled movement. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to varying coating requirements without redesigning the entire end effector structure.
2Device complexity
If the horizontal distance between valves is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the coating precision for components of different sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic positioning mechanisms where sliders can move along tracks to adjust the horizontal distance between valves. The gear mechanisms provide precise, controlled movement, enabling the system to achieve high coating precision for different component sizes while maintaining relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal distance parameter between valves is made variable rather than fixed. The slider-gear system enables continuous adjustment of this critical parameter, allowing optimization of coating precision for different component dimensions. The parameter can be changed without complex reconfiguration, maintaining simplicity while achieving high precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the entire end effector is moved to reposition valves, then the coating versatility is improved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the end effector into independently positionable valve units, the system eliminates the need to move the entire end effector assembly. Each valve can be repositioned individually along the X-axis using its own slider and gear mechanism, significantly reducing the time required for repositioning and enabling faster adaptation to different coating tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The valves are pre-configured with adjustable positioning mechanisms (sliders and gears) that allow rapid repositioning before each coating task. This preliminary setup capability enables the system to quickly adapt to different component sizes and coating requirements without time-consuming adjustments during operation.
4Ease of operation
If valve positions are fixed relative to each other, then the ease of operation is improved, but the coating efficiency for varying component sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adjustment capability through simple slider movements along tracks, making the adjustment mechanism as easy to operate as the fixed version while adding versatility. The gear mechanisms provide controlled, precise movement that remains operationally simple, allowing the system to achieve high coating efficiency for varying component sizes without complicating the user interface or operation procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector is provided that includes a first valve operably connected to a first motor housing, the first valve being moveable along at least four axes, a second valve operably connected to a second motor housing, the second valve being moveable along at least four axes, and a proximity adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a horizontal distance between the first valve and the second valve. An associated conformal coating machine and method are also provided.