Air Wall Wrinkle Removal for Multi-Material Joint Seams
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Solution Overview
Problem
When forming seams between different materials, heat application to remove wrinkles can inadvertently damage adjacent materials, as existing mechanical heat shields are insufficient in protecting these materials from excess heat.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an air knife to create a high-velocity air wall that protects one material while a heat gun applies low-velocity heated air to the wrinkle on a different material, allowing for wrinkle removal without damaging the adjacent material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If heat is applied to remove wrinkles from one material, then wrinkle removal effectiveness is improved, but adjacent materials may be damaged from excess heat
Solution Approach 1:
A second air knife is positioned between the heat source and the adjacent material to create a protective air barrier. This intermediary air flow shields the adjacent material from excess heat while allowing the heat source to effectively treat wrinkles on the target material.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic air knives to generate controlled air flows that form protective barriers. The air knives deliver high-velocity air streams that physically block heat transfer to adjacent materials, enabling safe heat application for wrinkle removal.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical heat shields are used to protect adjacent material, then heat protection is provided, but the shields are less than satisfactory in protecting from excess heat
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical heat shields with pneumatic air barriers generated by air knives. These air flows dynamically protect adjacent materials from heat, providing more reliable and adjustable protection compared to rigid mechanical shields.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls air flow parameters (velocity, volume, direction) from the air knives to optimize protection effectiveness. By adjusting these parameters, the system adapts to different material configurations and heat sources, achieving reliable heat protection where mechanical shields failed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively removes wrinkles from one surface material while preventing heat damage to an adjacent material by using a high-velocity air barrier to shield it from the heat gun's heat, ensuring a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish without material damage.
Implementation Method 1
directing a flow of air creating an air wall across the first surface material adjacent to the joint
Implementation Method 2
employing an air shield on an adjacent portion of the assembly protecting it from unwanted excess heat
Implementation Method 3
employing a heat source for treatment on a portion of an assembly while employing an air shield
Implementation Method 4
directing heat onto the wrinkle in the second surface material
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for removing a wrinkle adjacent to a joint between a first surface material and a second surface material, different from the first surface material. The system and method may include directing a flow of air creating an air wall across the first surface material adjacent to the joint where the wrinkle is being removed from the second surface material; directing heat onto the wrinkle in the second surface material; and working out the wrinkle from the second surface material while the second surface material is at an elevated temperature.