Annular Modular Supply Device for Sprayer Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coating product supply systems for sprayers are bulky, leading to paint and solvent losses during color changes, and require complex and costly adaptations for different products, with interference from pilot air pipes and electrical cables, and necessitate time-consuming maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular power supply device with an annular structure, comprising removable connection, function, and input modules, allowing for easy configuration and maintenance, with a central zone for air and electrical components, minimizing dead zones and optimizing product distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large set of valves is installed upstream of the sprayer, then the valve system can supply multiple coating products, but the device becomes bulky and requires significant space, leading to paint and solvent losses during color changes
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is divided into multiple modular valve units, each handling specific product lines. These compact modules can be arranged in a space-efficient configuration, reducing the overall volume while maintaining the ability to supply multiple coating products through standardized interfaces and manifold connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If color-changing valves are arranged in adjacent units opening into a central collector channel, then multiple products can be dispensed, but the design becomes difficult to implement and adapt to different coating product requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The valve units are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized connection points that allow the same basic module to serve multiple functions. The manifold system incorporates adjustable routing and universal fitting types that accommodate different coating product viscosities and flow requirements, eliminating the need for complex custom designs for each product type.
3Volume of moving object
If the valve set is integrated at the end of a robot arm, then the supply system is compact, but it obstructs the passage of pilot air lines or electrical cables
Solution Approach 1:
The valve units are arranged in a distributed three-dimensional configuration around the robot end effector rather than concentrated in a single plane. This spatial distribution creates channels and pathways through which pilot air lines and electrical cables can pass without obstruction, while maintaining a compact overall footprint. The manifold connections are positioned to allow cable routing in multiple directions.
4Reliability
If custom valve blocks are designed for specific applications, then the system can be optimized for particular requirements, but production costs and inventory management become costly
Solution Approach 1:
The valve units are designed as universal modules with standardized mounting interfaces, connection types, and actuation mechanisms that can serve multiple application scenarios. This modular universality allows the same basic component to be optimized for different applications through configuration rather than custom design, significantly reducing production costs and simplifying inventory management while maintaining application-specific performance.
5Adaptability or versatility
If the supply system needs to be modified during the lifespan of an application system, then it can accommodate changes in the painting process, but the modifications are complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The supply system is segmented into independent modular valve units that can be individually added, removed, or replaced without affecting other parts of the system. Each module features quick-connect interfaces and standardized mounting that enable rapid reconfiguration. This modular segmentation allows the system to adapt to changing painting process requirements through simple module swaps rather than complex system-wide modifications, dramatically reducing modification time.
Data Source
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AI summary
This device for supplying a sprayer with coating and/or cleaning product has an annular structure and comprises an annular plate (110), several connection modules (120), several function modules (140), and several inlet modules (150). Each connection module (120) is removably mounted against one side (110B) of the annular plate. Each function module (140) is removably mounted on an outer face of a connection module. Each function module (140) is fluidically connected to the connection module (120) on which it is mounted. Each inlet module (150) is removably mounted on an inlet face of a connection module (120). Each inlet module (150) has accessible fluid connection elements on one face of the inlet module oriented opposite the inlet face of the connection module (120) on whose inlet face it is mounted.