Asymmetric Lacquer Transfer Roller for Aircraft Coating Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lacquer transfer devices for aircraft surfaces are inefficient due to the need to roll in a direction perpendicular to the greatest extension of aircraft components, requiring multiple roller tracks and repositioning cycles, which increases time and effort.
Innovation Solution
A device with a transfer roller and nozzle system where the pattern of depressions is aligned with the aircraft's longitudinal axis, allowing lacquer transfer in the direction of the greatest extension of the aircraft component, reducing the number of roller tracks and repositioning needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pattern of depressions is aligned perpendicular to the axis of rotation (circumferential direction), then the lacquer transfer follows conventional patterns, but the number of roller tracks and repositioning cycles increases significantly for aircraft components with greater transverse extension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by orienting the pattern of depressions at an angle of 1° to 89° relative to the circumferential direction, rather than using the conventional perpendicular (90°) alignment. This asymmetric angular orientation allows the transfer roller to deposit lacquer patterns that are optimized for aircraft components with greater transverse extension, reducing the number of roller tracks needed and minimizing repositioning cycles while maintaining proper aerodynamic alignment of the lacquer pattern with the aircraft's longitudinal axis.
2Productivity
If the transfer roller is rolled in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, then fewer roller tracks are needed for components with greater longitudinal extension, but this direction cannot accommodate components with greater transverse extension efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the pattern orientation adjustable and adaptable rather than fixed. The depressions can be oriented at various angles (1° to 89°) relative to the circumferential direction, allowing the same transfer roller device to efficiently coat different aircraft components regardless of whether they have greater longitudinal or transverse extension. This dynamic reconfiguration capability provides versatility for handling various component geometries while optimizing the number of roller tracks required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a transfer roller system that can efficiently handle both aircraft components with greater longitudinal extension and those with greater transverse extension. By allowing the pattern orientation to deviate from the conventional perpendicular alignment, the device becomes a multi-functional tool that adapts to different component orientations and dimensions, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment for different component types.
3Reliability
If the main orientation direction of the pattern is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, then aerodynamic advantages are achieved, but conventional transfer methods require inefficient rolling directions for components with greater transverse extension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by using asymmetric angular orientation of the depression pattern (1° to 89° relative to circumferential direction). This asymmetric design enables the transfer roller to deposit aerodynamically optimized patterns aligned with the aircraft's longitudinal axis while simultaneously rolling in directions optimized for components with greater transverse extension, thus maintaining both aerodynamic reliability and transfer productivity.
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
This approach enhances the efficiency of lacquer transfer by aligning the transfer direction with the aircraft component's greatest extension, minimizing the number of roller tracks and repositioning cycles, thus reducing time and effort while maintaining alignment with the aircraft's aerodynamic orientation.
Implementation Method 1
The transfer roller (6) is configured to roll with the outside contact surface (18) on a work surface (32) of a work piece (34) for transferring the lacquer from the depressions (20) to the work surface (32) of the work piece (34)
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle, preferably in the form of a slit nozzle with a muzzle end, for dispensing lacquer... The nozzle is arranged contactless to or in direct contact with the outside contact surface of the lateral wall for dispensing lacquer into respective depressions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Described is a device (2) for lacquer transfer, comprising a frame (4), a transfer roller (6) with a circumferential lateral wall (8), and a nozzle (12) for dispensing lacquer, wherein the nozzle (12) is connected to the frame (4),wherein an outside contact surface (18) of the lateral wall (8) comprises several depressions (20), wherein the transfer roller (6) is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation (22) to the frame (4), wherein the nozzle (12) is arranged for dispensing lacquer into respective depressions (20) while the transfer roller is rotated, wherein the transfer roller (6) is configured to roll with the outside contact surface (18) on a work surface (32) of a work piece (34) for transferring the lacquer from the depressions (20) to the work surface (32), wherein the depressions (20) are formed and distributed over the outside contact surface (18) according to a predefined pattern, wherein the pattern has a main orientation direction (62). The object of the invention, to provide a device by which efficiency of lacquer transfer can be increased, is achieved in that the pattern is arranged such that the main orientation direction (62) extends other than perpendicular to the axis of rotation (22) of the transfer roller (6).