Machine and method for applying rhinestones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying rhinestones to decorative elements are manual, complex, and inefficient, limiting production rates and requiring manual intervention for complex designs and adhesive application.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated machine with a transfer conveyor system that includes a pickup station, a gluing station, and a release station, allowing for the sequential and simultaneous picking up, gluing, and releasing of rhinestones without manual intervention, capable of handling both adhesive and non-adhesive rhinestones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual application process is used, then complex decorations can be created, but production rate is low and labor cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The manual application process is segmented into distinct functional stations (pickup station, gluing station, release station) that operate sequentially. Each station performs a specific task: picking up rhinestones from feed conveyors, applying adhesive, and releasing rhinestones onto the element to be decorated. This segmentation allows automation while maintaining the capability to create complex decorations.
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer conveyor system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pickup station and release station. The transfer conveyor with multiple heads transports rhinestones through the gluing station and delivers them to the release station, enabling automated flow control and positioning without direct manual intervention at each step.
2Productivity
If mechanical arm machines are used, then production rate increases, but manual intervention is still required and adhesive application is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The pickup station, gluing station, and release station are merged into a single integrated automated system. The transfer conveyor combines multiple functions: transporting rhinestones, positioning them for adhesive application, and delivering them to the release point. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual operations at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer conveyor heads are designed with multi-functionality, capable of picking up rhinestones of various types (adhesive and non-adhesive), transporting them through the gluing station, and releasing them at the correct position. This universal mechanism handles different rhinestone types and decoration complexities without requiring manual intervention.
3Manufacturing precision
If adhesive-type rhinestones are used, then decoration quality improves, but application process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Adhesive is applied to the rhinestones in advance at the gluing station before the rhinestones are released onto the element to be decorated. This preliminary adhesive application ensures proper bonding without requiring complex real-time adhesive dispensing mechanisms during the release operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system maintains continuous operation through the gluing station, applying adhesive to rhinestones as they pass by on the transfer conveyor. This continuous adhesive application process eliminates interruptions and maintains decoration quality while keeping the system relatively simple compared to complex on-demand dispensing systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A machine (M) for applying rhinestones (S) to an element to be decorated, comprising a pickup station (1) configured to supply a succession of rhinestones (S) and a release station (2), arranged downstream of the pickup station (1), configured to allow a deposit of the rhinestone (S) on the element to be decorated. The machine (M) further comprises a gluing station (3) interposed between the pickup station (1) and the release station (2) and configured to apply a predetermined amount of adhesive substance on the picked up rhinestone (S). The machine (M) further comprises a transfer conveyor (4) provided with a succession of heads (4a) each of which is configured to cyclically pick up a rhinestone (S) from the pickup station (1) and release the rhinestone (S) in the release station (2). Each head (4a) is movable along a closed feed path (A) passing through the gluing station (3).