Can Inner Coating Apparatus Airflow Mist Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional can inner surface-coating apparatuses face issues where the inspection device for coating and external appearance is affected by paint mist from the spray device, leading to ineffective inspection due to interference.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus positions the inspection means above the spray means and covers both areas with a cover, creating an air flow from the inspection area to the coating area to prevent paint mist intrusion, using a coating turret, inspection turret, relay means, and air supply and discharge system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the inspection device is placed in the neighborhood of the spray device to save space and reduce cost, then the apparatus structure is simplified and space is saved, but the paint mist from the spray device intrudes into the inspection area and affects the inspection quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus spaceVSAvoidinspection quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into separate functional zones: a coating area containing the spray device and an inspection area containing the inspection device. These zones are spatially segmented within the same apparatus structure, allowing the inspection device to be positioned above the coating area rather than in direct proximity to the spray device, thus preventing paint mist intrusion while maintaining compact overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Air flow is introduced as an intermediary element between the coating area and inspection area. The air flow moves from the inspection area toward the coating area, creating a protective air barrier that prevents paint mist from the spray device from intruding into the inspection area, thereby protecting inspection quality while allowing close spatial arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the inspection device is positioned above the spray device with air flow protection, then the inspection quality is maintained without paint mist interference, but the apparatus structure becomes more complex with additional cover and air supply systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection qualityVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover that defines the inspection area is integrated with the air supply and discharge means into a unified structure. The air supply ports, discharge ports, and partition walls are incorporated as integral features of the cover assembly rather than separate components, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining the air flow protection function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it defines the inspection area boundaries, provides air supply ports for introducing protective air flow, provides discharge ports for removing paint mist, and includes integrated partition walls for guiding air flow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall apparatus structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 setup allows for successful and parallel inspection of the coated cylinder without interference from the coating process, maintaining a clean inspection area by directing airflow to prevent paint mist from entering the inspection zone.

Implementation Method 1

supplying air from an upper part of the inspection area into the inside of the cover, and discharging the air from a lower part of the coating area to the outside of the cover, air flow moving from the upper part of the inspection area toward the lower part of the coating area is formed in the inside of the cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3680022B1Can inner surface-coating apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.11.09 TMC JAPAN CO LTD
  • EP3680022B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3680022B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3680022B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a can inner surface-coating apparatus with which inspection of bottomed cylinders can be favorably performed in parallel without being affected by the coating process. In the can inner surface-coating apparatus (1), inspection cameras (13a - 13c) to be used for inspection following coating of the inner surface of a bottomed cylinder that will become the body of a can or bottle-shaped can are disposed above spray devices (11a - 11c) that are used for coating the inner surface of bottomed cylinders. Moreover, the coating area (2a) including the spray devices (11a - 11c) and the inspection area (2b) including the inspection cameras (13a - 13c) are covered with a cover (20). By supplying air inside the cover (20) from the upper part (air supply port [202]) of the inspection area (2b) and discharging the air out of the cover (20) from the lower part (coating mist collection duct [22]) of the coating area (2a), an air flow is formed from the upper part of the inspection area (2b) to the lower part of the coating area (2a).