Charging Device Insert Sleeve for Coating System Workpiece Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coating systems face challenges in efficiently and flexibly charging workpieces, particularly cylindrical tools, for uniform coating, as they require easy insertion and removal while maintaining a defined position during the coating process, especially when electrical contacting is necessary.

Innovation Solution

A charging device with upright stands featuring vertically aligned openings and insert sleeves with cylindrical bores, allowing for easy insertion and removal of workpieces, and accommodating different diameters and lengths through interchangeable sleeves, which can be tilted and locked in place for secure holding, enabling flexible adaptation to various workpieces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If workpieces are held firmly in fixed holders during coating, then coating uniformity is improved, but insertion and removal become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating uniformityVSAvoidinsertion and removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into a fixed body and a movable clamping element that can independently adjust. The clamping element can be inserted and removed separately from the workpiece while the holder body remains fixed, allowing easy operation without compromising the firm holding needed for uniform coating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder incorporates a dynamic clamping mechanism that transitions between open and closed states. During loading, the clamping element is open to allow easy insertion; during coating, it closes to firmly secure the workpiece, ensuring both ease of operation and coating uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If specialized holders are designed for specific workpiece types, then holding precision is improved, but adaptability to different workpieces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding precisionVSAvoidadaptability to different workpieces
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed with adjustable parameters including variable clamping forces, adjustable clamping positions, and interchangeable adapter elements. This allows a single holder design to accommodate multiple workpiece types and sizes while maintaining precise holding for each specific application.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The holder incorporates adjustable parameters such as clamping force magnitude, clamping position along the workpiece, and angular orientation. These parameters can be modified to suit different workpiece geometries and coating requirements, providing both precision and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If complex locking mechanisms are used to secure workpieces, then workpiece security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece securityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is extracted as a separate, simple cam-based mechanism independent of the holder body. This cam mechanism provides reliable workpiece security through a single rotational motion that engages a latch, avoiding complex multi-component locking systems while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3277858B1Loading of workpieces in a coating system
Publication Date: 2019.01.23 CEMECON AG
  • EP3277858B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3277858B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3277858B1 patent drawingFigure 6a~6d

AI summary

The invention relates to a charging device for workpieces (16) in a coating system (10) and a method for charging the workpieces (16). An upright support (22) has a number of openings (24) arranged above one another in a surface (44) pointing outward. A number of insertion sleeves (30) is provided for accommodation in the openings (24), wherein the insertion sleeves (30) each have a shaft (32) and a retaining structure (24), as well as a borehole (26) for accommodating a workpiece (16). The openings (24) and the shafts (32) of the insertion sleeves (30) are designed such that the insertion sleeves (30) are insertable through the openings (24). The openings (24) and the retaining structures (34) are designed such that a retaining engagement occurs between the insertion sleeves (30) and the openings (24).