Coating Apparatus Deflection Device for Sharp-Edged Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current coating technologies, such as rotary atomizers and non-atomizing devices, are inadequate for creating sharp-edged patterns or designs on motor vehicle bodies as they either produce diffuse sprays or require precise and fast movements, which are technically challenging and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A coating device with a deflection mechanism that deflects a coherent jet of coating agent, allowing for the creation of sharp-edged patterns, logos, and designs by altering the jet's direction, using acoustic or electrostatic deflection, and a multi-axis robot for precise movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If rotary atomizers are used to coat motor vehicle bodies, then wide spray pattern and quick coating are achieved, but sharp-edged applications and patterns cannot be produced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating speedVSAvoidedge sharpness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotary atomizer system with a piezoelectric transducer system that generates coherent sound waves to levitate and position coating material particles, enabling precise control of particle placement for sharp-edged applications while maintaining coating efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses piezoelectric transducers to generate coherent sound waves (mechanical vibration) that levitate and control the position of coating material particles, allowing precise manipulation of particles to create sharp-edged patterns and applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Manufacturing precision

If non-atomizing devices with vibration are used to produce coherent jets, then sharper-edged application is achieved, but patterns cannot be optimally produced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge sharpnessVSAvoidpattern production capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple piezoelectric transducers arranged in arrays to work together, creating coordinated sound wave fields that can both levitate particles for sharp edges and manipulate multiple particles simultaneously to form complex patterns and designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the sound wave fields to manipulate and position multiple coating material particles in predetermined patterns, effectively copying desired designs onto the substrate through controlled particle placement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If very precise and fast robot movements are performed to generate patterns, then pattern production is achieved, but technical feasibility is compromised due to tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern precisionVSAvoidtechnical feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for precise mechanical robot movements with a field-based system using piezoelectric transducers and sound waves to directly manipulate coating particles in position, eliminating mechanical tolerance issues and achieving high precision through acoustic control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables the production of sharp-edged coatings with high precision and accuracy, minimizing splashes and ensuring edge sharpness with minimal deviation, suitable for applying designs, patterns, and logos on motor vehicle bodies.

Implementation Method 1

the piezoelectric transducer (20) is designed to generate coherent sound waves (B) in a gas (A), in particular in air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic levitation: Acoustic Levitation

Implementation Method 2

a piezoelectric transducer (20) is provided which is arranged downstream of the outlet opening (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

a reflector (30) is provided which is arranged downstream of the piezoelectric transducer (20) and is designed to reflect the sound waves (B)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

The deflection device is designed for acoustic or electrostatic deflection of the jet of coating medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic radiation pressure: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Data Source

PatentEP2953794B1Coating apparatus having deflection device for deflecting a coating agent
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 DUERR SYST AG
  • EP2953794B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2953794B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2953794B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a coating apparatus (1) for applying a coating agent, in particular a paint or varnish, sealant, abhesive, functional layer or adhesive, to a component (B), in particular to a motor vehicle body and/or to an attachment part therefor. The coating apparatus (1) comprises an application unit (10), which has at least one exit opening (11) and is configured to output at least one coating agent jet (S1, S2). The coating apparatus (1) is characterised in particular by a deflecting device (20), which is configured to deflect the coating agent jet (S1, S2). The invention also relates to an associated coating method.