Coating Device Support and Discharge Port Integration

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coating devices for medical tools face challenges in achieving uniform coating film thickness due to movement of the long member during application, leading to variations in the coating film.

Innovation Solution

A coating device with a support part and a discharge port positioned higher than the support part, allowing them to be brought close together, which restricts movement of the long member and ensures uniform coating film thickness by supporting it near the discharge port.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the long member is supported away from the discharge port, then the coating application can be performed, but the long member moves during liquid application causing variation in coating film thickness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating film thickness uniformityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support part and discharge port are merged into a single integrated component. The discharge port is directly formed on the support part, eliminating the need for separate support structures and discharge mechanisms. This integration ensures that the long member is supported at the exact location where liquid is discharged, preventing movement and ensuring uniform coating film thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support part acts as an intermediary structure that positions the long member between the discharge port and the coating application area. By integrating the support function with the discharge function, the long member is held stable during liquid application, preventing movement that would cause coating thickness variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the discharge port is positioned far from the support part, then the structure is simpler, but the long member cannot be restricted from moving during liquid application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating application stabilityVSAvoidsupport part structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support part and discharge port are merged into a single integrated component. The discharge port is directly formed on the support part, eliminating the need for separate support structures and discharge mechanisms. This integration ensures that the long member is supported at the exact location where liquid is discharged, preventing movement and ensuring uniform coating film thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support part is designed with a recess that segments the support function from the discharge function. The recess creates a dedicated space for the long member while the discharge port is positioned on the surface of the recess, allowing precise control over liquid discharge location and long member positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If the long member is not supported near the discharge port, then the device structure is simpler, but coating film thickness varies due to long member movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating film thickness uniformityVSAvoiddevice manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support part and discharge port are merged into a single integrated component. The discharge port is directly formed on the support part, eliminating the need for separate support structures and discharge mechanisms. This integration ensures that the long member is supported at the exact location where liquid is discharged, preventing movement and ensuring uniform coating film thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support part performs multiple functions: it supports the long member, provides a mounting surface for the discharge port, and creates a stable platform for coating application. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the device while ensuring precise control over the coating process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240226956A9Coating device

Publication Date: 2024.07.11 KANEKA CORP

AI summary

A coating device as a device for coating a long member (40) for medical use, the coating device comprising: a support part (2) capable of supporting the long member (40); and a discharge port (15) which is provided in the support part (2) or disposed at a higher location than the support part (2) and from which liquid to be applied to the long member (40) is discharged.