Coating Device with Multiple Joining Units for Material Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coating technologies face limitations in achieving optimal results across a wide variety of workpieces and coating materials, with laser technology being inefficient for all types and prior devices lacking adaptability and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple joining units, including energy sources like lasers, infrared, and hot-melt adhesive systems, that can be alternately operated and easily maintained, allowing for precise positioning and automated operation to apply and activate adhesives on workpieces and coating materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single joining device is used for coating, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different coating materials and workpieces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coating device is equipped with multiple joining devices including at least a first joining device and a second joining device, where each joining device can process different types of coating materials and workpieces. This multi-functional configuration enables the single device to handle various coating requirements (hot-melt adhesive, laser activation, infrared activation) without needing separate dedicated devices for each coating type, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If laser technology is used for adhesive activation, then the activation is highly targeted and efficient, but optimal coating results cannot be achieved for all types of workpieces and coating materials
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides multiple joining devices with different activation mechanisms (laser, infrared, hot-melt adhesive systems) that can be selected based on the specific coating material and workpiece type. By changing the activation parameters and methods according to material properties, the device achieves reliable coating results across all workpiece and coating material types, resolving the contradiction between coating quality and universal applicability.
3Reliability
If multiple joining devices are provided, then operational reliability increases through redundancy, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coating device is segmented into multiple independent joining devices (first joining device, second joining device), each capable of performing the coating function independently. This segmentation creates functional redundancy where if one joining device fails or requires maintenance, another can continue operation, thus improving operational reliability while managing device complexity through modular design.
4Productivity
If a single joining device is used, then maintenance is simpler, but operational interruptions occur when maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device is equipped with multiple joining devices in advance, creating a buffer against operational interruptions. When one joining device requires maintenance or repair, the other joining device(s) can continue operation without interruption, thus ensuring continuous productivity while allowing scheduled maintenance without stopping production.
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
The device significantly increases operational reliability, adaptability, and throughput by enabling the processing of various materials and workpieces with minimal changeover times, ensuring trouble-free operation and high-quality coating results.
Implementation Method 1
a first joining device, in particular an energy source (30), for applying energy to the adhesive or adhesive means
Implementation Method 2
energy sources like lasers, infrared, and hot-melt adhesive systems
Implementation Method 3
The coating material is typically applied to the workpieces using a suitable hot-melt adhesive, which is applied to the edge or workpiece in a hot, molten state
Implementation Method 4
The coating material is typically applied to the workpieces using a suitable hot-melt adhesive
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The apparatus (1) has a feeding device (10) feeding coating material (12), and a pressing device (20) pressing the material onto a surface (2a) of a plate-shaped workpiece (2). A conveyor (4) e.g. belt conveyor, causes a relative motion between the pressing device and the workpiece. Joining devices (30, 40) apply and/or activate adhesive agent on the fed material and/or the surface that is to be coated. Each joining device is in the form of an energy source selected from one of laser, infrared source, ultrasound source, magnetic field source, microwave source, plasma source and gassing source. An independent claim is also included for a method for coating workpieces sectionally made of wood, wood-based material, plastic or aluminum.