Coating Apparatus Intercepting Unsteady Jet for Spatter Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coating devices for motor vehicle and aircraft components suffer from spattering issues due to unsteady coating medium jets during startup and shutdown, leading to unsatisfactory coating results.

Innovation Solution

A coating device with a collecting mechanism that intercepts the unsteady coating medium jet during transient states, preventing it from hitting the component surface, and allows the jet to coat only when it reaches a stationary state, using a movable collecting device with a cutting edge and suction system to manage the coating agent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the coating medium jet is used immediately after switching on or before switching off, then the coating process can be continuous, but spatter occurs on the component surface due to unsteady jet state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating process continuityVSAvoidcoating quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The collecting device is activated before the coating medium jet reaches its unsteady state during switching operations. By anticipating the transient phase and collecting the jet in advance, the system prevents spatter from reaching the component surface while maintaining continuous coating operation during stable states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The collecting device acts as an intermediary between the applicator and the component surface. It intercepts the coating medium jet during transient states, separating the harmful unsteady jet from the component while allowing the steady jet to pass through for proper coating

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the coating medium jet is collected during transient states, then spatter is prevented, but coating material is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating qualityVSAvoidcoating material loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The collected coating medium during transient states is not simply discarded but is recovered and made available for reuse. The collecting device stores the intercepted jet material, which can then be fed back into the coating process, reducing overall material loss while maintaining coating quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Manufacturing precision

If a collecting device is introduced to intercept the coating medium jet, then spatter is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating qualityVSAvoidcoating device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collecting device incorporates movable elements that can dynamically adjust their position based on the operating state. The device transitions between active collection mode during transients and passive transmission mode during steady operation, reducing complexity by only adding components when necessary

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collecting device is designed to perform multiple functions: it collects the jet during transient states, allows passage during steady states, and can potentially recover and reuse the collected material. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating several potential separate systems into one integrated device

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

Prevents spattering by ensuring only the stationary coating medium jet is used for coating, resulting in improved coating quality and reduced material waste.

Implementation Method 1

a suction device (9) which can remove the coating agent from the collection area (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3377232B1Coating apparatus and corresponding coating process
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 DUERR SYST AG
  • EP3377232B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3377232B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3377232B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a coating apparatus for coating a part (3) with a coating agent, in particular for coating a motor vehicle body part with a paint, comprising an applicator (1) for dispensing a jet (2) of the coating agent on the part (3). According to the invention, an intercepting device (4-12) is additionally provided which, in an active position, intercepts the coating agent jet (2) between the applicator (1) and the part (3) such that the coating agent jet (2) does not reach the part (3).