Coating Rack Carrier Forming for Adaptive Workpiece Hanging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coating systems face inefficiencies in arranging workpieces on holding devices, leading to incomplete coating of workpieces and increased cleaning costs due to coating agent accumulation on holding unit components.
Innovation Solution
A loading device with a detection system that adjusts the dimensions of hook-like holding sections and the carrier based on workpiece dimensions, allowing for optimized placement and reducing the need for wire hooks, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing cleaning costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wire hooks are manually arranged on holding device supports and workpieces are suspended on them, then workpiece arrangement is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses detection devices to automatically detect workpiece dimensions and the provision device to automatically form carriers with hook-like holding sections and arrange them on frame supports, enabling the system to configure itself without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical arrangement of wire hooks is replaced by an automated system combining detection devices that measure workpiece dimensions, control units that calculate optimal carrier configurations, and provision devices that mechanically form and position carriers
2Ease of manufacture
If holding unit components are repeatedly used in coating systems, then cost savings are achieved, but coating agent accumulates on components requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts carrier dimensions and hook positioning parameters based on detected workpiece dimensions, optimizing the arrangement to improve coating agent flow and reduce accumulation on holding unit components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the carrier formation process from manual operations and integrates it into an automated provision device that creates carriers on-demand, reducing the number of components needing cleaning while maintaining reusability benefits
3Extent of automation
If detection device and provision device are integrated into the system, then workpiece arrangement is automated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The provision device performs multiple functions including forming carriers from continuous material, creating hook-like holding sections, and positioning them on frame supports, reducing the need for separate specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device and provision device are functionally integrated with the control unit to create a unified automated system that detects workpiece dimensions, calculates optimal carrier configurations, and executes carrier formation and positioning in a coordinated manner
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 solution enables more efficient placement of workpieces, reduces the time and cost associated with cleaning, and ensures consistent coating by preventing electrical insulation of the holding unit.
Implementation Method 1
at least one detection device, which comprises a detection means by which at least the dimensions of the frame and the workpiece can be detected
Implementation Method 2
a deformation unit by means of which a hook-like holding section can be formed by a regionally plastic deformation of the provided endless material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a loading device (2) for a coating system (4) with at least one holding device (6) comprising at least one frame-like structure (8) and at least one carrier (10) made of a rod- or wire-like continuous material, which can be fixed at one end to the frame (8) and on which at least one hook-like holding section (12) is formed, on which a workpiece (14) to be processed can be arranged, with at least one detection device (16) comprising a detection means (18) by which at least the dimensions of the frame (8) and the workpiece (14) can be detected, and comprising at least one control unit (20), and with at least one supply device (22) functionally cooperating with the detection device (16), by which the carrier (10) can be produced, which provides a continuous material carrier (34) that supplies the continuous material forming the carrier (10), and which includes a forming unit (36).by which a hook-like holding section (12) can be formed by a partial plastic deformation of the provided continuous material according to the determined dimensions and the determined minimum distance, and which includes a cutting means (38) by which the provided continuous material can be separated from the remaining continuous material carrier (34) when the total length is reached.