Coating Torch Local Gas Flow for Overspray Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coating devices produce significant overspray, which is inefficiently removed by powerful and costly suction devices, leading to reduced adhesion in subsequent coating layers due to incomplete removal during multi-layer processes.

Innovation Solution

A coating device utilizing a local compressed gas flow to remove overspray, in addition to a compressed gas nozzle for transporting melted coating material, ensures efficient removal by directing a gas flow specifically to the surface, reducing the need for high-capacity suction systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a powerful global suction device is used to remove overspray, then overspray removal capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverspray removal capabilityVSAvoidsuction device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction device is divided into multiple local suction nozzles distributed around the coating torch, each responsible for a specific local area. This segmentation allows effective overspray removal without requiring a single powerful global suction system, thereby reducing overall device complexity and cost while maintaining effective overspray management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of applying uniform suction across the entire coating area, local suction nozzles are positioned strategically to create focused suction zones where overspray occurs. This local quality approach enables effective overspray removal with lower overall suction power requirements, reducing device complexity and operational costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If a less powerful suction device is used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but overspray removal effectiveness deteriorates leading to reduced adhesion in multi-layer coating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction device complexityVSAvoidcoating adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Local suction nozzles are positioned upstream or at the same level as the coating torch, creating suction zones before overspray can accumulate on the substrate. This preliminary action prevents overspray from settling on the surface, ensuring proper adhesion for subsequent coating layers while using less powerful suction devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The local suction nozzles act as intermediaries between the coating process and the substrate, intercepting overspray particles before they can settle on the surface. This intermediary function maintains coating adhesion reliability while allowing the use of simpler, less powerful suction systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If compressed gas flow is used for local overspray removal, then overspray removal efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocal overspray removal efficiencyVSAvoidcompressed gas energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The compressed gas system is merged with the existing coating process by using the same gas supply infrastructure for both coating material transport and overspray removal. This integration allows local overspray removal without requiring separate energy-intensive gas generation systems, minimizing additional energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The compressed gas system performs multiple functions: transporting coating material through the torch and simultaneously generating gas flows for local overspray removal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated energy-consuming systems for each function, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective overspray management.

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

The local removal of overspray enhances adhesion and reduces costs by allowing for a less powerful suction system, ensuring consistent coating quality across multiple layers.

Implementation Method 1

at least one further compressed gas outlet which generates a compressed gas flow directed onto the surface to be coated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow:

Implementation Method 2

the droplets of molten wire are then caught by the compressed air flow and discharged through the nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas stream transport:

Implementation Method 3

A radially directed nozzle is provided at the lower end of the torch shaft through which the droplets of molten coating material are discharged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal melting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP1936003B1Method and device for coating components
Publication Date: 2013.01.02 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP1936003B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5

AI summary

The burner melts coating material and a nozzle directs it onto the workpiece. In novel design, a second compressed gas outlet directs a compressed gas flow onto the surface to be coated. A lengthy main body (1) is arranged on the end face of the distributor. The distributor has a rotary drive turning it about the longitudinal axis of the body. The distributor is carried along the component surface, along its axis of rotation. The compressed gas flow is ahead of the jet of molten material, in the direction of travel. A suction device is included. The suction device is ahead of the compressed gas nozzle and/or the second compressed gas outlet. Inside the main body, the compressed gas supply feeds the compressed nozzle and/or the second compressed gas outlet. The compressed gas nozzle directs the spray jet normally against the surface being coated. Before coating, contaminants on the surface are removed with a compressed gas flow.