Dispensing Unit Tilt Control via Gimbal Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional coating and dispensing systems have limited flexibility and precision in controlling the tilt and direction of dispensing heads, which restricts their ability to achieve complex motion programming and optimal material deposition on substrates.

Innovation Solution

A high-speed coating and dispensing apparatus featuring a movement mechanism with a rotary drive assembly and gimbal assembly, allowing the dispensing unit to pivot and tilt dynamically, controlled by motors and cam mechanisms, enabling precise and varied motion programming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional Cartesian-type movement systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the flexibility and precision in controlling dispensing head tilt and direction are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in controlling dispensing head tilt and directionVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the dispensing head by introducing a movement mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom. The dispensing head can dynamically adjust its tilt angle and direction during operation, transitioning from a fixed Cartesian configuration to a dynamically adaptable system that responds to varying coating requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds angular dimensions to the traditional three-axis Cartesian system by incorporating mechanisms that enable the dispensing head to tilt and rotate. This transforms the system from purely linear movement in three dimensions to include angular control, allowing operation in additional spatial dimensions for enhanced versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If the dispensing unit is fixed in position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision and quality of material deposition on complex substrates deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of material depositionVSAvoidmovement mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movement mechanism enables the dispensing unit to dynamically position itself with high precision during the coating process. Multiple actuators control the dispensing head's position and orientation, allowing real-time adjustment to maintain optimal deposition angles and distances on complex substrate geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback control through controllers that monitor the position and orientation of the dispensing unit. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of the movement mechanism to maintain precise material deposition, compensating for variations in substrate position or coating requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If a simple motor control system is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the capability for complex motion programming deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability for complex motion programmingVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller receives feedback from sensors monitoring the movement mechanism's position and orientation, enabling complex motion programming through closed-loop control. This feedback system automatically manages the complexity of coordinating multiple actuators, maintaining ease of operation while achieving sophisticated motion patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with automated electronic control systems. Controllers programmed with motion algorithms manage the complex coordination of multiple motors and actuators, substituting manual operation with automated sequences that enable complex motion programming while maintaining user-friendly operation through software interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9475077B2High speed coating and dispensing apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.10.25 SPECIALTY COATING SYSTEMS INC
  • US9475077B2 patent drawing
  • US9475077B2 patent drawing
  • US9475077B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus includes a housing, a gantry system supported by the housing, a movement mechanism coupled to the gantry system, and a dispensing unit coupled to the movement mechanism and configured to deposit material. The dispensing unit assumes an increasing angle of tilt by manipulating the movement mechanism. Embodiments of the movement mechanism are further disclosed.