Dual Primer Application Unit Layout for Fast Quantity Changeover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing application devices for applying primer to workpieces require significant downtime for changing between different application units, leading to inefficiencies and increased production costs.

Innovation Solution

The application device incorporates two independent application units that can be moved into application or rest positions, allowing seamless switching without removing one unit and installing another, facilitated by a control system that automates the process based on desired primer quantities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single application unit is used to apply primer, then the device structure is simple, but changing the primer quantity requires removing and replacing the application unit, resulting in long downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprimer quantity adjustment capabilityVSAvoidchangeover time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The application device is segmented into multiple independent application units (first application unit and second application unit), each capable of applying different primer quantities. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different application units based on the required primer quantity without requiring physical removal or replacement of components, thereby reducing changeover time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The application device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both a first application unit and a second application unit within the same device. Each unit can perform the primer application function but with different quantities, making the device universally applicable to different printing requirements without needing external modifications or component replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple application units are installed in the first application unit, then primer quantity flexibility is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprimer quantity variation capabilityVSAvoidapplication unit configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The application device incorporates dynamic positioning capability where the first application unit and second application unit can be moved between a working position and a non-working position. This dynamic configuration allows the system to present a simpler effective structure during operation (only one unit active) while maintaining the flexibility of multiple units for different primer quantities, thus balancing complexity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The solution adds a spatial dimension to the device configuration by arranging multiple application units in different positions (first position and second position) along the workpiece transport path. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple application units to coexist without interfering with each other, managing structural complexity through spatial organization rather than functional complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of time

If application units are moved between working and non-working positions, then changeover time is reduced, but positioning precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedowntime between primer applicationsVSAvoidapplication unit positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual or mechanical positioning methods with an automated control system that manages the movement and positioning of application units between working and non-working positions. This substitution of control mechanism reduces the need for high-precision manual positioning while maintaining accurate application through automated control, thus reducing changeover time without proportionally increasing positioning precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4699810A1Application device with application unit

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 SWISS KRONO TEC AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to an application device for applying a layer of primer to a workpiece, wherein the application device has a first application unit, characterized in that a first application unit and a second application unit are arranged in the first application unit, each of which can be moved into an application position in which the application units can apply primer to the workpiece and into a rest position in which the application units cannot apply primer to the workpiece, wherein the first application unit is designed such that at most one application unit of the first application unit can be in the respective application position at the same time.