Edge Coating Application Unit for Furniture Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for coating narrow surfaces of plate-shaped workpieces, such as furniture components, require significant logistical effort and cost due to the variety of edging strips needed, and involve continuous extrusion followed by structural shaping, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A generative process using a mass of materials like plastic, wood, or metallic pastes to coat the narrow surfaces, allowing for individual design, cost savings, and elimination of edging material storage, with adjustable application units and possible use of different materials or combinations for enhanced properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If edge strips are stored on rolls and unwound for processing, then edge strips can be provided for coating, but logistical effort and costs increase significantly due to the variety of edge strip types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coating material directly from a central supply (rolls or containers) and applies it directly to the workpiece edge through a coating head, eliminating the need for separate edge strip storage, handling, and application systems. This removes the logistical complexity while maintaining material variety through programmable coating parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating device serves multiple functions: it stores various coating materials, mixes them according to programmed ratios, applies them with controlled thickness, and adapts to different workpiece types - all through a single integrated system controlled by a program, replacing multiple specialized edge strip handling systems.
2Productivity
If a largely continuous generation of extruded strip takes place, then edge strips can be produced continuously, but structural shaping is required in a subsequent process step
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coating material application and the structural shaping functions into a single integrated process step. The coating head applies material that is simultaneously shaped to the required edge profile, eliminating the need for separate extrusion and shaping stages while maintaining continuous production.
Solution Approach 2:
The required structural shaping is performed preliminarily during the coating application itself rather than as a subsequent step. The coating material is deposited with the final desired shape already formed, preventing the need for additional post-processing operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional edgebanding materials and profiles are used, then edge coating can be achieved, but storage space and costs for edgebanding strip storage are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts coating material directly from compact rolls or containers and applies it on-demand to workpieces, eliminating the need for large storage areas for pre-manufactured edgebanding strips. Material is stored in a condensed form and converted to the final coating form only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating material properties (viscosity, flow characteristics, curing behavior) are programmatically adjusted to match the requirements of different edge coating applications, replacing the need to store multiple types of pre-manufactured edgebanding materials with different physical properties.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the application area is made adjustable or variable, then the application unit can adapt to different workpiece widths, but the application unit structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The application unit incorporates movable or adjustable components that can be dynamically reconfigured for different workpiece widths. The boundary structure can be shifted, expanded, or contracted programmatically, allowing a single application unit to handle multiple workpiece sizes without requiring multiple specialized units.
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
This approach simplifies the coating process, reduces costs, and provides high-quality, flexible coatings by eliminating the need for edging strips and allowing for customized material properties, while also sealing porous surfaces and enabling inductive charging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a) applying a flowable mass (M) with an application unit (10) to a narrow side (1) of a workpiece (W) to be coated, forming a three-dimensional body (K) with a thickness of at least 100 μm when viewed perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece (W) to be coated
Implementation Method 2
the compound can penetrate the porous narrow side of the workpiece and seal it. In this way, unevenness is leveled out, and moisture is prevented from penetrating the material of the workpiece to be coated
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for edge coating on work pieces, comprising the following steps: inducing a relative movement between a work piece (W) and an application unit (10), which application unit (10) is provided for applying a mass; setting an application region for applying the mass, in particular in accordance with the width of the edge of a work piece to be provided with the mass; applying the mass to an edge of the work piece (W) to form a three-dimensional body. Said work pieces can be, in particular elements or parts from the furniture or components industry.