Coupled Field Marking Unit for Fast Line and Symbol Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marking devices struggle to efficiently and quickly mark complex patterns, such as football field layouts, which include straight lines, symbols, and team names, due to limitations in nozzle configuration and the need for manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A marking device comprising a drive unit with a line spray nozzle and a trailer unit with symbol spray nozzles, connected via a coupling, allowing for simultaneous and autonomous marking of straight lines and symbols, along with a command unit for precise control and paint management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single spray nozzle is used to mark symbols, then the device can mark curved lines and symbols, but the marking process becomes time-consuming and requires manual twisting and turning
Solution Approach 1:
The marking device divides the single nozzle function into multiple specialized nozzles: a line spray nozzle for straight lines and multiple symbol spray nozzles for different symbols. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of different nozzles to mark various elements without twisting and turning, resolving the contradiction between versatility and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point nozzle to a multi-point nozzle array, adding spatial dimensionality to the marking capability. Multiple nozzles are arranged in specific patterns to cover different symbol types simultaneously, enabling parallel marking operations that increase productivity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation with stencils is used to mark symbols, then complex symbols can be marked, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The marking device is equipped with multiple pre-configured symbol spray nozzles that can automatically mark different symbols without requiring manual stencil operations. The system self-serves by having the appropriate nozzle activate based on the marking requirements, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing marking time while maintaining complex symbol capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical stencil system with an automated spray nozzle system controlled by a command unit. This substitution eliminates manual twisting, turning, and stencil handling operations, allowing complex symbols to be marked automatically and rapidly, resolving the contradiction between symbol capability and time consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all marking components are integrated in one unit, then the device is complete, but the weight distribution and compact arrangement are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The marking device is segmented into a drive unit and a trailer unit that can be coupled together. The drive unit contains the motor, handle, and command unit, while the trailer unit carries the multiple symbol spray nozzles and paint container. This segmentation improves weight distribution, enhances compact arrangement, and maintains complete marking capability through the coupled configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the drive unit and trailer unit, allowing the two segments to be connected when needed for complete operation and separated when not needed. This intermediary connection enables the system to maintain full functionality while improving weight distribution and reducing arrangement complexity during transport or storage.
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
Enables quick and precise marking of entire football field layouts with improved weight distribution and reduced operational time, utilizing multiple nozzles for enhanced resolution and autonomous operation.
Implementation Method 1
one line spray nozzle for marking straight lines on the ground, the spray nozzle, being fixedly attached to the frame or moveably attached to the frame for adjusting the position of the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a drive unit pump for pumping paint to the nozzle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a marking device (10; 100) for marking a football field layout. The marking device (10; 100) comprises a drive unit (1; 101) and a trailer unit (2; 102), wherein the drive unit (1; 101) comprises a frame, at least three wheels ( 8a-8c, 108a-108c) for carrying the frame, in particular one line spray nozzle (11) for marking straight lines on the ground, the line spray nozzle (11), being fixedly attached to the frame or moveably attached to the frame for adjusting the position of the line spray nozzle (11), a motor (16a) for driving at least one of the wheels (8a-8c) of the drive unit (1) and/or a handle (16b) for a user to push the drive unit (101), in particular a drive unit pump (28) for pumping paint to the nozzle, and a command unit (5) for commanding the pump and/or nozzle and/or motor. The drive unit (1; 101) and the trailer unit (2; 102) are attached through a coupling, in such a way, that the trailer unit (2; 102) is pullable by the drive unit. The trailer unit (2; 102) comprises a support frame, at least one, in particular two, wheel (13a, 13b) for carrying the support frame, and at least one set of, in particular forty, symbol spray nozzles (12) for spraying a symbol on the ground, the nozzles (12) being fixedly attached to the support frame.