Method for applying a film onto a body

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying films to bodies with complex shapes, such as refrigerators and freezers, result in adhesion issues with convex or concave contours, leading to incomplete coverage and increased susceptibility to damage due to film folds and stretched areas.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a transfer form where the film is initially applied and then transferred to the body using a pressure difference, ensuring precise placement and adherence to the body's contours without premature contact, utilizing a high-barrier film with adhesive layers for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a film is applied directly to a body with convex or concave contours using vacuum pressure, then the film adheres quickly to the body, but the film cannot completely cover concave areas and forms stretched areas and folds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm application speedVSAvoidfilm coverage completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a transfer form as an intermediary object between the film and the body. The film is first applied to the transfer form under vacuum, then transferred to the body. This intermediary approach allows the film to be applied smoothly without direct contact with complex body contours, eliminating stretched areas and folds while maintaining complete coverage of concave regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If an oversized foil bag is used to cover the body, then the film can reach all areas, but the film forms folds and stretched areas that are susceptible to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm coverage areaVSAvoidfilm integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the film to the transfer form in advance under controlled vacuum conditions before transferring it to the body. This preliminary action allows the film to be properly positioned and smoothed out on the transfer form, eliminating the formation of damaging folds and stretched areas that would occur if the oversized film were directly applied to the body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If the film comes into contact with the body during vacuum application, then adhesion occurs, but the film position cannot be readjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm adhesionVSAvoidfilm position adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer form serves as a mediator that allows the film to be applied under vacuum for strong adhesion while maintaining position adjustability. The film adheres to the transfer form during application, but since the transfer form is removable, the film position can be adjusted on the transfer form before final transfer to the body, combining strong adhesion with operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method allows for reliable and complete film application on bodies with complex shapes, minimizing damage and ensuring long-term thermal insulation performance by reducing gas permeation and maintaining low thermal conductivity over the service life.

Implementation Method 1

a negative pressure is applied in an area between the body and the film and/or an overpressure is applied in an area between the transfer mold and the film, so that the film transitions from the transfer mold to the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a high-barrier film with adhesive layers for secure attachment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3247550B1Method for applying a film onto a body
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 LIEBHERR HAUSGERATE LIENZ GMBH
  • EP3247550B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3247550B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3247550B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for applying a film onto a body. A film is first placed and positioned on a delivery mold, and the body to be coated with the film is introduced into the delivery mold on which the film to be applied is placed, or the delivery mold on which the film to be applied is placed is introduced into the body to be coated with the film such that the film is located between the body and the delivery mold. Subsequently, a negative pressure is applied in a region between the body and the film and/or a positive pressure is applied in a region between the delivery mold and the film so that the film is transferred from the delivery mold onto the body. In this manner, a particularly simple and quick method is provided for applying a film onto a surface.