Flexible Nozzle Circumferential Sealing Agent Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal application apparatuses face challenges in mounting on automatic fastening apparatuses due to the need for rotating fasteners, leading to issues with sealing agent application, such as dripping and reduced fastening strength, and insufficient sealing agent distribution.
Innovation Solution
A viscous material application apparatus featuring a flexible tubular nozzle that discharges material along the circumferential direction of a shaft-shaped member, with a curved portion to ensure adequate sealing agent application and prevent dripping by moving away from the surface after discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sealing agent is applied in dots by pressing against the fastener surface, then the fastener insertion is not hindered, but the sealing agent adheres to the tip of the nozzle and drips when separating the nozzle from the fastener surface
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed to move dynamically along the fastener surface in the circumferential direction while applying sealing agent, rather than remaining stationary. This dynamic movement allows the sealing agent to be distributed continuously along the fastener circumference, preventing accumulation at the nozzle tip and eliminating dripping during separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing agent application transitions from point-contact (dots) to line-contact by moving the nozzle along the circumferential direction of the fastener. This dimensional change from zero-dimensional to one-dimensional application path ensures continuous distribution of sealing agent along the fastener surface, preventing localized accumulation and dripping.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the amount of sealing agent to be discharged is reduced to prevent dripping, then dripping is prevented, but the sealing agent cannot be sufficiently applied
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the nozzle dynamically along the fastener circumference during discharge, the sealing agent is distributed over a longer path length. This allows sufficient total application amount while maintaining low discharge rate per unit time, preventing dripping without compromising coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle maintains continuous contact with the fastener surface throughout the circumferential movement, ensuring continuous application of sealing agent. This continuous action distributes the total sealing agent amount uniformly along the fastener circumference, achieving sufficient coverage without excessive discharge rate.
3Manufacturing precision
If a mechanism for rotating the fastener around the central axis is used, then the sealing agent can be applied uniformly, but the apparatus is difficult to mount on the automatic fastening apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the fastener to achieve uniform sealing agent distribution, the invention inverts the approach by moving the nozzle along the fastener circumference. This inversion eliminates the need for fastener rotation mechanisms while achieving the same uniform distribution effect, simplifying the overall apparatus structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the fastener rotation mechanism from the system by alternative means of achieving uniform sealing agent distribution through nozzle movement. This removal of the rotation mechanism simplifies the apparatus mounting on automatic fastening equipment while maintaining sealing quality.
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a viscous material application apparatus capable of reliably applying an appropriate amount of a viscous material to a shaft-shaped member. A seal application apparatus (1) is provided with a flexible tubular nozzle (2), which is capable of discharging a sealing agent from an opening (6) formed on the tip thereof, and an actuator (3) for moving the nozzle (2). After or during discharge of the sealing agent by the nozzle (2), the tip of the nozzle (2) moves in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of a fastener (20), and as the nozzle (2) is stopping the discharge of the sealing agent, the tip of the nozzle (2) moves in a direction away from the outer circumferential surface of the fastener (20).