Fluid Application Device With Extension Member for Viscous Sealant
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for applying fluids, such as sealants, onto surfaces are time-consuming and inefficient, requiring frequent re-dipping of brushes and often resulting in excessive fluid usage, especially when large areas need to be covered.
Innovation Solution
A fluid application device comprising a platform, a cartridge, an extension member, an applicator, a fluid control system, and an applicator movement system, which allows for controlled dispensing and application of fluid using a robotic operator to position the applicator over the surface, enabling precise control over the amount and rate of fluid applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a brush is manually dipped into a container holding fluid and used to apply the fluid onto a surface, then the fluid application process is simple and easy to operate, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient when large areas need to be covered due to frequent re-dipping
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid application process into two independent parts: a fluid source (container) and an applicator (brush), connected by an extension member. This segmentation allows the fluid source to remain stationary while the applicator moves freely to cover large areas without frequent re-dipping, thus improving productivity while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
An extension member acts as an intermediary between the fluid source and the applicator, allowing the applicator to be positioned at a distance from the fluid source. This enables continuous fluid delivery to the applicator without requiring the applicator to return to the fluid source, thereby increasing productivity while keeping the system easy to operate.
2Ease of operation
If a brush is manually dipped into a container holding fluid and used to apply the fluid onto a surface, then the operation is simple, but the amount of fluid used exceeds the actual amount needed resulting in material waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a fluid control mechanism that regulates fluid flow from the source to the applicator based on the actual application needs. This feedback control ensures that only the necessary amount of fluid is delivered to the brush, preventing excess fluid usage and material waste while maintaining simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid delivery system is designed to be dynamic, adjusting the rate of fluid flow to match the application requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to deliver fluid continuously at the precise rate needed, avoiding the material waste associated with manual re-dipping while keeping the system easy to operate.
3Quantity of substance
If the brush is re-dipped multiple times to cover large areas, then the fluid application can be completed, but the process becomes more time-consuming than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The extension member enables continuous fluid delivery to the applicator without interruption or the need to return to the fluid source. This continuity of useful action allows the applicator to cover large areas without time-consuming re-dipping operations, significantly reducing time loss while maintaining the ability to apply fluid to large quantities of surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension member serves as an intermediary that bridges the fluid source and applicator, enabling the applicator to operate continuously over large areas without repeatedly returning to the fluid source. This intermediary connection eliminates time-wasting re-dipping operations while maintaining full coverage capability.
4Productivity
If a robotic operator is used to position the applicator and control fluid dispensing, then productivity and precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with multi-functional components that can operate in both manual and automated modes. The fluid control system and applicator movement mechanisms can be controlled either manually or by a robotic operator, allowing the system to achieve high productivity and precision through automation when needed, while avoiding unnecessary complexity for simpler applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-regulating features that reduce the complexity of automated control. The fluid delivery mechanism and applicator positioning can operate with minimal external control, allowing robotic integration to enhance productivity and precision without requiring overly complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for applying a viscous fluid onto a surface. An applicator associated with an extension member may be positioned over the surface using a robotic operator. The extension member may be configured to maintain a selected distance between the applicator and a fluid source for the viscous fluid. The viscous fluid may be dispensed from the fluid source to the applicator. The viscous fluid may be applied onto the surface using the applicator.