Fluid Dispensing Tool With Segmented Flexible Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual application of high-viscosity fluids, such as sealant materials, is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and lacks precision, especially when applying to multiple fasteners, requiring frequent re-dipping and multiple brush strokes to ensure complete coverage.

Innovation Solution

A tool comprising a base with channels and flexible members, where the fluid flows through channels and is dispensed through flexible tubes or bristles angled and varied in length to ensure precise application onto surfaces, potentially attached to a robotic end effector for improved efficiency and precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual brush application is used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but application time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication speedVSAvoidtool structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool divides the fluid application function into multiple independent flexible members (tubes or brushes), each capable of receiving and applying fluid separately. This segmentation allows parallel application to multiple surfaces, significantly increasing productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tool base integrates multiple fluid delivery functions into a single device, where each flexible member can independently apply fluid to different surfaces. This multi-functionality enables one tool to replace multiple manual brushes, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If frequent re-dipping of brush is required, then continuous application is maintained, but labor intensity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational effortVSAvoidcontinuous application time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible members are pre-filled or pre-connected to fluid supply channels within the tool base, allowing continuous application without repeated dipping. The fluid is delivered continuously through the flexible members, eliminating the need for frequent manual re-dipping and reducing labor intensity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tool enables continuous fluid application through integrated channels that supply fluid continuously to multiple flexible members. This eliminates interruptions caused by re-dipping, maintaining continuous useful action while reducing operational effort and improving ease of use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple brush strokes are used to ensure complete coverage, then coating quality improves, but application time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage completenessVSAvoidapplication speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple flexible members are arranged to target different areas or angles of the fastener simultaneously, dividing the coverage task into parallel operations. This segmentation allows complete coverage to be achieved in fewer strokes compared to sequential manual brushing, improving productivity while maintaining coverage quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible members can be positioned at different angles and orientations relative to the fastener, applying fluid from multiple dimensions simultaneously. This multi-dimensional approach ensures complete coverage of all sides of the fastener in a single pass, eliminating the need for multiple strokes and increasing application speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Manufacturing precision

If brush is angled relative to fastener for complete coverage, then coverage completeness improves, but device complexity and操作 difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage completenessVSAvoidbrush positioning requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coverage task is divided into multiple flexible members, each positioned at optimal angles for their specific target area. This segmentation eliminates the need to continuously reposition a single brush, reducing operational complexity while maintaining complete coverage through fixed, pre-optimized angles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible members are designed with built-in positioning features or mounting arrangements that automatically orient them at the correct angles relative to the fastener. This self-positioning capability eliminates the need for manual angle adjustment by the operator, reducing device complexity and ease of operation while ensuring complete coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10086402B2Tool for applying a fluid onto a surface

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A method and apparatus for applying a fluid onto a number of surfaces. In one illustrative example, an apparatus may comprises a base having a number of channels, a number of flexible members extending from the base, and an applicator extending from the base on a same side as the number of flexible members. A flexible member in the number of flexible members may have a fluid channel connected to at least one of the number of channels in the base to allow a fluid flowing through the number of channels to flow out of the fluid channel. The applicator may be configured to apply the fluid flowing out of the number of flexible members onto a number of surfaces.