Functional Model Integration in Vehicle Body Coating

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for individualizing vehicle bodies and parts lack a reliable and consistent approach that integrates functional features, often relying on removable stickers or post-manufacturing attachments, which are not durable or protective.

Innovation Solution

A method where a functional model is integrated into the coating process, using a painting system with multi-axis robots and inkjet print heads to apply patterns directly onto the vehicle body during the painting process, creating a durable and protective individualization through various types of sensors, LEDs, and RFID transponders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stickers or post-manufacturing attachments are used for individualization, then individualization can be achieved, but reliability and consistency are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividualization reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the individualization function with the coating process by integrating pattern application directly into the painting line. The functional model is applied as part of the coating layers, merging two separate operations (coating and individualization) into one unified process, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manufacturing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The individualization pattern is applied during the coating process before the object leaves the manufacturing line. By performing the individualization action preliminarily during the necessary coating operation, the patent eliminates the need for separate post-manufacturing attachment steps, improving both reliability and process integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If stickers or post-manufacturing attachments are used for individualization, then individualization can be achieved, but protection against external influences is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against external influencesVSAvoidcoating process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functional model containing the individualization pattern is integrated into the coating structure itself. The pattern becomes part of the protective coating layers, so the same coating that protects against external influences also provides the individualization feature, achieving dual functionality without additional protective measures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coating system is designed as a composite structure that includes both protective functions and individualization functionality. The functional model is embedded within or as part of the coating material, creating a composite system that simultaneously provides protection and identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If functional models are integrated into the coating process, then reliability and protection are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividualization consistencyVSAvoidpattern application precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a control system that monitors and adjusts the pattern application process. The control device receives information about the object's position and coating parameters, and uses this feedback to precisely control the pattern application, ensuring consistent individualization even with the increased precision requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual or less precise mechanical pattern application with an automated printing device guided by a control system. This substitution of mechanical control with automated control systems enables higher precision and consistency in pattern application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Duration of action of stationary object

If functional models are integrated into the coating process, then durability is improved, but equipment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating durabilityVSAvoidpainting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pattern application function with the existing coating equipment. By integrating the printing device into the painting line and combining the functional model application with the coating process, the system achieves enhanced durability through integrated application while managing equipment complexity through functional consolidation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2858759B1Method for treating the surface of objects

Publication Date: 2023.04.05 BM SURFACE SYST

Figure 1
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 4A~5C

AI summary

In a method for treating the surface of objects, in particular vehicle bodies, the object (14; 66) is provided with a functional pattern (36) by means of a coating process.