Glue Application Device With Independent Cleaning Fluid Chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing devices for applying glue to paper or plastic webs for producing sacks are inefficient in cleaning, as the process is time-consuming and costly, especially when changing formats, and there is no need to clean valves that will be used again, leading to interruptions in production.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating check valves in fluid lines that open into glue supply lines, allowing for quick and selective cleaning of glue-carrying parts by pressurizing the cleaning fluid, which prevents glue from entering the fluid chamber and allows for cleaning of unused valves without interrupting production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cleaning fluid connection is arranged on the glue chamber, then the glue-carrying components can be cleaned, but the cleaning process becomes time-consuming and expensive due to complete cleaning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning operationVSAvoidproduction downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cleaning system into two separate parts: a glue chamber for storing and supplying glue, and an independent fluid chamber for storing and supplying cleaning fluid. This segmentation allows cleaning operations to be performed independently without affecting glue supply, enabling selective cleaning of specific glue valves rather than complete system cleaning, thus reducing production downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the cleaning fluid supply system from the glue chamber by providing a separate fluid chamber and independent fluid lines. This extraction allows cleaning fluid to be supplied directly to the nozzle unit without passing through the glue chamber, eliminating the need to empty or clean the entire glue chamber during format changes, thereby reducing cleaning time and costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If complete cleaning of all glue-carrying components is performed, then all glue is removed, but production must be completely interrupted and cleaning costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables local cleaning by allowing cleaning fluid to be supplied selectively to specific glue valves through independent fluid lines. When a format change occurs, only the glue valves that will not be used in the new format need to be cleaned, while valves that will continue to be used remain supplied with glue. This localized approach maintains productivity by avoiding complete production interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial cleaning action by cleaning only the necessary portions of the glue-carrying components rather than performing excessive complete cleaning. The independent fluid chamber system allows cleaning fluid to be directed only to specific glue outlet openings that require cleaning, leaving other parts of the glue system operational, thus maintaining production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If glue outlet openings are cleaned by removing glue, then cleaning can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning operationVSAvoidcleaning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cleaning fluid as an intermediary substance that facilitates the cleaning process. Instead of manually removing glue, cleaning fluid is supplied through the independent fluid chamber and fluid lines directly to the glue outlet openings and internal passages, automatically flushing out residual glue. This intermediary cleaning fluid makes the cleaning operation easier and faster, reducing both cleaning time and operational complexity.

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 solution enables rapid and thorough cleaning of glue-carrying components without removing glue, reducing production downtime and costs by allowing for cleaning during ongoing production and eliminating the need to clean unused valves.

Implementation Method 1

each fluid line contains a check valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCheck valve one-way flow: Valve

Implementation Method 2

the cleaning fluid is put under pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressurization: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentEP2392408B1Device for applying glue and method for cleaning same
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 WINDMOELLER & HOELSCHER GMBH
  • EP2392408B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2392408B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2392408B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention describes a device for applying adhesive to areas of paper or plastic webs or sections thereof for the production of paper bags. This device consists of a nozzle unit with multiple adhesive outlet openings and adhesive supply lines, as well as adhesive valves through which the adhesive supply lines can be selectively supplied with adhesive; a adhesive chamber through which adhesive can be supplied; further adhesive lines through which adhesive can be supplied from the adhesive chamber to the adhesive valves; and a connection for a cleaning fluid through which at least some of the adhesive supply lines can be supplied with the cleaning fluid. A separate fluid chamber, independent of the adhesive chamber, is provided through which the cleaning fluid can be supplied.