Inkjet Nozzle Head Staggered Ejection for Uniform Vehicle Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet-type vehicle painting machines struggle to maintain uniform painting film thickness, especially on non-flat surfaces like a vehicle's roof, due to the perpendicular alignment of nozzle columns relative to the painting head's advancement direction.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet-type vehicle painting machine is designed with a nozzle head having obliquely arranged nozzle columns, where the first and second nozzle columns are configured such that droplets from the second column are ejected between those from the first column, ensuring uniform coverage. Additionally, the machine uses painting data forming means to create trajectory and posture data, keeping the nozzle head perpendicular to the scanning direction and adjusting for varying vehicle surface angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the painting head is rotated to adjust painting width, then the painting width is adjusted, but paint droplets from different nozzle columns overlap at specific locations causing non-uniform film thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle columns are segmented into odd-numbered and even-numbered columns, with each column's droplet ejection timing independently controlled. This segmentation allows staggered ejection of droplets from different columns, preventing overlap and ensuring uniform paint distribution across the painting surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Droplets from different nozzle columns are ejected in a periodic, staggered manner rather than simultaneously. By controlling the ejection timing of each nozzle column to be offset from others, the system creates a periodic pattern of droplet deposition that eliminates concentration variations and ensures uniform film thickness.
2Manufacturing precision
If the long side direction of the painting head is kept perpendicular to the advancement direction, then droplet overlap is avoided, but it is relatively difficult to form a uniform painting film thickness on non-constant surfaces like the vehicle roof
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the droplet ejection timing of each nozzle column based on the real-time position and orientation of the painting head relative to the vehicle surface. This dynamic control allows the perpendicular nozzle arrangement to maintain uniform paint distribution even when the surface geometry varies, as the ejection timing adapts to compensate for changes in distance and angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the painting head's position and orientation data to adjust the droplet ejection timing of each nozzle column. By continuously monitoring the relationship between the nozzle head and vehicle surface, the system modifies ejection parameters in real-time to maintain uniform film thickness despite variations in surface geometry.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple nozzle columns are provided with perpendicular arrangement, then the painting coverage is increased, but paint droplets from adjacent nozzle columns overlap at specific locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic, staggered ejection of droplets from multiple nozzle columns. Each column's droplets are ejected at different time intervals, creating a periodic pattern that ensures droplets from adjacent columns do not overlap in space, thereby maintaining uniform paint distribution while preserving wide painting coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple nozzle columns are segmented into distinct groups (odd and even columns) with independent ejection control. This segmentation allows the system to manage droplet ejection from each column separately, preventing overlap while maintaining comprehensive coverage through the coordinated operation of all columns.
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 configuration allows for uniform painting film thickness on non-flat surfaces by ensuring precise alignment and adjustment of the nozzle head relative to the vehicle's surface, enhancing painting quality and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
an inkjet-type vehicle painting machine used for performing painting by ejecting paint from nozzles onto a vehicle located on a painting line
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an ink-jet type vehicle coating machine and an ink-jet type vehicle coating method that enable formation of a uniform coating film thickness at a coating portion including an end of a vehicle. In a state where a longitudinal direction of a nozzle head 53 is orthogonal to a scanning direction, a first nozzle array 55A and a second nozzle array 55B are disposed such that droplets discharged from nozzles 54 of the second nozzle array 55B are discharged to intermediate portions between droplets discharged from nozzles 54 adjacent to each other in the first nozzle array 55A. In addition, on the basis of trajectory data for moving the nozzle head 53, attitude data for keeping the longitudinal direction of the nozzle head 53 perpendicular to a main scanning direction of the nozzle head 53 is formed. An arm control unit 110 controls a robot arm on the basis of the trajectory data and attitude data such that, in a state where the nozzle head 53 performs coating while moving in the main scanning direction, the longitudinal direction of the nozzle head 53 is kept perpendicular to the main scanning direction.