Integrated Cleaning Nozzles for Precise Application Agent Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying application agents to components, such as motor vehicle body parts, often result in the agent adhering to unwanted partial sections, necessitating manual cleaning which is inefficient and imprecise.

Innovation Solution

A device with integrated cleaning arrangements that utilize cleaning fluid jets, preferably compressed air, to simultaneously apply and clean application agents from partial sections, featuring a conical elevation to prevent under-pressure and ensure uniform pressure distribution, allowing for precise and automated cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual cleaning guns are used to remove application agent from partial sections, then cleaning can be performed, but the process is inefficient and imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning precisionVSAvoidcleaning efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the application agent dispensing device and the cleaning arrangement into a single integrated system. The cleaning openings are positioned in the application device itself, allowing simultaneous or sequential application and cleaning operations without requiring separate manual intervention, thereby improving both precision and efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated fluid-based cleaning system. Compressed air or cleaning fluid is delivered through nozzles or openings in the application device to automatically remove excess application agent, substituting the manual mechanical gun cleaning process with an automated pneumatic or fluid-based system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Area of stationary object

If cleaning fluid is dispensed through multiple cleaning openings, then cleaning coverage is improved, but under-pressure may develop reducing cleaning effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning coverage areaVSAvoidcleaning fluid pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a conical elevation structure between the cleaning openings that creates localized pressure management. The conical shape with its inclined surface directs fluid flow and prevents pressure equalization that would cause under-pressure, maintaining effective cleaning pressure across the expanded cleaning coverage area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The conical elevation uses a curved geometric form to optimize fluid dynamics. The inclined conical surface guides the cleaning fluid flow in a specific pattern that prevents suction effects and maintains positive pressure, while the curved geometry allows multiple cleaning openings to be arranged effectively for broader coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Productivity

If automated cleaning arrangements are integrated into the application device, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall process efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The application device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an application agent dispenser and as a cleaning arrangement. The same device structure contains both application openings and cleaning openings, allowing it to perform dual functions without requiring entirely separate systems, thereby managing complexity while improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning arrangement is segmented into multiple independent cleaning openings that can be selectively activated. This modular approach to the cleaning system allows the complex function to be divided into simpler, manageable components, each contributing to the overall cleaning effectiveness without requiring a monolithic complex structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables simultaneous application and cleaning of application agents with high precision and efficiency, reducing manual labor and ensuring thorough cleaning of components like motor vehicle body parts in a single work step.

Implementation Method 1

The cleaning fluid is preferably air, in particular compressed air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed air: Gas Compressor

Data Source

PatentUS12551906B2Device for applying an application agent and comprising a cleaning arrangement for dispensing a cleaning fluid

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 DUERR SYST AG

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a device for applying an application agent to a component, comprising at least one application agent opening for dispensing the application agent. The device is characterized in particular in that it comprises at least one cleaning arrangement with cleaning openings for dispensing a cleaning fluid, preferably cleaning air.