Lacquer Transfer Roller Embossing for Precise Surface Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lacquer transfer devices face challenges in creating well-defined lacquer structures on complex surfaces due to deformation of flexible transfer rollers and uneven lacquer distribution, leading to reduced quality and homogeneity.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a frame, a transfer roller with a circumferential lateral wall, and a lacquer application unit, where the lacquer is applied directly to the work surface, and the transfer roller embosses a predefined structure into the lacquer, with a built-in light source for UV hardening and adjustable slit nozzle for precise application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible transfer roller is used to create lacquer structures, then the ability to conform to work surfaces is improved, but deformation on complex surfaces leads to reduced manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by applying lacquer directly to the work surface first, then using the transfer roller to emboss the structure. This reverses the sequence from 'roller carries lacquer to surface' to 'surface receives lacquer then structure is pressed in', preventing deformation issues that occur when lacquer is stored on a flexible roller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the lacquer application function from the structure transfer function into two distinct steps: first applying lacquer uniformly to the surface, then separately embossing the structure. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently, avoiding the compromise required when combining both functions in a single roller-based system.
2Productivity
If the device is moved at high speed across the work surface, then productivity is improved, but stick-and-slip effects degrade structure quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sequence so that lacquer is applied to the stationary work surface first, then the transfer roller embosses the structure while moving. This inversion allows the work surface to remain stationary during lacquer application, eliminating stick-and-slip effects that occur when lacquer is applied from a moving roller.
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 the creation of high-quality, well-defined lacquer structures on complex surfaces with improved homogeneity and adherence, avoiding stick-and-slip effects and ensuring precise structure formation and curing.
Implementation Method 1
a light source which emits radiation for hardening the lacquer applied to the work surface is arranged inside the transfer roller, wherein the circumferential lateral wall of the transfer roller is formed from a material which is at least partly transparent to the radiation emitted by the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A device for lacquer transfer includes a frame, a transfer roller with a circumferential lateral wall, a drive unit and a lacquer application unit. The lacquer application unit is mounted on the frame and applies lacquer to a work surface of a work piece while the device is moved in an application direction across the work surface. The drive unit drives the transfer roller in a rotation direction about an axis of rotation. An outside contact surface of the lateral wall comprises a plurality of depressions forming a predetermined structure. The transfer roller rolls with the outside contact surface on the work surface of the work piece for transferring the predetermined structure defined by the depressions in the outside contact surface to lacquer previously applied to the work surface by the lacquer application unit.