Leather Patch Gluing via Suction Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for joining leather patches with linings, especially in high-end products, face issues with glue smearing on the outside surface and inaccurate positioning, making it difficult to automate the process and leading to waste and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a format support with a suction plane to precisely position and hold the leather patch, allowing for accurate adhesive application without soiling the patch and enabling automation of the gluing process, including the use of an anthropomorphic robot for precise handling and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conveyor belt with suction is used to position patches, then automation is enabled, but positioning precision deteriorates causing glue to smear on the visible side
Solution Approach 1:
A format support is introduced as an intermediary element between the conveyor belt and the patch. The format support has a surface smaller than the patch and provides a precise positioning reference. The patch is positioned on the format support which is held by suction, ensuring accurate positioning without the suction belt directly contacting the patch edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is segmented into two parts: the conveyor belt provides suction holding through the format support, while the format support provides precise positioning reference. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
2Reliability
If spray nozzle covers larger area to compensate for patch displacement, then positioning inaccuracies are compensated, but glue waste increases and visible side becomes dirty
Solution Approach 1:
The format support acts as a mediator that ensures accurate patch positioning before glue application. By providing a precise reference surface, it eliminates the need for oversized spray patterns, thereby reducing glue waste and preventing contamination of the visible patch side.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch is preliminarily positioned on the format support with precise alignment before the glue is applied. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the spray nozzle can target exactly the required area without needing to compensate for potential displacements, thus minimizing glue waste.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual gluing is used to ensure precision, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The format support serves as a mediator that enables automation while maintaining precision. It provides a stable reference frame that allows automated spray nozzles to apply glue accurately, combining the speed of automation with the precision previously achievable only through manual operations.
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 prevents glue smearing on the outside surface, allows for precise adhesive application, and enables the automation of the gluing process, reducing waste and improving the reliability of the positioning, which is crucial for luxury products.
Implementation Method 1
the same first patch being held by a suction plane
Implementation Method 2
joining patches of hides or similar material by gluing
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The method for joining patches of hides or similar is provided by using a support (3) having a surface which is suitably smaller than that of first patches (1), a predetermined thickness and with the corresponding upper surface (3S) suitable for acting as an aspirant plan; a first patch (1) is positioned above the support (3), so that it is centered and that the relative perimeter edge (1B) protrudes outwardly with respect to the latter, then the first patch (1) is locked to aspiration. Then a layer of glue is applied on the upper side (1A) of the first patch (1), then a second patch (2) is positioned on the latter, in such a way as to glue them together. After unlocking, the coupled patches (1, 2) are taken from said support (3), to transfer them to another operating station (S2) or to conveyor members (T). The method allows to avoid smearing of glue on the opposite side of the first patch (1), which will be external in the article produced with it.