Automated Liner Peeling Apparatus with Suction and Pinch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual removal of liners from substrates is laborious, time-consuming, and not suitable for controlled environments, and existing automation attempts using suction forces are insufficient to handle the necessary forces required for peeling.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a rotatable first member with a suction cup and a synchronized pinch arm that applies suction force to lift and clamp the liner, allowing it to roll up and be peeled away from the substrate, reducing manual labor and exposure risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual peeling is used, then the process is simple and reliable, but it is laborious, time-consuming, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The peeling apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a suction member for initial liner engagement and lifting, a rotatable wheel member for rolling and peeling the liner away, and a pinch arm member for clamping and guiding. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving automated high-speed peeling while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
2Extent of automation
If suction force alone is used for automation, then automation is achieved, but the suction force is insufficient to withstand the forces needed to peel the liner
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus merges three distinct mechanisms into one integrated system: suction force for initial liner capture and lifting, rotational motion for rolling the liner onto the wheel, and pinching/clamping force for maintaining grip during peeling. This combination of multiple force types and mechanical actions provides sufficient total force to overcome the adhesive bonding and achieve complete automated peeling.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual peeling is used, then equipment cost is low, but labor costs and exposure risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus introduces an automated intermediary system that completely replaces manual handling of the liner. The suction member, rotatable wheel, and pinch arm work together as an automated intermediary mechanism that performs all peeling operations without human contact with the liner or substrate, eliminating worker exposure to hazardous materials while the modular design keeps apparatus complexity manageable.
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
Automates the liner removal process, reducing labor costs and time, while minimizing exposure to hazardous materials by effectively peeling the liner from the substrate with synchronized motion and suction force.
Implementation Method 1
a second member disposed on the first member and for generating a suction force to be applied to the liner to peel a portion of the liner away from the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for peeling a liner away from a substrate. The apparatus comprises a first member rotatable about an axis. The apparatus also comprises a second member disposed on the first member and for generating a suction force to be applied to the liner to peel a portion of the liner away from the substrate when the suction force of the second member is applied to the liner and the first member is rotating about its axis. The apparatus further comprises a third member synchronized to rotation of the first member about its axis such that the third member clamps the peeled portion of the liner against the first member while the second member is applying suction force to the liner and the first member is rotating about its axis.