Liquid Applicator Fabric Conveyance and Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying liquids to substrates often result in inconsistency and high volatilization, particularly when dealing with large surface areas, due to manual application or conventional spraying techniques, which pose ergonomic challenges and require additional design considerations for managing volatilized liquids.
Innovation Solution
The development of liquid applicators featuring a frame, an applicator head, a fabric conveyance system, and a liquid delivery system, where a section of applicator fabric is used to apply the liquid uniformly across the substrate, with a fabric pay-out and take-up assembly, and a controller to adjust pay-out torque based on the fabric radius, ensuring consistent tension and ambient pressure delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual application with cloth or fabric is used, then the liquid can be applied to the substrate, but the application consistency deteriorates and ergonomic restrictions occur particularly with large surface areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical application with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm holds the fabric applicator and moves it across large substrate surfaces, eliminating ergonomic restrictions while maintaining application consistency through programmable precision and repeatable motion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a self-contained fabric applicator assembly that automatically feeds fabric through a pay-out mechanism and collects it through a take-up mechanism, eliminating the need for manual handling and improving both ergonomics and application consistency.
2Productivity
If spraying or jetting the liquid is used, then the liquid can be applied quickly, but volatilization of the liquid increases and additional design requirements are placed on the system to manage the volatilized liquid load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fabric as an intermediary carrier between the liquid reservoir and the substrate. The liquid is applied to the fabric rather than sprayed directly onto the substrate, which prevents volatilization while maintaining efficient application through the fabric's ability to hold and transfer liquid uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a pump to deliver liquid to the fabric applicator at ambient pressure, avoiding high-pressure spray mechanisms that cause volatilization. The hydraulic delivery system provides controlled liquid flow to the fabric without creating conditions for evaporation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional spraying processes are used, then the liquid can be applied to the substrate, but additional design requirements are needed to manage the volatilized liquid load
Solution Approach 1:
By using fabric as an intermediary, the system eliminates the need for complex ventilation and volatilization management systems. The fabric absorbs and transports liquid without creating harmful vapors, simplifying the overall system design while maintaining effective liquid application.
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 enhances the uniformity of liquid application, reduces volatilization, and improves ergonomic efficiency by automating the process, allowing for precise and consistent coating of large surfaces without the need for extensive design modifications to manage volatilized liquids.
Implementation Method 1
a pump configured to selectively draw the liquid from the liquid reservoir and flow the liquid through the liquid outlet at an ambient pressure
Implementation Method 2
a pay-out torque adjuster configured to apply a pay-out torque to the supply spool
Data Source
AI summary
Liquid applicators and methods. The liquid applicators include a frame and an applicator head operably coupled to the frame and configured to support a section of an applicator fabric for operable application of a liquid to a substrate. The liquid applicators further include a fabric conveyance system that is operably coupled to the frame and includes a fabric pay-out assembly configured to supply the applicator fabric to the applicator head and a fabric take-up assembly configured to receive the applicator fabric from the applicator head. The liquid applicators further include a liquid delivery system configured to deliver the liquid to the section of the applicator fabric. The methods include delivering the liquid to the section of applicator fabric, engaging the section of applicator fabric with the substrate, and moving the section of the applicator fabric across the substrate to apply the liquid thereto.