Mobile UV Curing System with Radiation Blocker for Operator Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of radiation curable coatings in the coating industry poses a risk to operators due to harmful UV radiation from sources like UV lamps, necessitating a safer mobile radiation system for curing coatings.
Innovation Solution
A mobile radiation system comprising a mobile radiation device coupled to a control unit via coupling devices, a radiation blocker with an adaptor opening to block UV radiation, and a mobile carrier with compartments for housing the radiation blocker and control unit, allowing for safe operation by blocking UV radiation while permitting visible light to confirm the UV source's power status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a UV lamp is used for curing UV curable coating composition, then the coating can be cured effectively, but harmful UV radiation exposes operators to health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the radiation output into two segments: UV radiation (blocked by the radiation blocker) and visible light (passed through the adaptor opening). This segmentation allows the UV curing function to remain while eliminating the harmful exposure risk to operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation blocker acts as an intermediary component that selectively filters radiation. It mediates between the UV lamp and the operator, allowing UV radiation to pass through to cure the coating while blocking harmful UV exposure to the operator, thus protecting operators without compromising curing efficiency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a radiation blocker is used to block UV radiation, then operator safety is improved, but the ability to visually confirm UV source power status may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation blocker has different optical properties in different locations: it blocks UV radiation across its surface while containing a localized adaptor opening that transmits visible light. This local quality differentiation allows simultaneous UV blocking for safety and visible light transmission for power status confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes visible light transmission through the adaptor opening to indicate power status. When the UV source is powered on, visible light passes through the adaptor opening, providing visual confirmation to operators without requiring them to be exposed to UV radiation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a mobile radiation system with radiation blocker is implemented, then operator protection is enhanced, but system complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into integrated components: the radiation blocker simultaneously blocks UV radiation and provides a mounting structure for the UV lamp via the adaptor opening. The mobile carrier combines housing, motion devices, and component mounting in a single unit. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation blocker serves multiple functions: it blocks UV radiation, provides structural support for the UV lamp through the adaptor opening, and maintains the mobile nature of the system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing system complexity while enhancing operator protection.
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
The system effectively safeguards operators from UV radiation while enabling efficient curing of coatings by blocking harmful UV emissions, allowing for safe and effective use of radiation curable coatings.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation blocker (4) having an adaptor opening (5) for receiving said mobile radiation device (1) when said mobile radiation device is in a seated position on said radiation blocker (4)... block radiations from said mobile radiation device
Implementation Method 2
an ultraviolet (UV) source such as a UV lamp can be used for curing a UV curable coating composition applied over a substrate to form a cured coating layer
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile radiation system is provided. The mobile radiation system comprises a mobile radiation device coupled to a control unit; a radiation blocker having an adaptor opening for receiving said mobile radiation device when said mobile radiation device is in a seated position on said radiation blocker; and a mobile carrier comprising a first compartment for housing said radiation blocker, a second compartment for housing said control unit, and a carrier motion device. The adaptor opening can dimensionally fit the mobile radiation device to block radiations from the mobile radiation device when said mobile radiation device is in the seated position. The mobile radiation device can produce radiation having peak radiation wavelength in a range of from about 250 nm to about 450 nm and can have a peak irradiation power in a range of from about 0.5 W/cm2 to about 10 W/cm2.