Modular Surface Treatment System with Movable Cabin Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surface treatment systems for objects, such as bumpers, require separate treatment cabins for different steps, which are costly and inflexible, making it difficult to adapt the sequence of treatment steps when the type of object or treatment method changes.

Innovation Solution

A modular surface treatment system with movable treatment modules along a conveying path, featuring standardized connection units and air units for efficient supply and exhaust of consumables and air, allowing for easy reconfiguration and adaptation of treatment steps without significant construction changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate treatment cabins are constructed for different treatment steps, then each treatment step can be performed with specialized equipment, but the system becomes inflexible and difficult to adapt when treatment sequences need to be changed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of treatment sequenceVSAvoidcomplexity of system reconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment system is divided into separate, modular treatment cabins that can be independently positioned and reconfigured. Each cabin is a self-contained module that can be moved along the conveying path and positioned in different sequences to accommodate varying treatment requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment cabins are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the treatment sequence. The cabins can be repositioned along the conveying path to change the order and combination of treatment steps based on different object types and treatment requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If treatment cabins are manufactured separately and assembled in final assembly, then each cabin can be optimized for its specific function, but changing the sequence or function of cabins requires great effort after installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufacturing individual cabinsVSAvoidflexibility of system configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains separate manufacturing of individual treatment cabins for functional optimization, but introduces movable positioning mechanisms that allow these separately manufactured units to be flexibly reconfigured in different sequences and positions along the conveying path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment cabins incorporate movable mounting arrangements that enable them to be repositioned and reconfigured after installation, transforming the static assembled structure into a dynamic system that can be adapted without complete disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional fixed treatment cabins are used, then the system structure is stable and simple, but the system cannot be easily adapted when object types or treatment methods change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stability of treatment cabinsVSAvoidadaptability to different objects and treatments
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment cabins maintain stable internal structures for reliable treatment processes, but are equipped with movable external positioning mechanisms that allow the entire cabin assembly to be repositioned along the conveying path, combining structural stability with positional adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 flexible and cost-effective adaptation of treatment sequences by allowing modular units to be easily rearranged and reused, reducing construction costs and improving operational efficiency in surface treatment processes.

Implementation Method 1

the treatment module includes an air unit which is in flow connection with the treatment space of the treatment cabin and through which an air flow can be generated through the treatment space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow generation:

Data Source

PatentEP2595761B1Modular line for surface treatment
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 EISENMANN SE
  • EP2595761B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2595761B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2595761B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An installation for the surface treatment of articles, in particular of vehicle body parts, comprises at least two treatment cubicles (52), which respectively define a treatment space (56). The articles (12) can be conveyed by means of a conveying device (22) along a conveying line (14) up to one of the treatment cubicles (52) in each case, into the treatment space (56) of this treatment cubicle (52), out of the treatment space (56) of this treatment cubicle (52) and away from this treatment cubicle (52). Each treatment cubicle (52) is respectively comprised by a modular unit (BM, BM') in the form of a treatment module (BM, BM'), which as such is movable and can be detachably arranged and fixed in an operating position with respect to the conveying line (14). The treatment module comprises a rotary wall (64) which carries at least one article to be treated.