Movable Insulation Body for Electrostatic Coating Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrostatic coating systems face challenges in effectively establishing and maintaining electrical insulation gaps between the application device and the rest of the coating system, particularly during color changes, which is crucial for efficient operation and safety.

Innovation Solution

An isolation device with a movable clearing element made of electrically insulating material that forms an electrical isolation gap by moving between parked and isolation positions, utilizing fluid pressure to clear the channel surface and establish potential separation, allowing the system to switch between conducting and insulating functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional coating systems are used, then coating application is possible, but dust and debris are generated during the coating process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust and debris generationVSAvoidcoating application capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

An insulation device is introduced as an intermediary element between the coating system and the environment. This device captures and contains dust and debris generated during coating application, preventing their release into the surrounding area while allowing the coating process to continue uninterrupted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation device creates a contained environment that isolates the coating process from the external environment. By enclosing the coating application area, the system prevents harmful dust and debris from spreading, effectively creating a controlled zone that protects the surrounding area while maintaining coating productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Temperature

If insulation material is applied to pipes, then thermal insulation is achieved, but the pipes become difficult to access and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidpipe accessibility for maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation device is designed as a segmented, modular system that can be applied in sections along the pipe. This segmentation allows for easy installation and future maintenance, as individual sections can be accessed, removed, or replaced without affecting the entire insulation system, thus maintaining thermal insulation performance while improving accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation device incorporates dynamic features that allow it to adapt to different pipe configurations and maintenance requirements. The system can be adjusted, moved, or reconfigured as needed, enabling easy access to pipes for maintenance while maintaining effective thermal insulation throughout the pipe length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If coating is applied to insulated pipes, then corrosion protection is achieved, but the combination of insulation and coating creates complex maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion protectionVSAvoidmaintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation device integrates both insulation and coating functions into a single unified system. By combining these two protective functions in one device, the system maintains corrosion protection and thermal insulation while simplifying maintenance requirements, as only one device needs to be maintained rather than separate insulation and coating layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation device is designed as a multi-functional system that simultaneously provides thermal insulation, corrosion protection, and ease of maintenance. This universal design allows the same device to perform multiple protective functions, reducing the complexity of maintenance by eliminating the need to manage separate insulation and coating systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates efficient establishment of electrical isolation gaps, reducing color change times and minimizing material loss, while ensuring safe and reliable operation of the coating system.

Implementation Method 1

an insulation device for reducing heat transfer from a pipe to a surrounding area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3414017B1Insulation device and coating system comprising said insulation device
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 BM SURFACE SYST
  • EP3414017B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3414017B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3414017B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an insulation device for a coating system for coating objects, wherein the coating system comprises an electrostatically operating application apparatus having a dispensing device, by means of which a coating material can be dispensed, and at least one storage container for coating material, which storage container is connected to an input valve device via an inlet line and to the dispensing device via a supply line, wherein the insulation device comprises a channel with a physical body which can move in the channel, wherein the physical body has an electrically insulating material and can be moved between a park position and an insulation position, wherein the physical body is designed such that, when it moves from the park position to the insulation position or from the insulation position to the park position, the physical body removes material from an inner casing surface of the channel, so that an electrical insulation path can be formed between the storage container and the input valve device, wherein the physical body can be moved by means of a fluid pressure. The invention also relates to a coating system comprising an insulation device.