Movable Pressure Canister for Automated Coating Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pressure pot systems are not suitable for automated delivery of coating compositions, lacking the capability for efficient and automated pressurized delivery in applications such as automated color formulation systems.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a pressure canister with a movable support base and automatic clamp assemblies, allowing for the pressurized delivery of coating compositions to a selected application device and subsequent cleaning, utilizing a hollow stem and delivery line for efficient coating composition flow and a cleaning fixture for maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual sealing with mechanical fasteners is used, then the pressure pot system can be sealed, but the system cannot be automated for delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separable components: a reusable pressure canister and a stationary pressure pot. The container can be quickly inserted and removed without complex sealing mechanisms, enabling automated handling while maintaining simplicity through functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function is extracted from the container itself and placed on the pressure pot (sealing surface). This allows the container to remain simple and easily replaceable, while the stationary pot handles the sealing complexity through its sealing surface and gasket system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If conventional pressure pot systems are used, then coating delivery is possible, but delivery speed and efficiency are insufficient for automated systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery speedVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Containers are pre-filled with coating compositions and prepared outside the pressure system. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid exchange of containers during operation, significantly increasing delivery speed without complicating the actual delivery operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic replacement of containers during operation. The movable container design enables quick swapping of pre-filled containers, maintaining high productivity while keeping operations simple through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of time

If manual container replacement is used, then system operation is simple, but time is lost during container switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer switching timeVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The container and pressure pot are segmented as separate, easily interchangeable components. This segmentation enables automated or semi-automated container replacement without complex disassembly, reducing switching time while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure canister design with standardized sealing interface and mounting features makes it universally compatible with the pressure pot system. This universality allows for rapid, automated container exchange without requiring complex alignment or adjustment procedures.

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

4Ease of repair

If conventional sealing methods are used, then sealing is achieved, but automated cleaning and maintenance are difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning accessibilityVSAvoidsealing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is extracted to the stationary pressure pot, leaving the removable container simple and easy to clean. The container can be easily removed and cleaned of residual coatings without disassembling complex sealing mechanisms, improving maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the container complex with integrated sealing mechanisms, the sealing is inverted to be part of the stationary pot. This inversion makes the container simpler and easier to clean, while the stationary pot handles the sealing complexity in a fixed, maintainable location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 automated, efficient, and controlled delivery of coating compositions to various application devices, with the ability to switch and clean containers quickly, enhancing the speed and versatility of coating applications across different substrates.

Implementation Method 1

The pressure canister (20) is then pressurized and the coating composition is delivered from the pressure canister (20) to a selected application device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2707147B1Pressure canisters for automated delivery of coating compositions
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO INC
  • EP2707147B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2707147B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2707147B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

Systems for delivering coating compositions are disclosed. The system may include a support base for supporting a container of a coating composition and a pressure canister movable in relation to the support base from an open position to a closed position in which the pressure canister surrounds the coating composition container and forms a seal with the support base. The system may include a pressure canister that is movable from a delivery position in which the canister is pressurized to a cleaning position in which the canister may be cleaned by a cleaning fixture. The pressure canisters are useful in automated systems for delivering various types of coating formulations.