Multi-Plane Printing Nozzle Applicator for Precision Coating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coating technologies face challenges in achieving precise application of paint strips on complex surfaces like vehicle bodies, particularly at the start and finish lines, and require extensive cycle times and costly robotic setups to maintain precision and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A coating product applicator with printing nozzles distributed on multiple non-parallel planes of a rigid body, allowing independent activation of nozzles on different faces to apply paint parallel to the strip and create precise start and finish lines, integrated with a multi-axis robot for efficient surface coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a multi-axis robot with a single-face print head is used for precise paint application, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the robot cannot access both front and rear windshield areas simultaneously, requiring repositioning that increases cycle time
Solution Approach 1:
The print head is divided into multiple independent printing zones (first printing zone with first nozzles, second printing zone with second nozzles) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the system to use only the necessary nozzles for each specific application task, enabling precise painting of both front and rear windshield areas without requiring robot repositioning, thus reducing cycle time while maintaining precision.
2Productivity
If the conveyor operates in tracking mode to improve productivity, then cycle time is reduced, but the position of the vehicle is not defined precisely enough to create clear start and finish lines
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system is segmented into multiple independently controllable nozzle groups positioned at different locations. This allows precise activation of specific nozzles at specific vehicle positions during conveyor tracking, enabling clear start and finish lines to be created even while the conveyor is moving, thus maintaining both productivity and precision.
3Ease of operation
If a seventh robotic axis is added to move the robot along the conveyor axis in stop-and-go mode, then accessibility to both front and rear areas is improved, but the solution is costly in terms of cycle time and equipment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a seventh robotic axis for movement, the system segments the printing functionality into multiple nozzle groups positioned at different locations along the conveyor axis. This allows the robot to remain stationary while selectively activating appropriate nozzle groups for front or rear windshield painting, eliminating the need for complex additional movement mechanisms and reducing cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The print head is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both front windshield painting and rear windshield painting operations from a single robot position. This universal design eliminates the need for additional robotic axes or repositioning operations, maintaining accessibility while improving productivity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This coating product applicator (10) includes printing nozzles (12), each having an outlet channel (126) opening downstream through a coating product ejection orifice (127). The printing nozzles (12) are distributed on at least two faces (142, 147) of a body (14) of the applicator (10), and the ejection orifices (127) of these nozzles extend along at least two non-parallel planes (π127, π'127).