Multi-section Energy Source for Coating Workpiece Adhesive Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the furniture and structural element industry, existing coating methods for workpieces like wood and plastics often result in visible joints with insufficient strength and appearance impairment, as the adhesive potential of coating materials is not fully utilized.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple energy generating sections, such as lasers, infrared, or ultrasound, that operate with different parameters to optimize adhesive activation, allowing for thinner layers and improved strength while maintaining a visually appealing appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single energy source is used to activate adhesive agent, then the process is simple, but the adhesive potential is not fully utilized resulting in insufficient joint strength and visible joints
Solution Approach 1:
The energy source is divided into multiple energy generating sections (e.g., multiple laser beams or laser bars) that can be operated independently with different parameters. This segmentation allows each section to contribute differently to adhesive activation, fully utilizing the adhesive potential and achieving stronger, less visible joints while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls multiple energy generating sections with different operating parameters (power, wavelength, pulse duration) that can be adjusted independently. This dynamic parameter control enables optimization of adhesive activation for different materials and conditions, resolving the contradiction between achieving full adhesive potential and maintaining simple device operation.
2Strength
If thicker adhesive agent layer is used, then joint strength is sufficient, but the joint becomes visible and appearance is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
Different energy generating sections are directed at different locations or depths within the adhesive agent layer, creating localized activation zones. This allows the adhesive to be activated precisely where needed for strength while keeping other areas thin and invisible, resolving the contradiction between joint strength and appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes energy parameters (wavelength, power, pulse duration) across different energy generating sections to optimize adhesive activation. By adjusting these parameters, the adhesive layer can be activated effectively at minimal thickness, achieving both sufficient joint strength and invisible appearance.
3Shape
If adhesive agent layer is made thinner for better appearance, then joint visibility is reduced, but adhesive potential is not fully utilized resulting in insufficient strength
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple energy generating sections with different characteristics (e.g., different wavelengths or pulse modes) that work together like composite materials. This combination allows thin adhesive layers to be activated more effectively, achieving both invisible joints and sufficient strength by complementary action of different energy sections.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed energy parameters are used, then device operation is simple, but adaptability to different coating materials and workpieces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The energy source is designed with multiple energy generating sections that can be configured for different materials and applications. Each section can be optimized for specific coating materials or workpiece types, making the device universally applicable while maintaining ease of operation through automated parameter selection and control.
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 device achieves a stronger and more aesthetically pleasing joint by fully utilizing the adhesive potential of materials, with adaptable settings for various coating materials and workpieces, enhancing both strength and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
the energy source has at least two energy generating sections, in particular at least two laser generating sections
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive agent provided on the coating material or on the workpiece is heated and activated using a laser
Implementation Method 3
the adhesive agent can purposively be heated and activated
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for coating workpieces (2), preferably consisting of wood, wood-based materials, plastics material or the like at least in sections, comprising a feed device (10) for feeding a coating material (12), a pressing unit (20) for pressing the coating material (12) against a surface (2a) of a workpiece (2), a conveyor device (4) for bringing about a relative motion between the pressing device (20) and the respective workpiece (2), an energy source (30) for applying energy onto the coating material (12) and/or the workpiece (2), and a control device (50) for controlling at least the energy source (30). The device according to the invention is characterized in that the energy source (30) comprises at least two energy generating sections (30′, 30″), wherein the control device (50) is equipped to operate at least two energy generating sections (30′, 30″) at least intermittently with at least one operating parameter, the parameters being different from each other, or the energy generating sections are different from each other.