Non-contact Adhesive Activation Device for Contamination-Free Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adhesive activation devices face challenges in efficiently and quickly switching between different adhesives, particularly due to contamination issues when changing from one type of adhesive to another, such as from black to white, and require extensive cleaning processes.

Innovation Solution

A device with a contactless activation unit outside the adhesive container, allowing for non-contact energy supply to the adhesive within the container, enabling easy switching and cleaning of adhesive containers, and featuring a detachable receptacle for efficient adhesive management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the activation unit is placed inside the adhesive container for direct contact activation, then the activation efficiency is improved, but the cleaning complexity and contamination risk increase when changing adhesives

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate components: the adhesive container and the activation unit are independent of each other. The activation unit is positioned outside the container, allowing the container to be easily removed and replaced without cleaning, while the activation unit remains stationary and reusable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The activation unit is extracted from the adhesive container and positioned externally. This separation allows the container to be quickly changed without contact with the activation unit, eliminating the need for cleaning the container between adhesive changes while maintaining activation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the activation unit contacts the adhesive during activation, then the energy transfer efficiency is improved, but the time required for cleaning between adhesive changes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive container acts as an intermediary between the activation unit and the adhesive material. The activation unit transfers energy through the container wall or via radiation/microwaves without direct contact, allowing efficient energy transfer while preventing contamination and eliminating cleaning requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces direct mechanical contact-based activation with non-contact energy transfer methods such as electromagnetic radiation or induction heating. This allows the activation unit to heat or activate the adhesive through the container wall without physical contact, eliminating the need for cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the adhesive container is designed for permanent installation to maintain stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the versatility and speed of adhesive changes decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadhesive change versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static, permanently installed container design to a dynamic, interchangeable container system. The container is designed with features that allow quick insertion and removal while maintaining stability during the activation and dispensing processes, enabling rapid adhesive changes without compromising operational stability.

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

Facilitates faster and more efficient activation and supply of adhesives, reducing contamination risks and enabling quick changes between different adhesives, thereby improving productivity and versatility in adhesive application.

Implementation Method 1

a non-contact activation unit (5) for supplying activation energy to the adhesive without contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNon-contact energy supply (activation energy): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The adhesive is stored in the adhesive container, particularly in solid form as granules or blocks (especially as adhesive granules or adhesive blocks), and is then melted by absorption of activation energy in the adhesive container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP3403788B1Machining device and method for activating adhesive material
Publication Date: 2021.12.08 HOMAG GMBH
  • EP3403788B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3403788B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3403788B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The (1) device comprises at least one adhesive container (3) for storing adhesive (2) and a non-contact activation unit (5) for the non-contact supply of activation energy to activate the adhesive (2). The adhesive container (3) is configured such that the adhesive (2) stored therein can be activated within the adhesive container (3).