Nozzle Unit Slit Width Regulation Motor Orientation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nozzle units for applying damping material require complex disassembly to adjust the slit width of the discharge port, which complicates the process and can interfere with complex-shaped work pieces, especially when the motor is large and protrudes from the nozzle.

Innovation Solution

A nozzle unit with a motor fixed to the nozzle such that its rotary shaft extends in the direction of material discharge, using a rotation transmitting device to adjust the slit width through a second rotary shaft, allowing for precise control of the slit width without protruding and interfering with the work piece, and a controller to manage the application parameters for uniform thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the motor is made large to provide sufficient torque for adjusting the slit width, then the adjusting capability is improved, but the motor protrudes from the nozzle and interferes with complex-shaped work pieces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor torqueVSAvoidinterference with work piece
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial orientation of the motor from a protruding configuration to an integrated configuration where the motor's rotary shaft extends in the direction of material discharge. This dimensional reorientation allows the motor to be positioned within the nozzle structure rather than protruding outward, eliminating interference with complex-shaped work pieces while maintaining sufficient torque for slit width adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the slit width adjustment mechanism is simplified for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the precision of slit width control may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslit width adjustmentVSAvoidslit width control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a motor-driven system that uses rotational motion to control the slit width. The motor's rotary shaft is directly coupled to the slit width adjustment mechanism, enabling precise control through electrical signals while maintaining ease of operation through automated or semi-automated control. This substitution of mechanical systems with an electromechanical system achieves both ease of operation and precision control.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2435191B1Nozzle unit for applying damping material, and damping material application apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP2435191B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2435191B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2435191B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A nozzle unit for applying damping material onto a work piece includes a nozzle that has a slit-like discharge port and that discharges the damping material from the discharge port; a motor that is fixed to the nozzle; and a slit width changing device that changes the slit width of the discharge port using rotation of the motor.