Oscillating Nozzle Coating Apparatus for Complex Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coating technologies face challenges in applying uniform and penetrating coatings to complex surfaces, such as those found on watertight doors used on seagoing vessels, especially in areas with crevices and intricate designs, leading to rapid corrosion and failure.
Innovation Solution
A coating apparatus with a first compartment for receiving the component, a second compartment below for containing the coating material, and a carriage assembly for lowering and lifting the component between the compartments. The apparatus includes a blow-off apparatus with oscillating nozzles to remove excess coating material effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If air jets are used to remove excess coating material, then excess coating can be removed, but coating material suspends in the upper chamber and builds up on surrounding structure
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle array is made oscillatable to dynamically vary the direction of fluid projection toward the component. This dynamic adjustment allows the nozzles to effectively remove excess coating from complex surfaces while reducing the suspension of coating material in the upper chamber, thereby minimizing buildup on surrounding structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle array is divided into multiple individual nozzles that can be independently positioned and oriented. This segmentation allows targeted removal of excess coating from specific areas of the component while directing fluid flow away from the upper chamber structure, preventing unwanted buildup.
2Manufacturing precision
If the nozzle array is fixed, then the structure is simple, but it cannot effectively remove excess coating from complex surfaces with variations
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle array incorporates oscillation capability to dynamically adjust the direction of fluid projection. This dynamic feature enables effective removal of excess coating from various complex surface geometries and variations without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable nozzle system, achieving a balance between effectiveness and structural simplicity.
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 solution ensures a uniform and penetrating coating on complex surfaces while efficiently removing excess coating material, reducing corrosion and extending the lifespan of components.
Implementation Method 1
a first array of nozzles in said first compartment to project a fluid toward said component as it is raised from said second compartment to remove excess coating material from said component
Implementation Method 2
said first array of nozzles including at least one set of nozzles mounted to oscillate and vary the direction of projection of said fluid toward said component
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer and coating apparatus transfers a component from a conveyor to a coating station for application of a coating. The transfer apparatus includes a mast that can move about orthogonal axes in a horizontal plane and a mast having a carriage that can move vertically. The carriage includes a hook that swings about a horizontal axis relative to the mast for movement of the component in the horizontal direction. A sway bar extends between the hook and component to inhibit movement about a horizontal axis. The component is delivered to an upper compartment of a coating apparatus where it can be lowered in to a lower compartment containing coating material. Excess coating material is removed by an array of nozzles in the upper compartment as the component is raised from the coating material. The orientation of the nozzles is adjustable during removal of the coating material.