Automatic Paint Preparation Line for Mixed Container Formats

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic paint preparation systems are not suitable for producing small quantities of paints in a short time, especially when containers have different formats, as they require manual setup operations to adapt to non-standard container sizes and formats.

Innovation Solution

An automatic plant with a web platform for managing orders, a robotic unit that can adapt to different container sizes, and an automated process line that includes a dosing, stirring, and labeling station, allowing for the preparation of paints in various colors and sizes without manual setup, by using a robotic unit that adjusts to engage and handle containers of different diameters and heights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If standard container formats are used in automatic plants, then production efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different container sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to different container sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The plant uses movable and adjustable components including a robotic unit with adjustable gripping members that can adapt to different container diameters and heights. The stirring device features adjustable stirring elements that can be positioned according to container dimensions. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to maintain high productivity while handling various container formats without manual setup operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic plant is designed as a universal system capable of processing multiple container formats through a single integrated line. The robotic unit can grip and transport containers of different sizes, the dosing device can accommodate various container openings, and the stirring device can adjust its elements to match different container geometries. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate production lines for different container types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual setup operations are performed to adapt to non-standard container sizes, then adaptability is improved, but waiting time and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to non-standard container sizesVSAvoidwaiting time for format changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment through automated robotic units that can independently modify their gripping configuration and positioning according to the container format being processed. The control system automatically adjusts parameters without requiring manual intervention, enabling the plant to switch between different container sizes without setup time and maintain continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If automatic systems are configured for standard container formats, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation for different formats deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing and mixing precisionVSAvoidease of adapting to different container formats
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plant incorporates sensors and detection systems that automatically measure container dimensions and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts dosing parameters, stirring speed, and robotic positioning to maintain manufacturing precision across different container formats without requiring manual reconfiguration or reducing operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3903920B1An automatic plant for preparing paints and the like
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 DROMONT
  • EP3903920B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3903920B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3903920B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An automatic plant for preparing paints, comprising - an automatic stock (24) configured to contain a plurality of closed containers (C', C") with different formats, an automatic process line (26) comprising a plurality of operating stations, - a robotic unit (60) movable between the various stations of the automatic process line (26) to pick up each container (C', C") in an inlet station (42) and transfer it in succession from each station to the next station, said robotic unit (60) having an adjustable gripping member (72) configured for gripping containers (C', C") with at least two different sizes, and - a control unit (22) configured to receive paint orders including information relating to the format of the containers and the color of the paint requested by the buyer.