Automaton for Applying Patch to Heated Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patch application systems face inefficiencies due to the need for the gripper to travel between a heating source and the target surface, causing the patch to cool and lose tackiness, potentially degrading the material and leading to sticking issues with the gripper and reduced adhesion to the surface.
Innovation Solution
An automaton with a gripper and a retractable heating system that directly heats the target surface, reducing travel time and overheating risks, while using a selectively activatable gripping system and deformable material to ensure proper patch placement and adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the gripper travels between the heating system and the target surface, then the patch can be heated and deposited, but the patch cools down and loses tackiness during travel
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system and gripper are merged into a single integrated unit, allowing the patch to be heated and gripped simultaneously without separation travel. This eliminates the cooling issue during transit while maintaining the necessary heating function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch is heated in advance while being gripped, so that the heating action occurs before the deposition action. This ensures the patch maintains its tackiness throughout the process by being pre-heated to the required temperature.
2Temperature
If the patch is heated to a higher temperature to compensate for cooling, then the tackiness is maintained, but the material of the patch could be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback control to monitor and adjust the heating temperature, ensuring it reaches the optimal level for activating tackiness without exceeding the threshold that would degrade the patch material. This prevents both under-heating and over-heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating parameters are precisely controlled and adjusted to match the specific requirements of the patch material, maintaining temperature within the optimal range for tackiness activation while avoiding degradation temperatures.
3Temperature
If the patch is heated while in contact with the gripper, then the tackiness is activated, but the patch sticks to the gripper and cannot be properly detached
Solution Approach 1:
The heating is applied locally to specific areas of the patch that need tackiness activation, while areas in contact with the gripper are either excluded from heating or use a gripper material that prevents sticking despite heat exposure. This spatial differentiation of heating quality solves the detachment problem.
Solution Approach 2:
A specially designed gripper material or coating acts as an intermediary between the heated patch and the gripper surface, preventing direct adhesion even when the patch is heated. This mediator layer allows the patch to be gripped and released without sticking.
4Temperature
If the carrier makes the gripper travel between heating system and target surface, then heating can be performed, but the draping time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system and gripper are combined into one unit, eliminating the need for separate travel to heating and deposition locations. This single-position operation simultaneously achieves heating and deposition, dramatically reducing cycle time and increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating and gripping actions occur continuously and simultaneously in the same position, without interruption or travel time. This continuous operation eliminates idle time and maintains constant productive action throughout the patch application process.
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
This solution reduces travel time, prevents patch degradation, and enhances adhesion to the surface without sticking issues, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of patch application.
Implementation Method 1
a system for heating the surface to be draped able to directly heat said surface to be draped
Implementation Method 2
the gripper grasps the patch by suction by creating a depression which enable the patch to be pressed against the gripper
Data Source
AI summary
This automaton for applying a patch to a draping surface (15) comprises a gripper (24) capable of grasping the patch and depositing it on the draping surface (15), and a heating system (25) for directly heating the draping surface (15).