Pencil Lacquering via Self-Supporting Strand and Hovering Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing push-through lacquering method for pencils requires multiple coatings due to high solvent content in lacquers, leading to prolonged processing times and increased space requirements, as pencils need to be dried between each application and guided over long distances to prevent lacquer damage.
Innovation Solution
A method where pencils are guided in a self-supporting strand through a lacquering chamber and drying section, with hovering guidance to allow extended drying time and active drying using UV lamps, enabling the use of solvent-free lacquers and reducing the number of coatings needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pencils are guided over long distances on conveyor belts between successive lacquering operations, then the lacquer can be sufficiently dried between coatings, but the coating operation becomes comparatively protracted and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The drying process is segmented into multiple zones: a first drying zone with lower temperature for initial drying, and a second drying zone with higher temperature for final drying. This segmentation allows efficient drying without requiring long conveyor belt distances, thus improving productivity while maintaining drying quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal drying on conveyor belts to vertical hanging drying. Pencils are suspended from a rail system, allowing gravity to assist the drying process and enabling compact vertical arrangement of drying zones, thereby reducing the horizontal space required and increasing coating speed.
2Manufacturing precision
If high solvent content lacquer compositions are used, then the lacquer can be applied in multiple thin coats, but multiple coating operations are required which prolongs processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the drying parameters by implementing a two-zone drying system with different temperature levels. The first zone uses lower temperature to prevent solvent evaporation issues, while the second zone uses higher temperature to accelerate drying, enabling single-coat application of high-solvent lacquers without compromising coat uniformity.
3Ease of operation
If pencils are supported at bearing points immediately after leaving the lacquering chamber, then mechanical support is provided, but the lacquer cannot be sufficiently dried and may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the support mechanism from horizontal bearing points to vertical suspension from a rail system. This dimensional change allows pencils to be supported without contact points that could damage the wet lacquer, while gravity assists in maintaining proper orientation during the drying 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 approach significantly shortens the lacquering and drying time, allowing for the use of lower solvent content lacquers and reducing the overall number of coatings required, while maintaining a high-quality, continuous lacquer coat on pencils.
Implementation Method 1
active drying in the drying section can simultaneously occur during the hovering guidance of the respective pencil
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for lacquering pencils by the push-through method, a respective pencil is guided through a lacquering chamber in order to apply a lacquer coat. After exiting the lacquering chamber, successive pencils butt against one another and are held against one another at their end sides such at a plurality of pencils form a stable strand which is guided, subsequent to the lacquering chamber, through a drying section, with the result that a respective pencil is held in a hovering manner on leaving the lacquering chamber. It is hereby in particular also made possible to use UV-curing lacquers, with the overall result that a very short total lacquering time for lacquering pencils, in particular cosmetic pencils, is achieved.