Disposable Proxy Gripper for Automated Protective Layer Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing protective layers from prepreg or adhesive materials are inefficient, prone to damage, and lack repeatability, with manual processes being skill-dependent and automated systems failing to provide reliable results.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a gripper device with pressure-sensitive adhesive and a cutting device to separate a sacrificial corner portion of the protective layer from the remaining portion, allowing for automated peeling and removal of the protective layer from prepreg or adhesive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual process with sharp objects is used to peel protective layer, then protective layer can be removed, but the process is tedious, may cause damage to material, and lacks efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy object with adhesive properties as an intermediary between the automated gripper and the protective layer. The adhesive on the proxy temporarily bonds to the protective layer, enabling the gripper to hold and peel the layer without direct contact. This mediator solves the contradiction by allowing automated handling while maintaining gentle, damage-free removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical peeling action with an automated system using adhesive bonding. Instead of using sharp objects or manual force, the system uses controlled adhesive attachment and detachment mechanisms to achieve protective layer removal. This substitution enables automation while improving both efficiency and gentleness of the process.
2Reliability
If manual process is used to remove protective layer, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but repeatability and reliability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy object is designed to automatically bond to the protective layer through its adhesive properties when brought into contact, without requiring complex positioning or alignment systems. The adhesive self-activates upon contact, enabling reliable and repeatable attachment. This self-service mechanism improves reliability while keeping the system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy acts as a standardized intermediary that provides consistent, repeatable interaction between the automated system and the protective layer. By using the same proxy object with controlled adhesive properties for each removal operation, the system achieves high repeatability and reliability without requiring complex adaptive mechanisms.
3Reliability
If automated systems are used to remove protective layer, then productivity and consistency are improved, but reliability and trustworthiness of the process have not been achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy object with controlled adhesive properties serves as a reliable intermediary that ensures consistent bonding and release behavior. This mediator provides the reliability needed for trusted automation while maintaining high productivity through automated gripper operation and efficient peeling motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy is pre-coated with adhesive material before contact with the protective layer. This preliminary preparation ensures that bonding occurs immediately and reliably upon contact, without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms. The pre-prepared adhesive state enables both high reliability and efficient automated operation.
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
Enables efficient, reliable, and damage-free removal of protective layers with improved repeatability and productivity, reducing labor costs and enhancing quality through automation.
Implementation Method 1
adhering a second side of the pressure sensitive adhesive to an edge portion of a first layer of the plurality of layers
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a gripper device to grasp a disposable proxy. The gripper device is moveable to position a pressure sensitive adhesive in contact with the disposable proxy and apply a pressure force to adhere the pressure sensitive adhesive to the disposable proxy. The gripper device is moveable to position the pressure sensitive adhesive in contact with an edge portion of a first layer of a plurality of layers and apply a pressure force to adhere the pressure sensitive adhesive to the edge portion of the first layer. The system further includes a cutting device moveable to apply a cutting force to separate a sacrificial corner portion of the first layer proximate the edge portion of the first layer from a remaining portion of the first layer. The gripper device is movable to peel the remaining portion of the first layer from one or more remaining layers of the plurality of layers.