Quick-Change Nozzle Alignment for Tool-Free Secure Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzle systems for applying application agents, such as sealants and adhesives, require frequent changes and alignment, often necessitating additional tools or disassembly of components, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A quick-change nozzle system with a rotationally asymmetrical alignment device and conical mounting recesses allows for secure, tool-free nozzle exchange and alignment, ensuring correct orientation without additional tools or disassembly beyond the nozzle itself, utilizing a compact and flat design for easy integration with application blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional nozzle systems are used with screw connections and clamping plates, then secure mounting is achieved, but nozzle change time increases and additional tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into a nozzle body and a separate mounting base that can be quickly detached. The mounting base remains on the application system while only the nozzle body needs to be exchanged, reducing the complexity of nozzle changes and eliminating the need for additional fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle mounting base incorporates self-aligning features with the application system that automatically ensure correct orientation and secure attachment without requiring additional tools or complex alignment procedures. The system self-regulates the mounting process through its geometric design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If nozzles are designed for frequent changes, then adaptability is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting base and nozzle body feature asymmetrical geometric shapes with specific profile contours that enable only one correct orientation for attachment. This asymmetric design ensures precise alignment is automatically achieved during the quick-change process, eliminating alignment errors that would otherwise occur with frequent nozzle exchanges.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment devices are added to ensure correct orientation, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is merged into the basic geometric structure of the mounting base and nozzle body themselves. The profile shapes of these components inherently provide alignment guidance and orientation control, eliminating the need for separate, complex alignment devices while maintaining precise alignment during nozzle changes.
4Productivity
If quick-change mechanisms are implemented, then nozzle change speed is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex fastening and alignment mechanisms are extracted from the nozzle itself and transferred to the mounting base that remains fixed on the application system. This allows the nozzle body to be a simple, lightweight component that can be quickly exchanged, while the more complex structural features are concentrated in the reusable mounting base.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting base is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different nozzle bodies through its geometric profile system. This multi-functional design allows a single mounting base structure to serve multiple nozzle types, reducing overall system complexity while enabling quick changes between different nozzle configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an interchangeable nozzle (D1, D2), in particular a quick-change nozzle, for application of an application means onto a component and for fastening to a nozzle change system (X1, X2). The nozzle (D1, D2) comprises a nozzle base having an alignment device (A1, H2) for the angularly correct, mechanical alignment of the nozzle (D1, D2) relative to the change system (X1, X2). The invention further relates to an associated change system (X1, X2) and to an associated application system (100).