Robot-Mounted Coating Head Wiping for Simpler Nozzle Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coating devices using an inkjet method have limitations in the freedom of movement of the head, leading to complex configurations that hinder miniaturization and increase costs, and require dedicated mechanisms for wiping the nozzle surface, which can result in inefficiencies and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A coating device where the head is fixed to a robot, allowing the nozzle surface to be wiped by moving the head relative to a wiper, simplifying the configuration and improving durability by using elastic wipers with affinity components to effectively remove nonvolatile components from the nozzle surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated mechanism is used to move the wiper for removing coating material from the head, then the coating material can be effectively removed, but the device configuration becomes complex and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wiper mechanism with the head assembly, where the wiper is integrated as part of the head structure rather than being a separate dedicated mechanism. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the functionality of removing coating material from the discharge orifices.
Solution Approach 2:
The head assembly serves multiple functions: it discharges coating material through its nozzles and simultaneously houses the wiper mechanism for cleaning the discharge orifices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated wiping mechanisms, simplifying the overall device configuration.
2Reliability
If a dedicated mechanism is used to move the wiper for removing coating material from the head, then the coating material can be effectively removed, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the wiper mechanism into the head assembly, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining effective coating material removal capability.
3Device complexity
If the head freedom of movement is restricted to simplify configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but wiping efficiency and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper mechanism is designed with dynamic elements that allow it to adapt to the head's movements. The wiper can flex and adjust its position relative to the discharge orifices, maintaining effective contact during wiping operations even when the head moves, thus preserving wiping durability while keeping the head's freedom of movement.
4Reliability
If conventional wiping methods are used, then the nozzle surface can be cleaned, but the time required for maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper mechanism is designed to operate continuously or frequently during coating operations, maintaining the cleanliness of the discharge orifices without requiring separate maintenance interruptions. This continuous wiping action reduces the time needed for maintenance while ensuring consistent nozzle surface cleanliness.
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 simplifies the device configuration, reduces costs, and enhances the durability and efficiency of the nozzle surface wiping process, thereby improving the overall coating quality and reducing the time required for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
using elastic wipers with affinity components to effectively remove nonvolatile components from the nozzle surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A coating device includes a head, a wiping mechanism, an arm, and a controller. The head includes a nozzle surface for discharging a coating material. The wiping mechanism wipes the nozzle surface. The arm holds the head. The controller controls movement of the head via the arm. The controller relatively moves the head with respect to the wiping mechanism to wipe the nozzle surface.