Robotic UV Lamp Holder With Optical Cable for Multi-Paint Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UV lighting systems for curing paint require the exchange of UV lamps with different wavelengths or multiple systems to accommodate various UV paints, leading to increased assembly line cycle times and equipment costs.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with a robot arm, optical cable, and a lamp assembly featuring multiple UV lamps of varying wavelengths, controlled by a module to transmit UV light efficiently for curing paint, reducing the need for lamp exchanges and multiple systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional UV lighting systems use single-wavelength UV lamps, then the system structure is simple, but multiple systems or lamp exchanges are required for different paint types, increasing equipment costs and assembly line cycle times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple UV lamps with different wavelengths (UV-A, UV-B, UV-C) into a single lighting system. The lamp holder is configured to receive and position multiple different UV lamps, allowing one system to perform the function of multiple separate systems, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The UV lighting system is designed with universal capability to cure different types of UV-curable paints by accommodating multiple wavelength options. The control module enables selection and activation of appropriate UV lamps based on the specific paint type being cured, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to various curing requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems exchange UV lamps for different wavelengths, then the system can handle various paint types, but assembly line cycle times increase due to lamp exchange operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by having multiple UV lamps with different wavelengths pre-installed in the lamp holder. The control module is pre-programmed with the characteristics of different UV paints and can automatically select and activate the appropriate wavelength without requiring physical lamp exchanges during the assembly process, thereby eliminating time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic control through the control module, which can dynamically select and activate different UV lamps based on the specific curing requirements. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt to different paint types without physical reconfiguration, maintaining continuous operation and reducing cycle time
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple UV lighting systems are used for different paint types, then all paint types can be cured, but equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate UV lighting systems into a single integrated system. By incorporating multiple UV lamps with different wavelengths (UV-A, UV-B, UV-C) into one lamp holder assembly, the system achieves the coverage capability of multiple systems while reducing the total number of equipment units required
Solution Approach 2:
The UV lighting system achieves universal applicability by designing the lamp holder and control module to support multiple wavelength options within a single system. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized systems for different UV paint types, thereby reducing overall equipment investment
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
Enhances productivity and flexibility while reducing equipment costs by allowing for the use of a single system to cure paints with different depths or pigments, eliminating the need for frequent lamp changes and multiple UV lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical cable extending between the first end and the second end of the robot arm
Implementation Method 2
a lamp assembly including a lamp holder having a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lamps configured to cure paint
Implementation Method 3
turn on the one or more selected UV lamps to transmit UV light through the optical cable to cure paint
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic system includes a robot arm including a first end and a second end opposing the first end, an optical cable extending between the first end and the second end of the robot arm, a lamp assembly disposed at the second end of the robot arm, the lamp assembly including a lamp holder having a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lamps configured to cure paint, and a control module. The control module is configured to actuate the lamp holder and position one or more selected UV lamps of the plurality of UV lamps in communication with an end of the optical cable, and turn on the one or more selected UV lamps to transmit UV light through the optical cable to cure paint on a panel of a vehicle. Other examples charging robotic systems and methods are also disclosed.