Spring-Loaded Roller Frame for Even Coating Pressing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying decorative coatings to furniture panels are prone to unevenness and scratches due to the sensitivity of sliding shoe constructions and the inadequacy of individually spring-loaded rollers in achieving smooth surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a series of rollers arranged in a common spring-loaded support frame, where the rollers are rigidly mounted and aligned parallel to each other, providing a combination of the pressure shoe's surface effect with the advantages of roller pressing, ensuring smooth and even coating application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If sliding shoe constructions are used for pressing coating material, then pressure can be applied to the surface, but the construction is highly sensitive to dirt causing scratches and surface defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing forceVSAvoidsurface scratches and dirt sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the sliding shoe mechanical system with a roller-based mechanical system. Instead of a sliding surface that drags dirt and causes scratches, rotating rollers apply pressing force through rolling contact. This substitution eliminates the harmful sliding friction while maintaining the necessary pressing force for coating application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and motion parameters of the pressing mechanism. By transforming from a stationary sliding surface to rotating rollers, the contact mode changes from sliding friction to rolling friction. This parameter change reduces surface damage while maintaining effective pressing force for coating application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If individually spring-loaded rollers are used for pressing, then rolling contact reduces surface damage, but adhesive accumulates under the coating material creating unevenness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface smoothnessVSAvoidcoating uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual spring-loaded rollers into a single unified roller assembly where all rollers are rigidly connected to a common support frame. This combination allows the entire assembly to function as one pressing unit, distributing the pressing force uniformly across all rollers while preventing adhesive accumulation between individual roller elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the pressing function into multiple parallel rollers working simultaneously, each contributing to the overall pressing force. This segmentation allows better distribution of adhesive flow and prevents localized accumulation that would occur with a single roller or sliding shoe, while maintaining uniform pressure through the rigid support frame connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If a circulating belt system with multiple rollers is used, then coating can be applied continuously, but the structure becomes complex requiring reliable position stability and drive mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous coating capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal pressing assembly that can be integrated into existing continuous coating lines without requiring separate drive mechanisms or complex positioning systems. The rigid support frame with rigidly connected rollers provides a stable, multi-functional unit that performs pressing while maintaining compatibility with continuous production processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution achieves significantly better smoothing results than individual spring-loaded rollers, combining the benefits of sliding shoe constructions with roller pressing to ensure gentle and even surface treatment, reducing the risk of scratches and unevenness.

Implementation Method 1

a common support frame (3) which is spring-loaded in its entirety... The support frame (3) presses the coating material (5) to be attached (glued) to the surface by means of the plurality of rollers (2) arranged in it against the surface or edge of the board (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

combining the benefits of sliding shoe constructions with roller pressing... The surface to be processed moves relative to the support frame in the throughput direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3034256B1Roller shoe
Publication Date: 2018.04.18 SCHOLZ KONRAD
  • EP3034256B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3034256B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3034256B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Device for pressing coating material onto a moving, flat surface to be coated, in particular a panel, such as a furniture panel (1). The device has a plurality of rollers (2) in a common support frame (3), which is held by a plurality of spring bearings (41) between the support frame (3) and a machine frame (4). In addition to cylindrical rollers (2), tapered rollers are also used in particular.