Rotating Applicator System for Automated Surface Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual operations for filling surface defects on workpieces are labor-intensive and time-consuming, resulting in low production throughput and repetitive motions that are undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A rotating applicator system integrated with a robot, featuring a shaft with a fluid channel and a motor to dispense surface coatings onto workpieces while rotating, allowing for efficient and quick application of coatings to fill defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operations are used to fill surface defects, then the surface coating can be applied to fill defects, but the production throughput is low and labor intensity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system. The robot controller automatically positions and operates the applicator, substituting human labor with automated mechanical control to increase productivity while reducing labor intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated feedback control. The robot controller monitors the coating application process and automatically adjusts parameters, allowing the system to regulate itself without continuous manual intervention, thereby increasing production throughput
2Manufacturing precision
If manual rubbing and wiping operations are performed, then the surface coating can be rubbed to ensure proper filling, but the operations are repetitive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces repetitive manual rubbing and wiping motions with automated robotic manipulation. The robot controller precisely controls the applicator's movements, eliminating time-consuming repetitive actions while maintaining the quality of surface defect filling through programmable motion control
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic control capabilities through the robot controller, which can adjust the applicator's motion parameters in real-time. This allows the system to adapt its rubbing and wiping actions to the specific needs of different surface defects, improving filling quality while reducing overall operation time through optimized motion trajectories
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 system significantly increases production throughput by enabling effective and rapid application of surface coatings, reducing labor intensity and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pump to cause the surface coating to flow from the inlet to the opening
Implementation Method 2
a motor to rotate the shaft while the applicator dispenses the surface coating from the opening
Data Source
AI summary
Rotating applicators are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes an inlet to receive a surface coating to be applied to a surface of a workpiece, a shaft having a fluid channel extending therethrough, where the fluid channel is in fluid communication with the inlet, and an applicator coupled to an end of the shaft, where the applicator has an opening in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The apparatus also includes a pump to cause the surface coating to flow from the inlet to the opening, and a motor to rotate the shaft while the applicator dispenses the surface coating from the opening.