Rotating Lance Adhesive Applicator with Internal Feed Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for applying two-component adhesives or sealants are inflexible due to the inability to rotate the lance about its longitudinal axis, which limits their use in applications involving curved applicator nozzles, especially when integrated with robots.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates rotary feedthroughs for introducing components into the material feed channels, allowing the lance to rotate within a stationary housing, with a mixing device and application nozzle attached to the lance tip, and includes a flushing medium feed channel for residue removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lance is made stationary to prevent feed lines from winding around it, then the feed lines remain organized and manageable, but the applicability to curved surfaces and robotic integration is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelance rotatabilityVSAvoidfeed line management
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feed lines are routed through the hollow interior of the lance body, nesting the feed lines within the lance structure itself. This eliminates the problem of external feed lines winding around the lance during rotation, while maintaining the ability of the lance to rotate freely about its longitudinal axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The feed lines transition from an external arrangement (outside the lance) to an internal arrangement (through the lance hollow space). This dimensional reorganization allows the lance to rotate without creating tangled external feed lines, solving the contradiction between rotatability and feed line management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If pressure-actuated needle valves are used for precise material control, then the adhesive flow is precisely controlled, but additional pressure medium supply lines are required which complicate the rotary feedthrough system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive flow controlVSAvoidpressure medium supply system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure medium supply lines are integrated into the existing rotary feedthrough structure that already handles adhesive component supply. The same rotary feedthrough mechanism serves dual purposes: supplying adhesive components and supplying pressure medium, thereby combining multiple functions into a single structural solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary feedthrough is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously handles the rotation of the lance and the supply of both adhesive components and pressure medium. This universal design eliminates the need for separate external pressure medium supply lines, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise flow control.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2864028B1Device for applying a pasty mass
Publication Date: 2016.11.30 SCA SCHUCKER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2864028B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2864028B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for applying a pasty mass having an at least two-component, curable adhesive or sealant, comprising a housing (12), a lance (14), which is accommodated in the housing (12) and can be rotated about a longitudinal housing axis and in the interior of which a material supply channel (20) extends to a lance tip (16) bounding the lance (14) in the axial direction for each component of the adhesive or sealant, and a rotary feed-through (26) for introducing the component of the adhesive or sealant into the respective material supply channel (20) through a jacket (30) of the housing (12), wherein a closing valve (24) is associated with each material supply channel, which closing valve can close the material supply channel (20) at a valve seat (22).