Rotating Nozzle Assembly for Irregular Window Frame Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dispensing adhesive or sealant on window frames are not automatable, fail to account for irregularities in frame shape and size, and often result in inconsistent application and damage to the frame or nozzle due to operator-dependent pressure and inertia.
Innovation Solution
An automated dispensing system with a rotating nozzle and compensating device that follows the frame's irregularities, using sensors to maintain consistent pressure and prevent nozzle damage, while allowing for both automated and manual operation on various frame shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated dispensing systems use non-rotating nozzles with gantry slide systems to move along frame members, then the system can dispense material along straight paths, but the significant inertia and operator-dependent pressure result in marring or damaging the frame and damaging the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a rotating nozzle assembly that can dynamically adjust its orientation and position. The nozzle rotates about the frame member while maintaining continuous contact, allowing the system to adapt to frame irregularities in real-time rather than following a fixed predetermined path. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the harmful effects of inertia and operator-dependent pressure by maintaining consistent, controlled contact throughout the dispensing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that detect the position and orientation of the frame member as the nozzle moves along it. This feedback information is used to continuously adjust the nozzle's rotation and positioning, ensuring consistent contact pressure and preventing damage to both the frame and nozzle. The system responds to real-time conditions rather than relying on predetermined paths.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If optical sensors are used to detect frame corners for maneuvering the applicator, then the system can navigate 90 degree turns, but color, sheen, backgrounds, and sensor adjustments frequently cause sensor failures and nozzle breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the unreliable optical sensing system with a mechanical sensing approach. Instead of using optical sensors that are susceptible to color, sheen, and background variations, the system uses the physical contact between the rotating nozzle and the frame member to detect position and orientation. This mechanical substitution provides reliable detection without the vulnerabilities of optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating nozzle assembly serves its dual function of both dispensing material and detecting frame position through its own mechanical interaction with the frame. The nozzle's rotation about the frame member inherently provides position feedback without requiring separate sensing systems, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the reliability issues associated with external optical sensors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spring-loaded nozzle compensators are used to enable non-rotating nozzles to ride against bowed frames, then the nozzle can follow frame irregularities, but the compensator performance is very limited due to size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overcomes the limitations of spring-loaded compensators by implementing a fully rotating nozzle assembly. Instead of relying on a limited-range spring mechanism, the nozzle can rotate continuously about the frame member, providing unlimited adaptability to frame bowing and irregularities. This dynamic rotation eliminates the size and performance constraints of traditional compensators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the nozzle system into a rotating component that can independently adjust its position and orientation. This segmentation allows the nozzle to follow frame irregularities through rotation rather than relying on a complex, space-constrained compensator mechanism. The rotating design simplifies the overall system while providing superior adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If hand-operated applicators are used with operator-dependent pressure, then the operator can manually control dispensing, but the method is not automatable and results in inconsistent application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables automation by incorporating sensors that provide real-time feedback on frame position and nozzle orientation. This feedback allows the controlled rotation mechanism to automatically adjust dispensing parameters based on detected conditions, eliminating operator dependency while maintaining consistent, controllable application. The system translates manual-like adaptability into automated operation through sensor feedback and controlled rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing nozzle assembly for dispensing a flowable liquid through a nozzle, incorporating a rotating tube assembly. The dispensing nozzle assembly includes a nozzle coupling for supplying the flowable liquid, and a cylindrical nozzle tube having an inlet end connected to the nozzle coupling, and an outlet end attached to a dispensing nozzle. A union housing is secured to the nozzle coupling, and has a top opening through which the nozzle coupling extends, and an interior space that accepts and surrounds the nozzle coupling. The rotating tube assembly also includes a rotatable, cylindrical outer tube that surrounds the nozzle tube, which has an inlet end that extends into union housing, and an outlet end that extends proximate the outlet end of the nozzle tube. The inlet end of the rotatable outer tube that extends into union housing and is secured rotatably by a pair of spaced-apart, axially-aligned shaft bearings.