Seam Sealer Nozzle With Guide Member for Automotive Panel Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzles for applying seam sealers in automobile repairs are not designed for precise application, leading to inefficiencies and potential corrosion issues.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design featuring a central body with a slit for sealer dispensing, a funnel-shaped upper portion to direct the sealer, and a guide member to ensure straight application, which can be easily attached to standard cartridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a standard elongated dispensing tube nozzle is used, then the cartridge is easy to manufacture and operate, but the application precision of the seam sealer is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into two distinct parts: a standard elongated dispensing tube for easy attachment to the cartridge, and a separate precision nozzle body with the slit opening. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the dispensing tube maintains simplicity while the nozzle body provides precise application control.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated dispensing tube acts as an intermediary component between the cartridge and the precision nozzle body. It connects the sealer supply from the cartridge to the controlled discharge through the slit, enabling both easy attachment and precise application.
2Productivity
If masking tape is used to mark the application area, then the process is simple, but the application efficiency and precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle's guide member and slit configuration enable the system to self-guide the application process. The slit width and guide member geometry automatically control the sealer discharge path and application width, eliminating the need for external masking tape and manual positioning aids.
3Manufacturing precision
If a standard open-ended dispensing tube is used, then the nozzle is simple to manufacture, but it cannot provide precise sealer application
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle body features a localized precision slit opening rather than a simple open end. This local quality change - creating a controlled narrow slit at the discharge point - provides precise application control while the rest of the nozzle structure remains relatively simple and easy to manufacture.
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 nozzle enables precise and efficient application of seam sealers along automotive seams, reducing the need for masking tape and improving the airtight and watertight integrity of repaired panels.
Implementation Method 1
the upper portion of the interior volume defined by the central body has a cross-sectional shape that decreases in area as it moves upward toward the slit defined by the second end of the central body. Thus, the upper portion of the interior volume defined by the central body effectively acts as a funnel, directing the seam sealer to and out of the slit.
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle is configured to receive and mate with a dispensing tube of a cartridge of sealer. The nozzle includes: a central body having a first end and a second end, with the central body further defining an interior volume; and a guide member extending from the central body of the nozzle. The first end of the central body is open and is configured to receive the dispensing tube. The second end of the central body defines a slit via which the sealer is dispensed. In use, a leading portion of the guide member extends beyond the slit and engages an edge of a panel to which the sealer is applied. The nozzle may also include a series of raised protrusions on an interior wall surface of the central body, which engage and press into the dispensing tube, creating an interference fit that assists in holding the nozzle in place.