Segmented Pressure Embossing for Wood Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for coating and embossing wood-based panels require high pressure to achieve deep embossing, which is costly and inefficient, and lightweight panels cannot be effectively embossed due to permanent compression under high pressure.

Innovation Solution

A method that divides the high-pressure phase into sections, applying maximum pressure initially to achieve deep embossing and then reducing pressure to ensure adhesion and transparency, allowing for the coating and embossing of both dense and lightweight wood-based panels with reduced overall pressure and wear on press equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If high pressure is applied throughout the entire high pressure phase to achieve deep embossing, then embossing quality is improved, but energy consumption increases and press equipment wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveembossing qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The high pressure phase is divided into two distinct sections: a first section where maximum pressing pressure is applied to achieve deep embossing, and a second section where reduced pressing pressure is applied to complete the coating process. This segmentation allows the system to use high pressure only when necessary for embossing, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining embossing quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If high pressure is applied throughout the entire high pressure phase to achieve deep embossing, then embossing quality is improved, but press equipment service life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveembossing qualityVSAvoidpress equipment service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The high pressure phase is divided into two distinct sections: a first section where maximum pressing pressure is applied to achieve deep embossing, and a second section where reduced pressing pressure is applied to complete the coating process. This segmentation reduces the duration that the press equipment operates at maximum pressure, thereby extending the service life of the press components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If high pressure is applied throughout the entire high pressure phase, then deep embossing is achieved, but lightweight panels suffer permanent compression

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveembossing depthVSAvoidpanel dimensional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The high pressure phase is divided into two distinct sections: a first section where maximum pressing pressure is applied to achieve deep embossing, and a second section where reduced pressing pressure is applied to complete the coating process. This segmentation prevents lightweight panels from being subjected to continuous high pressure, thereby preventing permanent compression and maintaining dimensional stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If maximum pressing pressure is applied throughout the high pressure phase, then embossing quality is improved, but coating adhesion and transparency are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveembossing qualityVSAvoidcoating adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The high pressure phase is divided into two distinct sections: a first section where maximum pressing pressure is applied to achieve deep embossing, and a second section where reduced pressing pressure is applied to complete the coating process. This segmentation allows the coating to set properly under reduced pressure in the second section, ensuring good adhesion and transparency while maintaining embossing quality achieved in the first section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This method enables high-quality coating and embossing of wood-based panels with reduced energy consumption, preventing permanent compression of lightweight panels and extending the service life of press components.

Implementation Method 1

The press plates are each heated to a temperature between 140 °C and 200 ° C, preferably between 160 °C and 180 ° C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the synthetic resin hardens under the effect of pressure and temperature as a result of crosslinking reactions and forms a coating that is firmly anchored on the wood-based panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrosslinking reactions: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

building up the pressure in a pressure build-up phase up to a maximum pressing pressure, pressing the stack of pressed items in a high-pressure phase at maximum pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 4

The structural profile gives the press plate a three-dimensional shape... The structure of the press sheet is transferred to the surface of the coating and, if necessary, of the substrate during embossing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEmbossing: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP2862724B1Method for coating and embossing a substrate
Publication Date: 2018.02.21 SWISS KRONO TEC AG
  • EP2862724B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2862724B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for coating and embossing a substrate, comprising the following steps: - Inserting a stack of material, comprising a wood-based panel and a layer of synthetic resin, into a panel press with an upper and a lower press plate, each of which is heated, wherein at least one press plate is provided with a structural profile, - Closing the press and building up pressure in a pressure build-up phase up to a maximum pressing pressure, - Pressing the stack of material in a high-pressure phase at maximum pressure, - Reducing the pressure in a pressure release phase and opening the press, and - Removing the stack of material from the panel press. For a simplified method, it is provided that the maximum pressing pressure is applied during a first section of the high-pressure phase, and that a reduced pressing pressure is applied during a second section of the high-pressure phase.