Selective Coating Jig With Movable Masking Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for coating cushioning articles, such as shoe midsoles or airbags, lack the ability to selectively apply coatings to specific portions while leaving others uncoated, which can affect the adhesion of additional components like outsoles.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a platform with moveable jigs and masking elements that can be adjusted to cover specific areas, allowing for precise coating application by using a combination of connection mechanisms and closure settings to secure the masking elements in place during the coating process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional coating methods are used on cushioning articles, then the entire surface is coated uniformly, but the ability to selectively leave certain areas uncoated is lost, which affects adhesion of additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The coating system is segmented into multiple independent masking elements that can be individually positioned and adjusted. Each masking element can cover specific portions of the article independently, allowing selective coating of different areas. The masking elements are divided into separate components (first masking element, second masking element, etc.) that can be independently manipulated during the coating process.
Solution Approach 2:
The masking elements are made movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The bar supporting the masking elements can move between open and closed positions, and the masking elements themselves can be adjusted to different positions along the bar. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different coating patterns and article configurations, enabling selective coating while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If masking elements are used to cover specific areas, then selective coating is achieved, but the complexity of the device increases due to additional components and adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The masking elements serve multiple functions: they cover areas to be protected from coating, they can be positioned to define coating patterns, and they can be adjusted to accommodate different article sizes and shapes. The same masking element structure is used throughout the system, reducing the need for multiple specialized components. The bar and closure mechanism provide universal support and positioning functions for all masking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the article receive different treatments through locally applied masking. Each masking element can be independently positioned to cover specific local areas that require protection, while leaving other areas exposed for coating. This local quality approach allows precise control over which specific regions are coated versus protected, achieving selective coating without requiring a completely different system for each area.
3Manufacturing precision
If the bar is moved to cover areas not to be coated, then selective masking is achieved, but the time required to position and secure the masking elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The masking elements are pre-positioned on the bar in appropriate locations before the coating process begins. The bar itself is designed with predetermined positions and guide features that facilitate quick placement of masking elements. The closure mechanism is pre-configured to secure the bar in standard positions, reducing the time required during actual operation. This preliminary preparation of the masking system allows for rapid deployment and positioning during the coating process.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism automatically secures the bar in place when moved to different positions, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and securing of each masking element individually. The system self-adjusts through the closure mechanism that engages with predetermined positions on the bar, providing automatic positioning and securing. This self-service capability significantly reduces the time and manual effort required to prepare the masking configuration for coating.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A system (100) is provided for selectively applying a coating to portions of an article (130) having at least one area that is not be coated. The system comprises a jig (142), with a platform (148) for supporting article (130). The jig (142) also has a bar (152) that is moveable with respect to the platform (148) and at least one masking element (156) that is coupled to the bar (152) and is configured to cover the at least one surface of the article (130) that is not to be coated. The jig (142) also has a first connection mechanism (144) that defines a first mating element. The system also comprises at least one carrier (176) that comprises a base (178) and at least one second connection mechanism that defines a second mating element. The second mating element is mateable with the first mating element such that the jig (142) is releasably coupled to the carrier (176) upon mating the first and second mating elements.