Narrowband Can Drying and Curing Without Aluminum Annealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current can manufacturing processes, particularly the use of traditional IBO ovens, are energy-intensive, lead to annealing or de-tempering of aluminum, and result in weakened cans, necessitating over-strengthening and increased material costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with semiconductor-based narrowband irradiation devices positioned at multiple stations to rapidly dry and cure cans, achieving these processes in less than 20 seconds to prevent annealing and maintain can strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional IBO ovens are used to cure coating on can interiors, then the coating curing function is achieved, but energy consumption increases and aluminum annealing occurs causing can weakening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional thermal IBO oven system with a high-speed air drying system using forced convection. This substitution eliminates the need for high-temperature thermal curing while achieving adequate coating drying through high-velocity air flow, thereby reducing energy consumption and preventing aluminum annealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the curing parameters from high-temperature thermal curing (typically 200-400°F in traditional IBO ovens) to high-velocity air drying at lower temperatures. By controlling air velocity and exposure time rather than temperature, the system achieves coating drying without causing aluminum annealing, thus maintaining can strength.
2Reliability
If traditional IBO ovens are used to cure coating on can interiors, then the coating curing function is achieved, but aluminum annealing occurs resulting in can weakening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal IBO oven system with a high-speed air drying system using forced convection. This substitution eliminates the need for high-temperature thermal curing while achieving adequate coating drying through high-velocity air flow, thereby preventing aluminum annealing and maintaining can strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses high-velocity air flow to rapidly dry the coating in a short exposure time, rushing through the drying process before aluminum annealing can occur. This time-based approach prevents the thermal degradation of aluminum properties while still achieving adequate coating drying.
3Loss of substance
If can material thickness is reduced to lower material costs, then material cost decreases, but can strength and integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the drying parameters from high-temperature thermal curing to high-velocity air drying at lower temperatures. This parameter change prevents aluminum annealing, allowing the use of thinner gauge materials without compromising can strength, as the aluminum retains its original mechanical properties.
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 system significantly reduces energy consumption, prevents annealing and weakening of aluminum, and allows for the use of thinner can materials while maintaining strength, thereby reducing material costs and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
arrays of semiconductor-based narrowband irradiation devices positioned to individually and electrically heat inside surfaces of each can moved into a curing zone
Implementation Method 2
such that the coating on the inside surface of each successive can in a series of production cans is brought to a critical temperature to produce a linking curing process
Implementation Method 3
a first station including a first array of semiconductor-based narrowband irradiation devices positioned to irradiate and dry the cans
Implementation Method 4
a second station including a second array of semiconductor-based narrowband irradiation devices positioned to irradiate and cure ink applied to outsides of cans
Data Source
AI summary
An improved can drying and curing technology is provided.