Device and methods for depositing materials on hard surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for applying materials to surfaces lack precision, often resulting in excessive material usage and application to unintended areas, particularly in non-professional settings due to the size, complexity, and cost of existing devices.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a microfluidic die with applicator nozzles, a sensor, and a CPU that senses surface deviations and adjusts nozzle activation for precise material application, using sensors for attributes like color, brightness, and texture to target specific areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If current application techniques are used, then material can be applied to surfaces, but precision is poor resulting in extra material usage and application to unintended areas
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor scans the surface before material application to identify target areas, allowing the system to pre-determine where material should be applied. This preliminary detection enables precise nozzle activation only at identified locations, preventing waste on unintended areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides real-time feedback about surface characteristics to the CPU, which adjusts nozzle activation accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures material is applied only where needed based on actual surface conditions detected during the process.
2Manufacturing precision
If professional-grade precise application devices are used, then application precision improves, but device size, complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs its own surface analysis using an integrated sensor that detects surface characteristics automatically. The CPU processes this data and controls the nozzles without external intervention, making the system self-sufficient and reducing operational complexity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor serves multiple functions: detecting surface deviations, identifying target areas, and providing data for CPU processing. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized devices into a single integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for applying a material to a hard surface. The device has a sensor and one or more applicator nozzles. The device further includes a reservoir for containing a material to be deposited, and a CPU. The method includes providing information from the sensor about the surface to the CPU, which uses the information to identify where the material is to be deposited and/or how much to deposit.