Shoe Glue Spraying Shielding Element and Air Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for bonding shoe portions require high precision and skilled labor to apply glue accurately, leading to inefficiencies and increased production time due to the need for manual removal of adhesive tape and potential glue residue issues.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a shielding element and dual nozzle system, where the first nozzle sprays glue along a predetermined path and the second nozzle uses compressed air to clean the shielding element, ensuring precise glue application and residue removal, allowing for simpler operation and reduced maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If adhesive tape is used to define separation line for precise glue application, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to manual tape removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglue distribution precisionVSAvoidtape removal time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the adhesive tape from the process by replacing it with a shielding element made of wire or rod that defines the glue application boundary without requiring removal. The shielding element is positioned to create the separation line directly, removing the time-consuming tape application and removal steps while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a shielding element as an intermediary between the glue nozzle and the shoe portion. This shielding element serves as a temporary barrier during glue application, defining the precise separation line without requiring adhesive tape. The shielding element is easily removable after glue application without affecting the bonded parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If shielding element is used to define glue boundary, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglue boundary definitionVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using a simple wire or rod shielding element only at the specific location where boundary definition is needed, rather than complicating the entire apparatus. The shielding element is a localized, minimal intervention that provides precise boundary definition without adding overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible wire or rod as the shielding element that can be easily positioned and removed. This flexible element adapts to the specific geometry required for boundary definition while maintaining simplicity in construction and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If mechanical cleaning of shielding element is implemented, then reliability is improved by removing glue residue, but device complexity increases due to cleaning mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistent glue applicationVSAvoidcleaning system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing the shielding element to be easily removable and replaceable by the operator without requiring complex automated cleaning mechanisms. The simple wire or rod structure can be quickly cleaned or replaced manually, maintaining reliability through operator action rather than complex self-cleaning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simple, inexpensive shielding element that can be easily replaced rather than requiring sophisticated cleaning mechanisms. The wire or rod shielding element is so simple in construction that replacement is more practical than implementing complex mechanical cleaning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution simplifies and accelerates the bonding process, enabling non-skilled operators to use the apparatus, increases productivity, and maintains efficiency over time by ensuring accurate glue distribution and easy cleaning of the shielding element.

Implementation Method 1

a first nozzle (2), that is supported by a corresponding supporting body (22), and is capable of spraying a glue jet (20) towards the shoe portion (100) to be treated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpray: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

at least one second nozzle (4) which faces said shielding element (3) and directs a pressurized air jet (40) towards said shielding element (3) to interact with any glue residues present thereon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressed air jet: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP3487348B1Apparatus and process for spraying glue on shoe components
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 ROBOT SYST AUTOMATION SRL
  • EP3487348B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3487348B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for spraying glue on shoe components. The apparatus comprises a first nozzle (2) adapted to spray a jet of glue (20) towards said portion of shoe (100), a shielding element (3), adapted to intercept said jet of glue (20) to define a limit line (30) for the distribution of the glue on said shoe (100), and at least one additional nozzle (4 ) facing said shielding element (3) and adapted to direct a jet of fluid under pressure (40) towards the same shielding element (3) to interact with any glue residue present therein.