Single Rail Coating Robot System for Vehicle Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coating installations for motor vehicle bodies on conveyor systems are complicated and costly due to the use of multiple rails for painting and handling robots, which limits access to the cabin and results in soiling from overspray, and require large longitudinal movements of the projection robot for cleaning and rinsing.
Innovation Solution
A single rail system allows a multi-axis projection robot and a multi-axis manipulator robot to slide parallel to the conveyor axis, enabling them to cross each other and position above the vehicle, with ventilation airflow directing overspray away from the robots and allowing for integrated cleaning stations without obstructing cabin access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two superposed rails are used to support painting and handling robots, then both robots can be positioned and moved, but the installation becomes complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support functions for both painting robots and handling robots into a single rail system. The rail is designed with multiple interfaces that can accommodate different robot types, allowing one rail to replace what would traditionally require two separate rails. This merging reduces installation complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to position and move both robot types effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a second rail is installed for handling robots, then handling robots can be positioned, but access to the cabin is limited by the partition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the single shared rail from a lateral configuration (parallel to the partition) to a longitudinal configuration (perpendicular to the partition, extending from front to back of the cabin). This dimensional change allows handling robots to access the cabin through the partition opening while the rail itself does not obstruct the access path. The rail runs along the ceiling or upper structure, out of the way of cabin access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If handling robots are positioned below the painting robot, then both can operate, but the handling robots are soiled by excess paint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions both painting robots and handling robots at similar elevations, utilizing the vertical space above the vehicle rather than stacking them vertically with handling robots below. The single rail system extends longitudinally, allowing robots to be positioned side-by-side or in sequence along the rail's length, both above the vehicle body. This eliminates the soiling problem by removing handling robots from the overspray zone while maintaining their operational effectiveness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the rail is positioned downstream of objects to be coated, then robots can operate, but cleaning stations must be positioned far from the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the rail and associated cleaning stations upstream of the vehicle, in the direction of vehicle movement. Instead of cleaning stations being located downstream after the painting zone, they are positioned upstream before the vehicle enters the main painting area. This allows cleaning stations to be integrated into the rail system's support structure, reducing the distance and large amplitude movements required for robot repositioning.
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 configuration reduces soiling of robots and allows for efficient coating application without hindering cabin access, enabling effective ventilation to manage overspray and positioning of cleaning stations near the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
ventilation means which ensure a flow of ventilation air inside the cabin, in a direction perpendicular to the conveying axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
This facility (2) can be used to spray a coating product on objects (100), such as motor vehicle bodies, moved by a conveyor (4) parallel to a conveying axis (X4) and comprising at least a base portion (102) and a mobile portion (104-108). This facility comprises at least a first multi-axis spraying robot (50) dedicated to spraying a coating product, at least one multi-axis handling robot (60) dedicated to manoeuvring the mobile portion (104-106-108) of an object (100) to be coated relative to the base portion (102), each robot being movable parallel to the conveying axis. This facility also comprises a booth (3) and ventilation means that provide a flow of ventilation air (F1) inside the booth, in a direction perpendicular to the conveying axis (X4). The spraying and handling robots (50, 60) are both slidably mounted along a same rail (8) parallel to the conveying axis (X4), and are able to pass each other, while said rail is disposed upstream from the objects to be coated (100), in the direction of flow of the ventilation air (F1).