Slit Nozzle with Adjustable Cross-Section for Lacquer Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lacquer transfer devices require high effort for masking and subsequent removal of protective layers to prevent lacquer application on non-application areas, leading to increased preparation and post-processing efforts, as well as unnecessary lacquer consumption.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with a slit nozzle and limiters that adjust the cross-section of the nozzle channel to control lacquer flow, allowing precise dispensing onto the transfer roller, which can be adjusted to prevent lacquer transfer to non-application areas without the need for protective layers, by reducing or closing the nozzle channel cross-section when approaching these areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protective foils or sicker are installed on non-application areas to prevent lacquer application, then lacquer-free areas are protected, but preparation and post-processing effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of lacquer flow control by using an adjustable nozzle that can vary its opening cross-section. The nozzle is controlled to reduce or close the opening when approaching non-application areas, thereby dynamically adjusting lacquer flow without requiring protective foils or sicker. This eliminates the need for manual masking and removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the nozzle opening is continuously adjusted based on the position relative to non-application areas. The nozzle transitions from an open state (for lacquer application) to a reduced or closed state (for avoiding non-application areas), enabling real-time adaptation without static protective layers.
2Reliability
If protective layers are used to mask non-application areas, then lacquer is prevented from contacting these areas, but lacquer consumption increases due to overspray and masking material usage
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable nozzle dynamically changes its opening cross-section parameter to match the required application width. When approaching non-application areas, the nozzle reduces or closes the opening, precisely controlling lacquer flow to the transfer roller. This eliminates overspray and prevents lacquer from reaching non-application areas without requiring excess masking materials.
3Device complexity
If a fixed nozzle configuration is used for lacquer dispensing, then the device structure is simple, but precise control over lacquer application to specific areas is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed with an adjustable opening that can be dynamically controlled during operation. The opening cross-section varies from a first value (for normal application) to a second, smaller value or zero (for avoiding non-application areas). This dynamic adjustment enables precise control over where lacquer is applied to the transfer roller, maintaining simplicity while achieving high precision.
4Reliability
If protective foils or sicker are installed and removed, then non-application areas are protected, but processing time increases due to additional preparation and post-processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic nozzle control system eliminates the need for static protective layers. The nozzle automatically adjusts its opening based on real-time position feedback, transitioning between open and closed states as it moves over application and non-application areas. This continuous dynamic adjustment removes the time-consuming steps of installing and removing protective foils or sicker.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automated control where the nozzle adjusts itself based on position information without requiring manual intervention for masking. The control unit automatically commands the nozzle to reduce or close the opening when approaching non-application areas, eliminating the need for human operators to manually apply and remove protective materials.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a system for a lacquer transfer with a frame, transfer roller with a circumferential lateral wall, a drive unit, a slit nozzle, the slit nozzle at least indirectly connected to the frame, an outside contact surface of the lateral wall including depressions, the transfer roller mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation at the frame, the drive unit configured to drive the transfer roller for the transfer roller to rotate about the axis of rotation. The slit nozzle includes a supply connection, nozzle-cavity, slit-shaped nozzle-channel and at least one limiter, the supply connection coupled to the nozzle-cavity for supplying lacquer to the nozzle-cavity, the nozzle-channel extending from the nozzle-cavity to a muzzle end formed by the slit nozzle at the end of the nozzle-channel for dispensing lacquer, the slit nozzle configured by the limiter to adjust a cross-section in a restriction area of the nozzle-channel.