Spacer Coating via Linear Nozzle Traversal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coating spacers for insulating glass with adhesive often stress the spacers, particularly when dealing with larger or more complex shapes, and are not suitable for less dimensionally stable materials like metal or plastic.
Innovation Solution
A method where the spacer is aligned vertically and moved linearly through a coating station with nozzles that travel along its sides, eliminating the need for rotational movement and allowing for precise application of adhesive to all surfaces, including non-rectangular shapes, using a buffer container for adhesive and optionally driven rollers for conveying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If spacers are rotated manually between nozzles for coating all sides, then all surfaces can be coated with adhesive, but the process is labor-intensive and inefficient for large production volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the nozzle pair movable along the spacer instead of rotating the spacer. The nozzles traverse linearly along each side of the spacer in sequence, converting a rotational manual operation into a dynamic linear automation process that increases productivity while reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual rotational mechanical system with an automated linear traversal system. The movable nozzle pair uses controlled linear movement along predefined paths on each spacer side, substituting complex manual rotation with simpler automated positioning and delivery mechanisms
2Manufacturing precision
If spacers are moved freely suspended during coating, then contact between adhesive and conveying equipment is prevented, but the coating precision and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conveying function from the coating function. The spacer is conveyed by a support device to the coating station, then held stationary during coating by positioning devices. This segmentation allows precise coating without adhesive contamination while maintaining simple conveying equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces positioning devices as intermediaries between the conveying system and the coating nozzles. These positioning devices hold the spacer stationary in precise positions during coating, enabling high coating precision without requiring the conveying system itself to be complex or interfere with the adhesive application
3Strength
If traditional coating methods are used on larger spacers or those with built-in rungs, then coating can be applied, but the spacers experience excessive stress and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by making the nozzles movable along the spacer instead of moving the spacer through stationary nozzles. This inversion allows the spacer to remain stationary or move minimally, reducing mechanical stress on the structure while the coating system adapts to the spacer's geometry, including rungs and corners
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using a movable nozzle pair that can adjust its position along each side of the spacer. This allows the coating process to accommodate various spacer sizes and geometries without subjecting the spacer to excessive mechanical stress, maintaining both structural integrity and coating quality
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
Enables gentle and precise coating of spacers without stress, accommodating various shapes and sizes, including those with built-in rungs or rounded corners, while minimizing adhesive usage and simplifying the coating process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pair of nozzles, from which adhesive is applied to the side surfaces of the spacer
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
A nozzle pair (3, 6) is used to coat the side faces of spacers (1) for insulating glass with an adhesive material, the adhesive material being applied to the side face of the spacers (1) through the nozzles (15) of said nozzle pair. As the side faces of the spacer (1) are coated with adhesive material the nozzle pair (3, 6) is moved along the sides of the spacer (1), the relative movement between the nozzle pair (3, 6) and the spacer (1) being obtained by a movement of the spacer (1) and/or the nozzle pair (3, 6). With this way of working, there is no need to rotate the spacer (1) about an axis perpendicular to its plane and therefore said rotation can be dispensed with.