Sticker Positioning Device With Centering And Adjustment Pins

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The manual application of flexible stickers to motor vehicle parts, particularly curved surfaces, is labor-intensive, requires skilled operators, and is not suitable for mass production due to the need for precise placement and tension to avoid air bubbles, making it costly and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A device with centering pins and adjustment pins that allow for precise positioning and tensioning of the sticker, enabling it to be locked in place and moved onto the vehicle surface without requiring operator dexterity or experience, using a support system with vertical axis movement and elastic return mechanisms to maintain tension and prevent slipping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual application method is used, then positioning precision can be achieved, but production speed decreases and operator skill requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesticker positioning precisionVSAvoidproduction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system with an automated positioning device that uses centering pins and adjustment pins to precisely locate and tension the sticker. The device mechanically positions the sticker using orifices and pins, eliminating the need for manual dexterity while maintaining positioning accuracy, thereby enabling faster production without sacrificing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual application by experienced operator is used, then quality can be ensured, but cost increases and repeatability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication qualityVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device is designed to automatically perform the complex positioning and tensioning operations without requiring skilled manual intervention. The centering pins automatically locate the sticker through the orifices, and the adjustment pins automatically apply tension, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on operator expertise while ensuring consistent quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Shape

If sticker is placed on curved surface, then proper fit can be achieved, but positioning difficulty increases and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesticker fit to curved surfaceVSAvoidpositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary positioning and tensioning of the sticker before it is applied to the curved surface. The centering and adjustment pins pre-position the sticker in the correct location and apply necessary tension to prevent air bubbles, so that when the sticker is transferred to the curved surface, it is already properly positioned, significantly reducing the time and difficulty of the actual application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If mass production is implemented, then productivity increases, but positioning precision and tension control become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass production capabilityVSAvoidsticker positioning and tension control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a mechanical positioning system with centering pins and adjustment pins that automatically maintain positioning precision and tension control during mass production. The device mechanically ensures consistent positioning through the orifices and pins, and automatically applies uniform tension, eliminating the variability inherent in manual processes and enabling high-volume production without sacrificing quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 rapid, reliable, and repeatable application of stickers independently of operator skill, ensuring consistent placement and quality bonding without modifying the vehicle part, and includes heating and temperature measurement for improved adhesion.

Implementation Method 1

The means for moving the pairs of adjustment pins comprise means for elastic return of the adjustment pins, for example at least one spring.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3569512B1Device and method for positioning a sticker on a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.05.18 COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUM SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a positioning device (10) for a flexible sticker (12) intended to be affixed to a part (16) of a motor vehicle (14), comprising: - at least two centering pins (20) extending along a vertical axis (ZZ), intended to be inserted respectively into corresponding holes (22) in the sticker (12); - for each centering pin (20), at least one adjustment pin (25) extending along the vertical axis (ZZ), intended to be inserted respectively into at least one corresponding hole (27) in the sticker (12); - means for moving each adjustment pin (25) relative to the corresponding centering pin (20) in a direction contained in a plane normal to the vertical axis (ZZ); and - means for lowering (32) the assembly formed by the centering pins (20) and the adjustment pins (25) along the vertical axis (ZZ).