Suction Device for Removing Excess Adhesive on Vehicle Doors

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for removing excess adhesive in the manufacture of motor vehicle doors and hatches are inefficient, requiring manual labor and costly solvent vapor extraction systems, and often result in surface soiling due to the adhesive's tendency to fall off or be washed off during subsequent processes.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a suction device, preferably guided by a robot, to quickly and thoroughly remove excess adhesive from the connection area, which can be arranged either stationary or on a robot arm, with optional anti-adhesive agents and non-stick coatings to prevent adhesive residue, and the use of compressed air to assist in lifting and conveying the adhesive.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual removal of excess adhesive using a spatula is used, then the adhesive can be removed, but the process is time-consuming and requires multiple workers due to high cycle rates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive removal speedVSAvoidtime for adhesive removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical removal method (spatula) with a suction-based system that uses negative pressure to automatically remove excess adhesive. This substitution eliminates manual labor and significantly increases removal speed, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity and time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs pneumatic principles by using a suction device that generates negative pressure to extract excess adhesive from the connection area. This pneumatic approach enables rapid, automated adhesive removal without manual intervention, thereby improving productivity while reducing the time required for the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of manufacture

If manual removal methods are used, then adhesive can be removed, but costly solvent vapor extraction systems are required and surfaces may become soiled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost of extraction systemsVSAvoidsurface soiling from adhesive
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual removal methods that require solvent vapor extraction systems with a suction-based automated system. This substitution eliminates the need for costly extraction infrastructure while simultaneously preventing surface soiling through precise, controlled adhesive removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction device is designed to automatically remove excess adhesive without requiring additional extraction systems or manual intervention. The system performs the removal function independently, eliminating harmful effects like surface soiling while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a suction device on a robot is used, then adhesive removal is accelerated and labor costs are reduced, but precise positioning must be maintained despite tolerance fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive removal speedVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of suction device
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs tolerance compensation elements that adapt to dimensional variations in the workpiece. By dynamically adjusting to tolerance fluctuations, the system maintains precise positioning of the suction device relative to the connection area, ensuring accurate adhesive removal while preserving high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The suction device incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities through tolerance compensation mechanisms that can adapt in real-time to workpiece variations. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the suction device remains accurately positioned despite tolerance fluctuations, maintaining both productivity and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 method significantly accelerates adhesive removal, reduces labor costs, minimizes surface contamination, and enhances process control by ensuring precise positioning and efficient adhesive removal, even with tolerance fluctuations, while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

The suction device preferably generates a negative pressure, so that a good removal of the adhesive can be ensured.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

The removal of the adhesive can be further improved by wetting the adhesive with an anti-adhesive agent, in particular with a suitable wetting liquid, for example oil and/or a suitable plasticizer, before and/or during the suction removal of the adhesive.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWetting: Wetting

Data Source

PatentEP2512697B1Method for removing excess adhesive
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 EFTEC EURO HLDG
  • EP2512697B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2512697B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2512697B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for removing excess adhesive upon bonding two components (10, 12), in particular an inner part and an outer part of a door, flap or the like for a motor vehicle, wherein an adhesive (18) is applied to a bonding region (14) of at least one of the components (10, 12) and the components (10, 12) are bonded in the bonding region (14), wherein excess adhesive (24) is removed by means of a suction device (30, 32) after bonding.