UV Curing System Remote Controller Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV-curing systems for paints and coatings pose a safety risk to operators due to the proximity required to the ultraviolet radiation source, exposing them to harmful rays during the curing process.
Innovation Solution
Decoupling the UV radiation source and controller into separate units, allowing the operator to control the UV radiation from a distance using a wired or wireless connection, with optional infrared heating, to maintain safety while curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the operator controls the UV radiation source from close proximity, then the control and operation is simple and direct, but the operator is exposed to harmful ultraviolet radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate units: a base unit containing the UV radiation source and a remote controller unit. This segmentation allows the operator to control the UV curing process from a distance, reducing exposure to harmful radiation while maintaining operational capability. The remote controller can be connected via wired or wireless communication to the base unit.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication interface (wired or wireless) acts as an intermediary between the operator and the UV radiation source. This intermediary allows the operator to send control signals to activate or deactivate the UV source without being in close proximity, thus protecting the operator from radiation exposure while maintaining control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the controller is placed remotely from the UV source, then operator safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs communication interfaces (wired or wireless) as intermediaries to connect the remote controller to the base unit. These intermediaries enable control signal transmission without requiring physical proximity, thus maintaining operator safety while managing system complexity through standardized communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed to accept both wired and wireless control modes, making the system versatile. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements and environments, reducing the impact of added complexity by providing flexible control options.
3Device complexity
If the UV radiation source and controller are integrated in one unit, then the device structure is simple, but the operator must stand close to the radiation source during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated unit is segmented into a base unit (containing the UV radiation source) and a separate controller unit. This segmentation physically separates the operator from the radiation source during operation, reducing harmful exposure while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure through modular design.
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 operators to stand several feet or more away from the UV radiation, significantly reducing exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays, thereby enhancing safety during the curing process.
Implementation Method 1
A source of intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation coupled to the base unit by way of a pivoting arm
Implementation Method 2
A detachable infrared lamp may be optionally disposed along side the UV source
Data Source
AI summary
An ultraviolet curing system separates the source of ultraviolet radiation and the controller, allowing an operator to stand at a relatively great distance away from the ultraviolet radiation when applied. The apparatus includes a base unit and a source of intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation coupled to the base unit by way of a pivoting arm. A controller, disposed remotely from the base unit, allows an operator to activate the source of UV radiation at a distance of at least several feet away from the source. The preferred embodiment allows an operator to control the UV radiation at a distance of 10 to 100 feet or more using a wired or wireless interconnection between the controller and the base unit. A detachable infrared lamp may be optionally disposed along side the UV source.