Variable-Width Spray Vehicle for Epoxy Adhesive Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spray vehicles for applying two-component epoxy adhesives are inflexible and require multiple units for different road widths, making them inefficient and difficult to use for applications requiring fast and accurate coverage over varying surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A spray vehicle with a variable-width spray body and adjustable nozzles, equipped with a compressor for high-pressure atomization and a controller for automated component mixing and application, allowing for continuous application of epoxy adhesive over different road widths without interruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-width spray vehicle is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different road widths and requires multiple vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different road widthsVSAvoidspray vehicle structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spray body is designed with variable width capability, allowing it to dynamically adjust its spraying width to match different road widths. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for multiple fixed-width vehicles while maintaining operational simplicity through a single adjustable mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spray vehicle is designed as a universal device that can handle multiple road width specifications through its adjustable spray body. This multi-functional capability allows one vehicle to perform the work of several fixed-width vehicles, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the spray body width is changed during application, then flexibility is improved, but the application process becomes more complex and may require stopping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in spray width adjustmentVSAvoidcontinuous application capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The spray body incorporates dynamic width adjustment capability that allows real-time modification of spray width during movement. This dynamic system enables width changes without requiring the vehicle to stop, maintaining continuous application productivity while providing operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spray vehicle maintains continuous application operation by enabling width adjustments during movement rather than requiring stops. The useful action of applying epoxy adhesive continues uninterrupted while the spray body adapts its width, ensuring both flexibility and productivity are maintained simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple spray vehicles are provided for different widths, then each road width can be optimized, but the cost and number of vehicles increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray width precision for different roadsVSAvoidnumber of vehicles required
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single spray vehicle is designed with universal capability to handle multiple road width specifications through its adjustable spray body. This multi-functional design allows one vehicle to replace multiple specialized vehicles, reducing the total quantity of vehicles needed while maintaining the precision required for different road widths through controlled adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient and even distribution of epoxy adhesive over various road widths, ensuring proper adhesion and curing, while reducing the need for multiple vehicles and minimizing downtime during adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

a compressor (7) with a compressed air tank (8), the compressor being able to supply the epoxy adhesive under high pressure through conduits (16) to the nozzles (10) of the spray body (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh-pressure atomization: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4202120B1Method and spray vehicle for applying a two-component epoxy adhesive
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 TRAFIROAD NV
  • EP4202120B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Spray vehicle for applying a two-component epoxy adhesive comprising one or more storage spaces and a heating device for these components, a mixing device for mixing the components and conduits to a spray body provided at the rear of the spray vehicle, wherein the spray body has a variable length.