Vertical Coating Line Profile Handling Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing vertical coating lines for elongated profiles can cause mechanical defects such as dents and scratches, and safety risks due to profiles touching or getting stuck together when transitioning from a horizontal to a vertical position.

Innovation Solution

A vertical coating line with a loading section featuring a monorail conveyor and a movable, rotatable surface that supports profiles from their opposite end, ensuring synchronized horizontal movement to prevent collisions and maintain distance between profiles, thereby preventing damage and ensuring safe handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If profiles are handled on the vertical coating line using conventional loading methods, then the coating process can be performed, but mechanical defects such as dents and scratches occur due to profiles touching or getting stuck together

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile integrityVSAvoidmechanical defects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A plane is introduced as an intermediary element between the profiles during the turning operation. This plane supports the profile from its lower end, preventing contact between adjacent profiles and eliminating the harmful mechanical defects that would otherwise occur during handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The plane is designed to be movable rather than stationary, allowing it to dynamically adapt to the profile's position during the turning operation. This dynamic support ensures continuous protection of the profile surface throughout the transition from horizontal to vertical orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If profiles are turned from horizontal to vertical position using stationary planes, then the positioning function is provided, but profiles may still get stuck and fall causing safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile positioningVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The plane is made movable to dynamically follow and support the profile during the turning operation. This ensures the profile remains securely supported throughout the entire motion, preventing it from getting stuck or falling, thereby eliminating safety risks while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable plane provides continuous feedback about the profile's position during turning, allowing the system to adjust the support position in real-time. This ensures the profile is always properly supported, preventing safety incidents while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Area of stationary object

If profiles are closely positioned during handling, then space is saved, but profiles touch each other causing mechanical damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading section areaVSAvoidprofile damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plane acts as a mediator between closely positioned profiles, providing individual support to each profile's lower end. This allows profiles to be positioned close together for space efficiency while the plane prevents them from touching and causing mechanical damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable plane dynamically adjusts to maintain optimal spacing between profiles during the turning operation, allowing them to be closely positioned for space efficiency while preventing contact that would cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4289514A1A vertical coating line and a method for treating elongated profiles on the vertical coating line
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 MAKELA ALU
  • EP4289514A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4289514A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4289514A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vertical coating line comprises a loading section (1) for loading elongated profiles (P) in a horizontal position and a spraying section for coating the elongated profiles in a vertical position. The loading section (1) comprises a conveyor (2) for conveying elongated profiles (P) to be coated in such a manner that each profile (P) is connected to the conveyor (2) from its one end (p1) and a plane for supporting each profile (P) from its other end (p2) when said profile (P) is turned from the horizontal position to the vertical position. The plane comprises at least one movable surface (3). A method for treating elongated profiles (P) on a vertical coating line is also disclosed.