Vibration-Based Delay Time Determination for Robotic Spray Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for spray application of viscous fluids face challenges in determining component-related delay times, which are crucial for optimal application results, due to complex and manual indirect methods that are not easily automated.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a vibration sensor to detect vibrations on an impact object during application, correlating changes in the vibration profile with input parameter changes to determine component-related delay times, aided by a computing device for data analysis and control of the application system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual indirect methods are used to determine delay times, then measurement can be performed, but automation is difficult and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of delay time determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of measurement system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual indirect measurement methods with an automated vibration-based detection system. The vibration sensor detects vibrations caused by viscous fluid impacting the substrate, and the computing device automatically determines delay times by analyzing the temporal relationship between dosing device activation and vibration onset, eliminating manual intervention and enabling full automation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the natural vibration signal generated by the viscous fluid impact itself as the measurement indicator. The impact of the fluid on the substrate creates inherent vibrations that serve as the detection signal, eliminating the need for external complex measurement apparatus and enabling self-measuring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If vibration sensor and computing device are used, then automation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of delay time determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of measurement system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration sensor acts as an intermediary that converts the physical impact of viscous fluid into an electrical signal that can be processed by the computing device. This intermediary enables automated detection while keeping the system architecture simple and modular.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If delay times are not accurately determined, then coordination of dosing device and fluid valve is poor, but application precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of spray applicationVSAvoidcomplexity of delay time determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses vibration detection as feedback to determine when the viscous fluid actually impacts the substrate. This feedback information is used by the computing device to calculate the delay time and optimize the coordination between the dosing device and fluid valve, thereby improving application precision through closed-loop control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 simple and automated determination of delay times, improving the precision and homogeneity of the spray application by correlating vibration data with input parameter changes, thus optimizing the timing of dosing device and fluid valve operations.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration sensor (22) which is provided for continuously detecting vibrations of the impact object (20) when applying the viscous fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP2962766B1System and method for determining component-related delay times for the robotic spray application of viscous fluids
Publication Date: 2016.11.23 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP2962766B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2962766B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (10) for determining component-related delay times (42) for the spray application of viscous fluids, comprising a controllable application system for a viscous fluid with at least the components metering device (12), fluid valve (18) and application nozzle (14), wherein the dynamic behavior of the application system with respect to the volume flow profile of the viscous fluid during application depends, among other things, on component-related delay times (42), and an impact object (20) for spraying with the viscous fluid through the application nozzle (14).The system is characterized by a vibration sensor (22) for continuously detecting vibrations of the impact object (20), particularly during the application of the viscous fluid. The vibration sensor (22) is designed to provide a vibration profile (44) in the form of continuous measurement data. At least one computing device (24), designed to control the application system with a sequence of predefinable input parameters (42), establishes a temporal correlation between a change in an input parameter of the application system and a subsequent change in the vibration profile (44), and determines and provides a respective component-related delay time (46). The invention also relates to a method for determining and applying component-related delay times (46) using a system according to the invention.