Mechanical Scraping Device for Zinc Coating Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing zinc coatings from metal plates, such as strip galvanizing, are costly and generate toxic fumes, and fail to efficiently handle complex contours and large areas.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a die and punch with a protruding blade and a roller, allowing for relative movement and compression to remove coatings efficiently, capable of handling various contours and sizes, and includes a suction system to manage waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If laser beam is used to remove material, then coating removal effectiveness is improved, but equipment cost and toxic fume production increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating removal effectivenessVSAvoidequipment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the laser beam (optical/thermal system) with a mechanical scraping system consisting of a die with protruding blade and a punch with roller. The mechanical scraping action effectively removes the zinc coating without the high equipment costs and toxic fume generation associated with laser technology, while maintaining coating removal effectiveness.

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

2Device complexity

If mechanical scraping is used to remove coating, then equipment cost is reduced, but ability to handle complex contours and large areas is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment costVSAvoidability to handle complex contours
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic elements including the roller that can rotate and adapt to the workpiece surface, and the coordinated motion between the die and punch that allows the scraping system to follow complex contours. This dynamic capability enables the simple mechanical system to handle varied geometries and large areas effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The scraping device with its adjustable die and punch configuration can perform multiple functions: removing coating from flat surfaces, following curved contours, and adapting to different workpiece sizes. This universal applicability allows a single mechanical system to replace multiple specialized tools.

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

3Loss of substance

If zinc coating is removed by vaporization, then coating is completely removed, but toxic fumes are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating removal completenessVSAvoidtoxic fumes
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful vaporization process into a beneficial mechanical scraping process. Instead of vaporizing the zinc coating and generating toxic fumes, the mechanical blade scrapes the coating off as solid particles, which can be contained and managed. The harmful thermal process is replaced with a cold mechanical process that eliminates fume generation while achieving complete coating removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 removal of zinc coatings with minimal environmental impact, allowing for reliable welding processes without the need for costly laser technology, and low investment costs.

Implementation Method 1

A punch (2) carries a roller (5) that rolls on the surface of the metal plate (3) opposite the blade (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

A pressure device for pressing the die and the punch together

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

the cutting edge of which points in the opposite direction of movement of the metal plate... a strip of material equal to the width of the blade is removed from the coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP3634656B1Device for removing material from a surface
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 WASHTEC HLDG
  • EP3634656B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3634656B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3634656B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for partially removing the coating of a metal plate, having the following features: - a die and a punch which together form a gap through which the metal plate is fed; - a drive for generating a movement of the die and the punch relative to the metal plate; wherein - the die has a protruding blade on the die surface facing the metal plate, the cutting edge of said blade pointing in the direction opposite to the movement direction of the metal plate; and - a pressing device for pressing together the die and the punch; - said punch having a roller which rolls on the metal plate surface opposite the blade.