WO2021185837A1

WO2021185837A1 - Method and system for operating a manufacturing-site applicator

Info

Publication number: WO2021185837A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/056683
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tomasz CWIK; Erik METZ; Thomas Chase; Joshua James BELILL
Original assignee: Basf Se
Priority date: 2020-03-18
Filing date: 2021-03-16
Publication date: 2021-09-23

Abstract

The present application provides a method for operating an applicator (400) adapted to apply a polymerizing material, the applicator (400) located at a manufacturing site and operatively connected to a manufacturing-site computer device (410), the method comprising the steps of: obtaining, by the manufacturing-site computer device (410), cleaning process data (CL_data) capable of at least triggering a cleaning process of the applicator (400), controlling, in response to the cleaning process data (CL_data), of the applicator (400) to drive a material outlet of the applicator (400) to cleaning means (500) adapted to remove at least material residues from the material outlet, and controlling, in response to the cleaning process data (CL_data), a detection means (700) for capturing, after applying an amount of the polymerizing material through the cleaned material outlet, a spray pattern of the applied amount of the polymerizing material in captured verification data (V_data); wherein the captured verification data (V_data) is processed to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or the spray pattern.

Description

Method and system for operating a manufacturing-site applicator

The present application relates to operating a manufacturing-site applicator that is adapted to apply polymerizing material. In particular, the invention relates to a method of operating a manufacturing site applicator, an applicator for applying a polymerizing material, a computing cloud for operating an applicator adapted to apply a polymerizing material, and a computer program element for operating an applicator adapted to apply a polymerizing material.

An applicator that is adapted to apply polymerizing material may be used in different technical and/or industrial fields. By way of example, the polymerizing material may be used for insulation purposes, such as manufacturing an insulated member that can be used in many ways, for example, to achieve thermal insulation, sound insulation or the like. The field of application of such an insulated member is correspondingly wide and extends, for example, to applications in numerous industries, such as construction industry, automotive industry, packaging industry etc. By way of example, such insulated members may be used as an interior trim, as an exterior wall cladding, as a construction member, as packaging material, or the like, usable in a wide range of industries.

Typically, such insulated member is manufactured manually by applying polymerizing material to a carrier by a manufacturing personnel. The carrier may also be referred to as a raw part, wherein the raw part provided with the applied polymerizing material may be referred to as the insulated member or a part of the same. In this regard, it has been found that the manual production of such an insulated element can be hard work and/or labor-intensive and thus cost intensive. Further, it may also pose a health risk for the manufacturing personnel, for example, with regard to the materials used, which may also require a protective equipment, or the working position to be taken etc. It is therefore desired that manufacturing be at least partially automated.

Even during manual manufacturing, the applicator can get blocked by the material from time to time by the polymerizing material to be applied. This can further complicate automation, and manufacturing in general.

Therefore, there may still be a need for providing more efficient and effective means for manufacturing of an insulated member. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide more efficient and effective means for manufacturing an insulated member.

A first aspect of the invention provides a, preferably computer-implemented, method for operating an applicator adapted to apply a polymerizing material. The applicator is located at a manufacturing site and is operatively connected to a, in particular manufacturing-site, computer device. For example, the computer device may be a so-called edge computer arranged locally at the manufacturing site. In some embodiments, the applicator may be a smart device comprising onboard computational means and/or interfaces to be directly connected with the computing cloud, wherein the onboard computational means and/or interfaces may be referred to as the manufacturing-site computer. The method may be implemented in computer program instructions, e.g. provided as a computer program element, and may be performed, for example, by one or more data processing or computer devices, in particular by one or more computer devices of a distributed computer system. Such a distributed computer system may particularly comprise a computing cloud, a client-server system or the like, and a manufacturing- site computer device, such as an edge-computer or the like. In some embodiments, it may be contemplated that individual computation steps can be processed on different processing units. This means that the distributed computer system may be implemented centrally via cloud computing or remotely via edge computing. The computer devices may comprise a data processor, a memory, a data interface, a communication interface, etc.

The method for operating an applicator adapted to apply a polymerizing material, such as a foamable material, comprises the steps of:

- Obtaining, by the manufacturing-site computer device, cleaning process data capable of at least triggering a cleaning process of the applicator.

In general, the cleaning process may be necessary because the polymerizing material leaves residues at a material outlet, material feed, or the like, of the applicator or associated auxiliary equipment. The cleaning process data may be a part of data relating to a manufacturing job to be performed by use of the applicator. For example, the manufacturing job and/or the cleaning process data may include a command, signal, flag, remark, or the like, indicative for that the applicator should be subjected to a cleaning process and/or a material output verification process. For example, depending on whether a distributed computer system with a computing cloud and the local, manufacturing-site computer device and/or a different configuration of the computer means is used, the cleaning process data may be provided in the following manners. For example, the cleaning data may be provided by the computing cloud, e.g. as a part or not of data relating to an actual manufacturing job to be performed. The cleaning process data may then be directly used to control the applicator to control the applicator. Alternatively, the cleaning process data may be provided with or as a trigger, such as a command, signal, flag, remark, or the like, wherein the actual control instructions for e.g. controlling the applicator to perform the cleaning process, may be generated and/or stored at the manufacturing site, e.g. by the manufacturing-site computer device. Further alternatively, the cleaning process data and/or trigger is not provided by the computing cloud but is generated and/or stored at the manufacturing site, e.g. by the manufacturing-site computer device.

- Controlling, in response to the cleaning process data, of the applicator for moving and/or aligning a material outlet of the applicator to cleaning means adapted to remove at least material residues from the material outlet.

Optionally, the applicator is then controlled to clean itself by using the cleaning means. For example, the applicator may on itself or may be controlled to clean etc. its material outlet on suitable means, e.g. a metal brush, to remove material residues. For example, the cleaning process data can trigger the start of the cleaning process, wherein control instructions for carrying out the cleaning process, in particular for moving etc. of the applicator may already be stored in the applicator or the manufacturing-site computer device. The control instructions cause, when executed/computed by a computer, the applicator to operate, e.g. move etc., according to the cleaning process. The cleaning means may operate mechanically, pneumatically, or the like, and may comprise one or more of a metal brush, a drill, a compressed air system, etc.

- Controlling, in response to the cleaning process data, a detection means for capturing, after applying an amount of the polymerizing material through the cleaned material outlet, a spray pattern of the applied amount of the polymerizing material in captured verification data.

Thus, the cleaning process is followed by a material output verification process, in particular to verify that the cleaning process was successful and that the applicator is ready for use. If the applicator has a spray gun as material outlet, the material output verification process may also be referred to as pre-spraying. The applicator may pre-spray the amount of the polymerizing material, which is rather small when the material outlet is opened for a short time, e.g. a fraction of a second, of the polymerizing material. The amount of the polymerizing material may also be referred to as an application sample.

The material output verification process further comprises an analysis of the look of the polymerizing material previously applied by pre-spraying. The aim is, for example, to verify the spray pattern. The detection means may comprise a suitable sensor, e.g. a camera, or the like.

It is preferably aligned to capture the spray pattern, e.g. aligned with a verification application surface and, in at least some embodiments, operationally connected to the computer device to provide image data for further processing, wherein the image data may be included in the captured verification data. In some embodiments, the detection means may be able to operate without being connected to the computer device, wherein the detection means may comprise on-board computational means, i.e. it may be a smart device, and may be, preferably directly, connected to the computing cloud.

- The captured verification data is processed to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or the spray pattern or pre-spray pattern and/or the material output verification process.

For example, from the analysis of the deposited, e.g. sprayed, pattern, it can be concluded whether the previously carried out cleaning process was successful, in particular whether the polymerizing material is applied according to specification. The analysis may be performed by using common image analysis methods, such as image recognition or the like, machine learning techniques, etc.

In this way, the cleaning process is followed by a material output verification process, in particular to verify that the cleaning process was successful and that the applicator is ready for use. If the applicator has a spray gun as material outlet, the material output verification process may also be referred to as pre-spraying.

This method allows a high degree of automation as even the cleaning of the applicator and the subsequent functional test can be carried out at least semi-automated. It may also be controlled remotely.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise controlling, in response to the cleaning process data, of the applicator for moving and/or aligning the material outlet to a verification application surface configured to receive an, preferably predetermined or at least traceable, the amount of the polymerizing material.

The verification application surface may be a panel or surface, preferably a flat surface, onto which the applicator pre-spray the amount, which is rather small when the material outlet is opened for a short time, e.g. a fraction of a second, of the polymerizing material. A distance between the material outlet and the verification application surface may be in the centimeter range, e.g. 20 to 100 cm. The amount of the polymerizing material may also be referred to as an application sample.

In a further embodiment, the method further comprises controlling, in response to the cleaning process data (CL_data), the detection means (700) for capturing, after applying the amount of the polymerizing material, the verification application surface (600) in captured verification data (V_data).

According to an embodiment, removing the material residues from the material outlet further comprises one or more of: bringing the material outlet in contact with a metal brush, clearing of a material feeding, the material feeding located between a material reservoir and the material outlet, and blowing of a fluid, preferably compressed air, onto the material outlet.

Bringing into contact may involve rubbing, grinding, or the like. Clearance may include drilling, etc. The air blowing can be done by a compressed air system.

Optionally, the applicator is then controlled to output the amount of the polymerizing material onto the verification application surface.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises: if processing of the captured verification data produces a positive result, the applicator is to establish operational readiness for a new application job, or if the processing of the captured verification data produces a negative result, the applicator is controlled to repeat the steps of controlling, in response to the cleaning process data, of the applicator for aligning the material outlet to a verification application surface configured to receive an amount of the polymerizing material and/or controlling, in response to the cleaning process data, of the applicator for aligning the material outlet to a verification application surface configured to receive an amount of the polymerizing material, and/or controlling, in response to the cleaning process data, a detection means for capturing, after applying the amount of the polymerizing material, the verification application surface in captured verification data.

In other words, the cleaning process and/or the material output verification process may be repeated for a number of times, if the captured verification data show that the application sample deposited on the verification application surface is not according to specification, which specification may be indicative for a desired material pattern.

According to an embodiment, after a predetermined number of repetitions, if the processing of the captured verification data still produces a negative result, the process may be terminated and this may be logged, preferably in logging data. Thus, quality issues may be monitored and logged for quality purposes.

In an embodiment, the step of capturing, after applying the amount of the polymerizing material, the verification application surface in captured verification data further comprises: capturing of at least one camera picture of the verification application surface.

According to an embodiment, the step of capturing, after applying the amount of the polymerizing material, the verification application surface in captured verification data may further comprise: capturing a number of process parameters comprising one or more of: an opening time of the material outlet during the application of the amount of polymerizing material onto the verification application surface, a temperature of the material, a pressure of the material, a location of the verification application surface, a type of polymerizing material used, a configuration of the cleaning means, etc.

For example, the opening time may indicative for the amount of polymerizing material applied onto the verification application surface if the material throughput through the material outlet is known. In some embodiments, the opening time may refer to a nozzle opening time of the applicator. The location of the verification application surface may refer to a geographical location of the manufacturing site, like a certain region, city or the like, and/or may refer to a certain orientation relative to the applicator. Depending on the certain region, air humidity and/or ambient temperature can be considered for the analysis of the spray pattern. The configuration of the cleaning means may refer to a number of brushes of the metal brush, operation time of the compressed-air system, or the like. This provides more data to better analyze the spray pattern.

In an embodiment, processing the captured verification data may further comprise: performing, based on the captured verification data, a pattern recognition of the amount of the polymerizing material applied to the verification application surface, and comparing the recognized pattern with an expected value, wherein a result of the comparison is used to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or material output verification process. In other words, pattern recognition is carried out on the captured application sample using a suitable computer or computed method, e.g. by using artificial neural networks, classifiers and/or deep learning algorithms, etc. For example, a two-dimensional extension may be analyzed with regard to its uniformity, whereby, for example, a uniform extension, in particular a uniform circular shape, may indicate that the spray pattern is according to specification and consequently the cleaning process was successful. Further, thickness of the application sample may be analyzed. Different deviations from the expected value can indicate different error causes with regard to the degree of cleaning of the applicator, operating parameters, such as temperature, etc.

According to an embodiment, processing the captured verification data may further comprise: providing, from the manufacturing site, the captured verification data to a computing cloud for processing.

As explained above, the method may be carried out by use of a distributed computer system. In this embodiment, at least a part of processing the captured verification data may be carried out at the computing cloud. The latter may be remote to the manufacturing site, and may be located even in a different city, region, continent, etc. In the computing cloud, some of all of the process data may be logged, stored and/or processed in order to have a proof of quality and/or to improve the process.

A second aspect of the invention provides a method for operating an applicator adapted to apply a polymerizing material, the applicator located at a manufacturing site and operatively connected to a computer device, the method being applied to a computing cloud. The computing cloud may be remote to the manufacturing site and may be at least selectively or temporary connected to the manufacturing-site computer device via a communications network, such as the Internet. The applicator may be that of the first aspect above.

The method for operating the applicator adapted to apply a polymerizing material comprises the steps of:

- Obtaining, from the manufacturing site, captured verification data containing a capture of a spray pattern of an amount of the polymerizing material has been applied by the applicator, after cleaning a material outlet of the applicator.

The verification data and the spray pattern and/or the verification application surface have already been described in connection with the first aspect above and are not described again here.

- Processing, by the computing cloud, the captured verification data to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or spray pattern and/or material output verification process. According to the second aspect, the processing of data is performed in the computing cloud and not on the edge computer, i.e. the manufacturing-site computer device. With regard to data processing, reference is made to the explanations of the first aspect above.

- Providing an evaluated result in response of the processing of the captured verification data.

The evaluated result may be fed back to the manufacturing site and/or may be logged, stored, etc. in the computing cloud for further processing, such as quality assurance, etc.

According to an embodiment, the step of processing, by the computing cloud, the captured verification data to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or material output verification process may further comprise: performing a pattern recognition based on at least one camera picture of the verification application surface contained in the captured verification data, and comparing the recognized pattern with an expected value, wherein a result of the comparison is used to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or spray pattern and/or material output verification process.

In other words, pattern recognition is carried out on the captured application sample using a suitable computer method, e.g. by using artificial neural networks, classifiers and/or deep learning algorithms, etc. For example, a two-dimensional extension may be analyzed with regard to its uniformity, whereby, for example, a uniform extension, in particular a uniform circular shape, may indicate that the spray pattern is according to specification and consequently the cleaning process was successful. Further, thickness of the application sample may be analyzed. Different deviations from the expected value can indicate different error causes with regard to the degree of cleaning of the applicator, operating parameters, such as temperature, etc.

In an embodiment, obtaining, from the manufacturing site, captured verification data, may further comprise: obtaining of a number of process parameters comprising one or more of: an opening time of the material outlet during the application of the amount of polymerizing material onto the verification application surface, a location of the verification application surface, and a configuration of the cleaning means, wherein the obtained number of process parameters is used to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or material output verification process.

For example, the opening time may be indicative for the amount of polymerizing material applied onto the verification application surface if the material throughput through the material outlet is known. In some embodiments, the opening time may refer to a nozzle opening time of the applicator. The location of the verification application surface may refer to a geographical location of the manufacturing site, like a certain region, city or the like, and/or may refer to a certain orientation relative to the applicator. Depending on the certain region, air humidity and/or ambient temperature can be considered for the analysis of the spray pattern. The configuration of the cleaning means may refer to a number of brushes of the metal brush, operation time of the compressed-air system, or the like. This provides more data to better analyze the spray pattern.

According to an embodiment, the method may further comprise: adjusting, by the computing cloud, based on the evaluated result, a number of process parameters to be provided to the manufacturing site, wherein the one or more adjusted process parameters are used by the manufacturing site for: controlling, in response to the cleaning process data, of the applicator for aligning a material outlet of the applicator to cleaning means adapted to remove at least material residues from the material outlet, and/or controlling, in response to the cleaning process data, of the applicator for aligning the material outlet to a verification application surface configured to receive an amount of the polymerizing material.

For example, the adjusted process parameter may refer to an opening time of the material outlet, a temperature of the polymerizing material to be applied, a distance between the material outlet and the verification application surface during application of the sample, or the like.

A third aspect of the invention provides an applicator for applying a polymerizing material, the applicator located at a manufacturing site. The applicator may be operated according to the above method, in particular the method according to the first aspect.

The applicator comprises:

- A computer device, comprising a data interface adapted to at least obtain cleaning process data capable of at least triggering a cleaning process of the applicator.

- An application robot, adapted to be controlled by the computer device on basis of the cleaning process data, and comprising a material outlet adapted to apply the polymerizing material, cleaning means, adapted to remove at least material residues from the material outlet.

- The computer device, which may comprise a PLC controller etc., is adapted to cause the applicator to control, in response to the cleaning process data, aligning a material outlet of the applicator to cleaning means adapted to remove at least material residues from the material outlet, control, in response to the cleaning process data, and control, in response to the cleaning process data, a detection means for capturing, after applying an amount of the polymerizing material through the cleaned material outlet, a spray pattern in captured verification data, wherein the captured verification data is processed to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or material output verification process.

The advantages of the applicator correspond at least essentially to those of the method described above and are not described here again.

In an embodiment, the applicator further comprises a verification application surface, adapted to receive an amount of the polymerizing material. This may be utilized for applying the amount of the polymerizing material that is to be captured. According to an embodiment, The computer device is further adapted for moving and/or aligning the material outlet to the verification application surface configured to receive an amount of the polymerizing material.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a computing cloud for operating an applicator adapted to apply a polymerizing material, the applicator being located at a manufacturing site and operatively connected to a manufacturing-site computer device as well as to the computing cloud remote to the manufacturing site, the computing cloud comprising:

- a data processing unit,

- a data interface, adapted to exchange data with the manufacturing site,

- The data processing unit is adapted to obtain, from the manufacturing site, captured verification data containing a capture of a spray pattern of an amount of the polymerizing material that has been applied by the applicator after cleaning a material outlet of the applicator, process the captured verification data to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or spray pattern and/or material output verification process, and provide an evaluated result in response of the processing of the captured verification data.

As used herein, the computing cloud may in particular be a computer system that provides shared configurable computer system resources and services that can be provided via a network communication system, such as the Internet.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides computer program element for operating an applicator adapted to apply a polymerizing material, the program, when being executed by a computer device, is adapted for carrying out the method according to the first and/or second aspect.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a system comprising the applicator according to the third aspect and the computing cloud according to the fourth aspect.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in the following with reference to the following drawings.

Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a system for applying a polymerizing material according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows examples of different patterns that may occur during a material output verification process according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a flow chart of a method of manufacturing an insulated member, according to an embodiment of the invention. The drawings are merely schematic representations and serve only to illustrate the invention. Identical or equivalent elements are consistently provided with the same reference signs.

Figure 1 shows in a schematic block diagram a system 100 for applying a polymerizing material, which system 100 may be provided as a distributed computer system. In some embodiments, it may be contemplated that individual computation steps can be processed on different computer devices and/or processing units. This means that the system 100 may be implemented centrally via cloud computing or remotely via edge computing. In some embodiments, the application of the polymerizing material may be used to manufacture an insulated member 200 that may be an insulated construction member, such as a construction panel used for panelized buildings, in the prefabricated building industry, or the like. Of course, it may be contemplated that the insulated member 200 is configured different and is adapted to be used in other industries. The insulated member 200 at least comprises a raw part 201 having at least one polymerizing material application section, e.g. a surface, a cavity or the like, and polymerizing material 202 applied thereon. In some embodiments, the polymerizing material 202 may be a foamable polymerizing material, such as polyurethane, or the like.

The system 100 comprises, at a computing cloud site, a computing cloud 300 which is adapted to provide computer system resources and services via a network communication system, such as the Internet. Accordingly, the computing cloud 300 comprises data processing means 310, which comprises one or more processors, a data storage etc.

The system 100 further comprises, at the manufacturing site, an applicator 400, and in particular a control computer device 410, comprising e.g. a PLC controller etc., having a data interface adapted to exchange data with the computing cloud 300. Further, at the manufacturing site, system 100 comprises an application robot 420 adapted to be controlled by the control computer device 410. In some embodiments, the application robot 420 is an industrial robot having six degrees of freedom. In addition, the application robot 420 is adapted to apply the polymerizing material 402 by spraying, pouring, or the like. For this purpose, the applicator 400, and in particular the application robot 420 comprises, for example, a material outlet 421 that may be provided as a spraying head or the like, a material feeding, a material reservoir 430, material temperature regulating means, etc.

Further, at the manufacturing site, system 100 comprises cleaning means 500, adapted to remove at least material residues from the material outlet 421. The cleaning means 500 are arranged at a location and/or position that can be determined or is known an may be operated mechanically, pneumatically, or the like, and may, for example, comprise one or more of a metal brush, a drill, a compressed air system, etc., which may be arranged on a carrier that is fixed with respect to the application robot 420. It is understood that the cleaning means 500 are arranged in an environment of application robot 420 to be physically reached by it.

Further, in at least some embodiments, at the manufacturing site, system 100 optionally comprises a verification application surface 600, adapted to receive an amount of the polymerizing material. The verification application surface 600 may, for example, be formed as a flat panel or the like, and may be arranged at a location and/or position that can be determined or is known. The verification application surface 600 may be arranged on a carrier that is fixed with respect to the application robot 420. It is understood that verification application surface 600 is arranged in an environment of application robot 420 to be physically reached by it.

Further, at the manufacturing site, system 100 comprises detection means 700 for capturing, after applying the amount of the polymerizing material, the verification application surface 600 in captured verification data. The detection means 700 may, for example, comprise one or more of an image sensor, a camera, or the like, adapted to capture an image of the verification application surface 600. It is understood that detection means 700 is arranged in a manner to have a field of view of the verification application surface 600.

The system 100 may be operated as described below.

At the manufacturing-site, control computer device 410, obtains cleaning process data CL_data (see Figure 1 ) capable of at least triggering a cleaning process of the applicator 400. In general, the cleaning process may be necessary because, after performing an application job where the polymerizing material is applied to manufacture e.g. the insulated member 200, the polymerizing material may leave residues at the material outlet 421 , material feed, or the like, of the applicator 400 or the associated auxiliary equipment, such as the material reservoir 430 or any interconnecting material feeding means in-between. The cleaning process data may be a part of data relating to a manufacturing job to be performed by use of the applicator 400. For example, the manufacturing job and/or the cleaning process data may include a signal, flag, remark, or the like, indicative for that the applicator should be subjected to a cleaning process and/or a material output verification process.

In response to the obtained cleaning process data CL_data, the applicator 400, and in particular the application robot 420, is then controlled, by the control computer device 410, for driving aligning the material outlet 421 of the applicator 400, and in particular of the application robot 420, on or to the cleaning means 500 that is adapted to remove at least material residues from the material outlet 421. Optionally, the applicator 400, and in particular the application robot 420, is then controlled to clean itself by using the cleaning means. For example, the applicator 400 may grind its material outlet 421 on the metal brush. For example, the cleaning process data can trigger the start of the cleaning process, wherein control instructions for carrying out the cleaning process, in particular for moving etc. of the applicator 400, may already be stored in the applicator 400 or the manufacturing-site computer device 410. The control instructions cause, when executed by the computer device 410, the applicator 400, and in particular the application robot 420, to operate, e.g. move etc., according to the cleaning process.

Further, in response to the cleaning process data CL_data, the applicator 400, and in particular the application robot 420, is controlled to output, e.g. spray, an, preferably predetermined or at least traceable, amount of the polymerizing material through the cleaned material outlet 421 , i.e. the material outlet 421 that has been previously cleaned as explained above. This procedure may also be referred to a pre-spraying. The applied amount of the polymerizing material comprises a spray pattern that may be evaluated.

In at least some embodiments, in response to the cleaning process data CL_data, the applicator 400, and in particular the application robot 420, is controlled for aligning the material outlet 421 to the verification application surface 600 that is configured to receive an, preferably predetermined or at least traceable, amount of the polymerizing material. Optionally, the applicator 400, and in particular the application robot 420, is then controlled to output the amount of the polymerizing material onto the verification application surface 600. Thereby, the above cleaning process is followed by a material output verification process, in particular to verify that the cleaning process was successful and that the applicator is ready for use.

Then, in response to the cleaning process data CL_data, the detection means 700 that is controlled for capturing, after applying the amount of the polymerizing material, the spray pattern and/or the verification application surface 600, which may comprise the spray pattern, in captured verification data V_data (see Figure 1). The material output verification process further comprises an analysis of the look of the polymerizing material previously applied, e.g. applied onto the verification application surface. The aim is, for example, to verify the spray pattern.

Further, the captured verification data V_data is processed, either locally at the manufacturing site by use of the control computer device 410 or, by providing the captured verification data V_data to the computing cloud 300, remotely at the computing cloud site, to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or material output verification process. For example, from the analysis of the spray pattern, it can be concluded whether the previously carried out cleaning process was successful, in particular whether the polymerizing material is applied according to specification.

Optionally, removing the material residues from the material outlet 421 by using the cleaning means 500 further comprises one or more of bringing the material outlet 421 in contact with a metal brush, clearing of a material feeding, the material feeding located between the material reservoir 430 and the material outlet 421 , and blowing of a fluid, preferably compressed air, onto the material outlet 421.

Optionally, if processing of the captured verification data V_data produces a positive result, the applicator 400 is to establish operational readiness for a new application job, or if the processing of the captured verification data produces a negative result, the applicator 400 is controlled to repeat one or more of the steps of the cleaning process and/or the material output verification process. In other words, the cleaning process and/or the material output verification process may be repeated for a number of times, if the captured verification data V_data show that the application sample is not according to specification. Optionally, after a predetermined number of repetitions, if the processing of the captured verification data V_data still produces a negative result, the process may be terminated and this may be logged, preferably in logging data. This can be performed either locally at the manufacturing site by use of the control computer device 410 or, by providing the captured verification data V_data to the computing cloud 300, remotely at the computing cloud site. Further optionally, a number of process parameters may captured, comprising one or more of an opening time of the material outlet 421 during the application of the amount of polymerizing material onto the verification application surface, a location of the verification application surface, a type of polymerizing material used, and a configuration of the cleaning means. For example, the opening time may indicative for the amount of polymerizing material applied onto the verification application surface if the material throughput through the material outlet 421 is known. For example, the opening time may refer to a nozzle opening time of the applicator. The location of the verification application surface may refer to a geographical location of the manufacturing site, like a certain region, city or the like, and/or may refer to a certain orientation relative to the applicator. Depending on the certain region, air humidity and/or ambient temperature can be considered for the analysis of the spray pattern. The configuration of the cleaning means may refer to a number of brushes of the metal brush, operation time of the compressed-air system, or the like.

Optionally, based on the captured verification data V_data, a pattern recognition of the amount of the polymerizing material applied to the verification application surface may be performed. This may performed either locally at the manufacturing site by use of the control computer device 410 or, by providing the captured verification data V_data to the computing cloud 300, remotely at the computing cloud site. The recognized pattern may be compared with an expected value, wherein a result of the comparison is used to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or material output verification process. In other words, pattern recognition is carried out on the captured application sample using a suitable computer method, e.g. by using artificial neural networks, classifiers and/or deep learning algorithms, etc. For example, a two- dimensional extension may be analyzed with regard to its uniformity, whereby, for example, a uniform extension, in particular a uniform circular shape, may indicate that the spray pattern is according to specification and consequently the cleaning process was successful. Further, thickness of the application sample may be analyzed. Different deviations from the expected value can indicate different error causes with regard to the degree of cleaning of the applicator, operating parameters, such as temperature, etc.

Figure 2, which comprises the partial Figures 2A to 2D, is used to better illustrate the material output verification process. Figures 2A to 2D only show examples of possible patterns that may occur in the material output verification process as a result of the amount of the polymerizing material, wherein further patterns are possible.

By way of example, Figure 2A shows a pattern that forms a circle, at least approximately perfect. This means a uniform thickness and an evenly shaped spray pattern. The recognition of this pattern would lead to a positive result, and means that the cleaning process has been successful and the applicator 400 is ready for further operation, i.e. a next manufacturing job.

Figure 2B shows a distorted pattern, as compared to the normal pattern shown in Figure 2A, which distorted pattern may be caused, for example, by too much air on an air cap of the applicator 400, and in particular of the application robot 420, by material residues, dirty ports of a mixing module of the applicator, and in particular of the application robot 420, or the like. The recognition of this pattern would lead to a negative result, and means that the cleaning process has not been successful and has to be repeated.

Figure 2C shows a further pattern that may be referred to as a doughnut pattern. It may be caused, for example, by a temperature, in particular an application and/or material temperature that is too high, as compared with specification. The pattern may have an at least partially hollow center with raised portion on the outer diameter. The recognition of this pattern would lead to a negative result, and means that the cleaning process has not been successful and has to be repeated.

Figure 2D shows a further example of a pattern that comprises spatter and/or splash portions of the polymerizing material. This pattern may be caused, for example, by a temperature, in particular an application and/or material temperature that is too low, as compared with specification. The resulting material distribution is uneven as compared to the normal pattern as shown in Figure 2A. . The recognition of this pattern would lead to a negative result, and means that the cleaning process has not been successful and has to be repeated.

Figure 3 shows in a flow chart of a method for operating the applicator 400. In a step S110, the cleaning process data CL_data is obtained by the manufacturing-site computer device 410. In a step S120, in response to the cleaning process data CL_data, the applicator 400 is controlled for aligning its material outlet 421 to the cleaning means 500. In a step S130, in response to the cleaning process data CL_data, the applicator 400 is controlled for applying an amount of the polymerizing material through the previously cleaned material outlet 421. Optionally, the applicator 400 may be controlled for aligning the material outlet 421 to the verification application surface 600. In a step S140, in response to the cleaning process data CL_data, the detection means 700 is controlled for capturing, after applying the amount of the polymerizing material, the spray pattern or, optionally, the verification application surface 600 in captured verification data V_data.

Figure 4 shows in a flow chart of a further method for operating the applicator 400. In a step S210, the captured verification data V_data containing a capture of a verification application surface on which an amount of the polymerizing material has been applied by the applicator 400 is obtained from the manufacturing site. In a step, S220, the captured verification data V_data is processed by the computing cloud 300 to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or material output verification process. In a step S230, an evaluated result is provided in response to the processing of the captured verification data V_data. It is noted that embodiments of the invention are described with reference to different subject- matters. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to method type claims whereas other embodiments are described with reference to the device type claims. However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the above and the following description that, unless otherwise notified, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter also any combination between features relating to different subject matters is considered to be disclosed with this application. However, all features can be combined providing synergetic effects that are more than the simple summation of the features.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing a claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the dependent claims.

In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items re-cited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are re-cited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A method for operating an applicator (400) adapted to apply a polymerizing material, the applicator (400) located at a manufacturing site and operatively connected to a manufacturing- site computer device (410), the method comprising the steps of: obtaining, by the manufacturing-site computer device (410), cleaning process data (CL_data) capable of at least triggering a cleaning process of the applicator (400), controlling, in response to the cleaning process data (CL_data), of the applicator (400) to drive a material outlet of the applicator (400) to cleaning means (500) adapted to remove at least material residues from the material outlet, and controlling, in response to the cleaning process data (CL_data), a detection means (700) for capturing, after applying an amount of the polymerizing material through the cleaned material outlet, a spray pattern of the applied amount of the polymerizing material in captured verification data (V_data); wherein the captured verification data (V_data) is processed to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or spray pattern.

2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising: after driving the material outlet to the cleaning means (500), controlling, in response to the cleaning process data (CL_data), of the applicator (400) for aligning the material outlet to a verification application surface (600) configured to receive the amount of the polymerizing material.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: controlling, in response to the cleaning process data (CL_data), the detection means (700) for capturing, after applying the amount of the polymerizing material, the verification application surface (600) in captured verification data (V_data),

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein removing the material residues from the material outlet further comprises one or more of: bringing the material outlet in contact with a metal brush, clearing of a material feeding, the material feeding located between a material reservoir and the material outlet, and blowing of a fluid, preferably compressed air, onto the material outlet.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein if processing of the captured verification data (V_data) produces a positive result, the applicator (400) is to establish operational readiness for a new application job, or if the processing of the captured verification data (V_data) produces a negative result, the applicator (400) is controlled to repeat the steps of controlling, in response to the cleaning process data (CL_data), of the applicator (400) for aligning the material outlet to a verification application surface (600) configured to receive an amount of the polymerizing material and/or controlling, in response to the cleaning process data (CL_data), of the applicator (400) for aligning the material outlet to a verification application surface (600) configured to receive an amount of the polymerizing material, and/or controlling, in response to the cleaning process data (CL_data), a detection means (700) for capturing, after applying the amount of the polymerizing material, the verification application surface (600) in captured verification data (V_data).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, after a predetermined number of repetitions, if the processing of the captured verification data (V_data) still produces a negative result, the process is terminated and this is logged.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of capturing, after applying the amount of the polymerizing material, the verification application surface (600) in captured verification data (V_data) further comprises: capturing of at least one camera picture of the verification application surface (600).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of capturing, after applying the amount of the polymerizing material, the verification application surface (600) in captured verification data (V_data) further comprises: capturing a number of process parameters comprising one or more of: an opening time of the material outlet during the application of the amount of polymerizing material onto the verification application surface (600), a location of the verification application surface (600), a type of polymerizing material used, and a configuration of the cleaning means (500).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein processing the captured verification data (V_data) further comprises: performing, based on the captured verification data (V_data), a pattern recognition of the amount of the polymerizing material applied to the verification application surface (600), and comparing the recognized pattern with an expected value, wherein a result of the comparison is used to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or material output verification process.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein processing the captured verification data (V_data) further comprises: providing, from the manufacturing site, the captured verification data (V_data) to a computing cloud for processing.

11. A method for operating an applicator (400) adapted to apply a polymerizing material, the applicator (400) located at a manufacturing site and operatively connected to a computer device (410), the method being applied to a computing cloud and comprising the steps of: obtaining, from the manufacturing site, captured verification data (V_data) containing a capture of a spray pattern of an amount of the polymerizing material that has been applied by the applicator (400) after cleaning a material outlet of the applicator (400), processing, by the computing cloud, the captured verification data (V_data) to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or the spray pattern, and providing an evaluated result in response of the processing of the captured verification data (V_data).

12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the step of processing, by the computing cloud, the captured verification data (V_data) to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or material output verification process further comprises: performing a pattern recognition based on at least one camera picture of the verification application surface (600) contained in the captured verification data (V_data), and comparing the recognized pattern with an expected value, wherein a result of the comparison is used to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or material output verification process.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein obtaining, from the manufacturing site, captured verification data (V_data), further comprises: obtaining of a number of process parameters comprising one or more of: an opening time of the material outlet during the application of the amount of polymerizing material onto the verification application surface (600), a location of the verification application surface (600), and a configuration of the cleaning means (500), wherein the obtained number of process parameters is used to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or material output verification process.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising: adjusting, by the computing cloud, based on the evaluated result, a number of process parameters to be provided to the manufacturing site, wherein the one or more adjusted process parameters are used by the manufacturing site for: controlling, in response to the cleaning process data (CL_data), of the applicator (400) for aligning a material outlet of the applicator (400) to cleaning means (500) adapted to remove at least material residues from the material outlet, and/or controlling, in response to the cleaning process data (CL_data), of the applicator (400) for aligning the material outlet to a verification application surface (600) configured to receive an amount of the polymerizing material.

15. An applicator (400) for applying a polymerizing material, the applicator (400) located at a manufacturing site, comprising: a computer device (410), comprising a data interface adapted to at least obtain cleaning process data (CL_data) capable of at least triggering a cleaning process of the applicator (400), an application robot (420), adapted to be controlled by the computer device (410) on basis of the cleaning process data (CL_data), and comprising a material outlet adapted to apply the polymerizing material, and cleaning means (500), adapted to remove at least material residues from the material outlet, wherein the computer device (410) is adapted to cause the applicator (400) to: control, in response to the cleaning process data (CL_data), driving a material outlet of the applicator (400) to cleaning means (500) adapted to remove at least material residues from the material outlet, and control, in response to the cleaning process data (CL_data), a detection means (700) for capturing, after applying an amount of the polymerizing material, a spray pattern of the amount of the polymerizing material in captured verification data (V_data), wherein the captured verification data (V_data) is processed to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or the spray pattern.

16. The applicator (400) according to claim 15, further comprising a verification application surface (600), adapted to receive an amount of the polymerizing material, wherein the computer device (410) is further adapted to cause the applicator (400) to: control, in response to the cleaning process data (CL_data), after removing at least material residues from the material outlet, aligning the material outlet to a verification application surface (600) configured to receive an amount of the polymerizing material.

17. A computing cloud (300) for operating an applicator (400) adapted to apply a polymerizing material, the applicator (400) located at a manufacturing site and operatively connected to a manufacturing-site computer device (410) as well as to the computing cloud remote to the manufacturing site, the computing cloud comprising: a data processing unit (310), a data interface, adapted to exchange data with the manufacturing site, wherein the data processing unit is adapted to: obtain, from the manufacturing site, captured verification data (V_data) containing a capture of a spray pattern of an amount of the polymerizing material that has been applied by the applicator (400), process the captured verification data (V_data) to verify quality of the cleaning process and/or the spray pattern, and provide an evaluated result in response of the processing of the captured verification data (V_data).

18. A system, comprising: an applicator according to claim 15 or 16; and a computing cloud according to claim 17.

19. A computer program element for operating an applicator (400) adapted to apply a polymerizing material, the program, when being executed by a computer device (310, 410) , is adapted for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.