Checking UV Glue Curing While It Happens in Robotic Assembly

This patent describes a system that uses a light guide to shine UV light on glue, then immediately checks how well the glue is curing by measuring reflected light, all within a robot assembly line.

What it covers

This patent describes an apparatus for curing adhesives in an automated assembly process while simultaneously checking the curing quality. It uses a radiation source, like a UV lamp, to emit light that hardens the adhesive in a specific curing area. A 'radiation guide' then transmits this light from the source directly to the adhesive. Crucially, a sensor positioned near the radiation guide measures the light reflected off the adhesive *during* the curing process. A controller then analyzes this reflected light to see if it meets a certain quality level, or 'threshold'. If the curing isn't going as planned, the controller can signal a 'remedial action', such as re-applying adhesive or marking the part for inspection. For example, in assembling a smartphone, a robot applies a tiny drop of UV-curable glue, the system cures it, and simultaneously verifies the glue's hardness. If the reflection indicates the glue is still soft, the robot might automatically re-do the step.

What it doesn't cover

• —Curing processes that do not use radiation, such as those relying on heat, moisture, or chemical reactions.
• —Radiation curing systems that do not include a dedicated light guide to direct the radiation to the curing area.
• —Systems that perform quality checks on cured adhesives only *after* the curing process is complete, rather than during.
• —Methods of evaluating adhesive curing that do not involve measuring reflected radiation, such as temperature or acoustic measurements.
• —Curing apparatuses that do not include a controller configured to signal a 'remedial action' based on the measurement.
• —Systems that cure materials other than adhesives, like paints or coatings, without the specific in-process reflection measurement for quality control.

The clever bit

The novelty lies in integrating the quality control directly into the curing process itself. Instead of curing an adhesive and then checking it later, this system measures the reflection of the curing light *as it happens*, allowing for immediate feedback and correction.

Why it matters

This technology is important for ensuring high quality in automated manufacturing where adhesives are critical, such as in electronics or medical devices. By checking the curing process in real-time, it helps prevent defects and reduces waste, as issues can be caught and corrected immediately. This leads to more reliable products and more efficient production lines, saving time and resources.

Real-world examples

• 1.Automated assembly of smartphone components
• 2.Bonding of optical lenses in cameras
• 3.Manufacturing of medical devices like catheters or syringes
• 4.Assembly of automotive electronic modules
• 5.Industrial production lines for consumer electronics