System and method for applying of a coating element to a bearing surface

A system for automatically applying a continuous strip-like, coating element to a support surface having a fixed position comprising:

• a heating device configured to apply the coating element along an application path of the support surface, by administration of heat obtained by Joule effect, said heating device comprising:
• a first electrode and a second electrode,
• said first and second electrodes being connectable to an electric power generator and configured to form a part of an electric circuit, a portion of the coating element being able to be arranged between said first electrode and said second electrode so as to close said electric circuit so as to obtain heating by the Joule effect of the portion of the coating element following a flow of current in the electric circuit;
• and
• an automatic movement device;
• wherein the overall configuration of said heating device is such that said first electrode slides and said second electrode rolls with respect to the coating element during application of the coating element to the support surface, said first and second electrodes making dynamic contact with the coating element, said automatic movement device being configured to slide said first electrode and roll said second electrode along the application path for applying the coating element to the support surface during application of the coating element;
• wherein said first electrode is a sliding electrode and said second electrode is a rotating electrode, wherein said rotating electrode has an axis of rotation at right angles to said application path, said second electrode extending in a direction parallel to the support surface;
• and
• wherein said system further comprises an elastic member positioned in a region of said first electrode and said second electrode and is configured to ensure continuous contact of a free end of said first electrode and said second electrode with a closing device of said heating device.