Multi-component material quantitative supply system

Abstract

The multi-component system includes a first pump configured to pump a first component into a dispenser and a second pump configured to pump a second component into the dispenser. A controller is operably connected to the first and second pumps to control the operation of the first and second pumps in order to pump the first and second components into the dispenser in a desired ratio.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 466,124, entitled "Multi - Component Material Metered Delivery System," filed on May 12, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] (Technical Field) The present disclosure generally relates to multi - component metered delivery systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems for metering the delivery of multi - component materials.

Background Art

[0003] Multi - component systems are configured to mix individual constituent materials to form a multi - component material that is ultimately applied to a substrate. For example, a multi - component spray system can be a foam spray system that can spray various foams such as polyurethane, and other multi - part foaming fluids that cure or become fixed in place. A typical foam spray system pumps and combines a first and a second constituent material to form a multi - component material (e.g., spray foam). The constituent materials are mixed in an applicator such as a spray gun to form the multi - component material that is applied to the substrate.

[0004] To produce a multi - component material with desired properties, it is important to maintain the desired ratio between the multiple constituent materials that are mixed to form the multi - component material. A typical foam spray system utilizes a set of pumps to send the constituent materials to the applicator. Such a system includes an upstream transfer pump that pumps the constituent materials from a reservoir to a proportioner. The proportioner includes a duplex pump that sends the material received from the transfer pump to the applicator. The pumps of the proportioner are configured to maintain the desired ratio between the constituent materials. For example, such proportioner pumps are typically mechanically linked for simultaneous pumping to maintain a proper ratio of flow.

[0005] Compressed gas may also be supplied. The first component material, the second component material, and the compressed gas may be mixed in the applicator to react the components and cure as a foam. The compressed gas may be used not only to facilitate mixing but also to push the mixed material out of the spray gun nozzle onto the target surface. The foam may be used for insulation and / or sealing, among other potential applications. Often, the foam expands immediately after mixing and can be used to mechanically expand a closed area. In some cases, the foam may be used structurally after curing. The compressed gas may be compressed ambient air or a concentrated gas such as nitrogen. [Overview of the project]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-component system includes a first pump having a first electric motor for pumping a first component material, a second pump having a second electric motor for pumping a second component material, a dispenser configured to receive the first and second components and to discharge a multi-component material formed by mixing the first and second components, and controllers operably connected to the first electric motor for controlling the pumping by the first pump and to the second electric motor for controlling the pumping by the second pump. The controller receives first parameter information relating to the first output of the first pump and second parameter information relating to the second output of the second pump, and assigns a pump status to the first pump and the second pump based on the first parameter information and the second parameter information. In doing so, the controller designates one of the first pump and the second pump as a lead pump and the other of the first pump and the second pump as a follower pump, and controls the operation of the follower pump so that the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the follower pump is based on the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the lead pump.

[0007] According to an additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-component coating system includes a first pump having a first electric motor for pumping a first component material, a second pump having a second electric motor for pumping a second component material, a coater configured to receive the first and second components and to discharge a multi-component material formed by mixing the first and second components, and controllers operably connected to the first electric motor for controlling the pumping by the first pump and to the second electric motor for controlling the pumping by the second pump. The controller receives first parameter information relating to the first output of the first pump and second parameter information relating to the second output of the second pump, and at that time, assigns a pump status to the first pump and the second pump based on the first parameter information and the second parameter information, and at that time, the controller assigns one of the first pump and the second pump as the lead pump and the other of the first pump and the second pump as the follower pump, and controls the operation of the follower pump so that the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the follower pump is based on the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the lead pump, and based on the first parameter information and the second parameter information indicating that the output parameter of the other of the first pump and the second pump exceeds the output parameter of one of the first pump and the second pump, the controller is configured to assign the other of the first pump and the second pump as the lead pump and the other of the first pump and the second pump as the follower pump, respectively.

[0008] In other additional or alternative aspects of the present disclosure, a multi-component coating system includes: a first pump having a first electric motor for pumping a first component material; a second pump having a second electric motor for pumping a second component material; a coater configured to receive the first and second components and to discharge a multi-component material formed by mixing the first and second components; a user interface configured to receive output settings from a user that provide target output parameters for the multi-component material; and controllers operably connected to the first electric motor for controlling pumping by the first pump and to the second electric motor for controlling pumping by the second pump. The controller is configured to receive first pump parameter information relating to the first pump, receive second pump parameter information relating to the second pump, and control the operation of the first pump and the second pump based on the output settings, the first pump parameter information, and the second pump parameter information so that the first pump and the second pump output the first and second constituent materials in a desired ratio.

[0009] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-component coating system includes a first pump having a first electric motor for pumping a first component material, and a second pump having a second electric motor for pumping a second component material, wherein the first pump is not mechanically coupled to the first pump for simultaneous pumping; a coating device configured to receive the first component material and the second component material and to discharge a multi-component material formed by mixing the first component material and the second component material; a user interface configured to receive output settings from a user that provide target output parameters for the multi-component material; and controllers operably connected to the first electric motor for controlling pumping by the first pump and to the second electric motor for controlling pumping by the second pump. The controller is configured to receive first pump parameter information relating to the first pump, which includes at least one of the current draw of the first electric motor, the rotational speed of the first rotor of the first electric motor, and the displacement speed of the first fluid displacer of the first electric motor, and to receive second pump parameter information relating to the second pump, and to control the operation of the first pump and the second pump based on the output settings, the first pump parameter information, and the second pump parameter information so that the first pump and the second pump output the first and second constituent materials at a desired ratio.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-component quantitative dispensing system includes a first pump having a first electric motor for pumping a first component material, a second pump having a second electric motor for pumping a second component material, a dispenser configured to receive the first and second components and to discharge a multi-component material formed by mixing the first and second components, and a controller operably connected to the first electric motor for controlling the pumping by the first pump and to the second electric motor for controlling the pumping by the second pump. The controller assigns a pump status to the first pump and the second pump based on the displacement ratio between the first pump and the second pump, wherein the controller designates the pump with the greater output as the lead pump and the pump with the smaller output as the follower pump, and controls the operation of the follower pump such that the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the follower pump is based on the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the lead pump.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-component quantitative dispensing system includes a first pump having a first electric motor for pumping a first component material, a second pump having a second electric motor for pumping a second component material, a user interface configured to receive pump ratio information from a user, a dispensing unit configured to receive the first and second components and to discharge a multi-component material formed by mixing the first and second components, and controllers operably connected to the first electric motor for controlling pumping by the first pump and to the second electric motor for controlling pumping by the second pump. The controller is configured to specify a pump status for the first pump and the second pump based on at least one of the following: pump ratio information when the pump ratio information indicates that the displacement ratio between the first pump and the second pump is not 1:1, and first parameter information relating to the output of the first pump and second parameter information relating to the output of the second pump when the pump ratio information indicates that the displacement ratio is 1:1. The first pump and the second pump are designated as either a lead pump or a follower pump, and the controller controls the operation of the follower pump so that the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the follower pump is based on the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the lead pump. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a multi-component quantitative supply system. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a multi-component quantitative supply system. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the pump. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] This disclosure relates to a system for applying a multi-component material. The system includes first and second pumps that draw first and second component materials from storage tanks, pump and mix the components into an applicator to form a resulting multi-component material (e.g., a foam, coating, adhesive, or sealant). The applicator dispenses the resulting multi-component material onto a target surface. The applicator may, but is not limited to, a spray of the multi-component material.

[0014] The system according to this disclosure includes a first pump configured to pump a first component material into a dispenser, and a second pump configured to pump a second component material into the dispenser. A controller is operably connected to the first and second pumps to control the operation of the first and second pumps. The controller controls the operation of the pumps so that they pump the first and second components according to a desired mixing ratio in the dispenser.

[0015] A controller according to an aspect of this disclosure can control the operation of one of the pumps based on the operation of the other pump. The controller can assign one pump as a lead pump and the other as a follower pump. The controller controls the operation of the follower pump based on the operating parameters of the lead pump. In some examples, the controller controls the operation of the follower pump such that the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the follower pump is based on the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the lead pump.

[0016] A controller according to an aspect of this disclosure can dynamically determine the pump status during system operation. The controller can initially assign one of the pumps as a lead pump and the other as a follower pump. Based on the actual operation of the system, the controller can reassign the pump status such that the pump initially assigned lead pump status is reassigned as a follower pump, and the pump initially assigned follower pump status is reassigned as a lead pump.

[0017] A controller according to an aspect of the present disclosure can control the operation of the first and second pumps based on pump parameter information generated for the first and second pumps, such as current draw of the electric motor, rotational speed / position of the electric motor rotor, and linear speed / position of the fluid displacer.

[0018] The controller may be configured such that, if a variable ratio other than 1:1 exists between the pumps, the motor and pump output with a larger capacity (e.g., 3:1) is automatically assigned as the leader and the motor and pump output with a smaller capacity is assigned as the follower. The user can input the ratio via a user interface. The system according to this disclosure may not include a proportioner pump located downstream of the first and second pumps. The system may not include a pump located downstream of the first pump that pumps the first component material into the applicator. The system may not include a pump located downstream of the second pump that pumps the second component material into the applicator. The first and second pumps are not mechanically coupled for pumping; instead, the first and second pumps are independently controllable.

[0019] Components are considered to overlap radially when they are positioned in a common axial position along an axis. Radial lines extending from an axis pass through each of the radially overlapping components. Components are considered to overlap axially when they are positioned in a common radial and circumferential position such that axial lines parallel to the axis pass through the axially overlapping components. Components are considered to overlap circumferentially when they are aligned around an axis such that a circle centered on the axis passes through the circumferentially overlapping components.

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the multi-component system 10. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the multi-component system 10 in a mobile configuration. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the pump 12. Figures 1 to 3 are described together. System 10 includes pumps 12a, 12b, storage tanks 14a, 14b, component hoses 16a, 16b, applicator 18, gas supply source 20, gas hose 22, heaters 24a-24c, sensor packages 26a-26c, and system controller 28. System controller 28 includes memory 30, control circuit 32, and user interface 34. Pump 12 includes motor 36, drive unit 38, fluid displacer 40, housing 42, and pump sensor 44.

[0021] System 10 is configured to generate and apply multi-component materials onto a surface. In some examples, System 10 is configured to generate and apply a spray of multi-component materials, but it is understood that not all examples are limited in this way. For example, System 10 may be configured as a foam spraying system capable of spraying various foams such as polyurea, and other multi-part foaming fluids that harden or are fixed in place. Multi-component materials are formed by mixing flows of individual components (e.g., catalysts and resins) to form the multi-component material. For example, a multi-component spray foam is made by mixing a first component (e.g., isocyanate) and a second component (e.g., polyol resin) to form the resulting foam. The foam may be used for insulation and / or sealing, among other potential applications. Often, the foam expands immediately after mixing and can be used to mechanically expand a closed area. In some cases, the foam can be used structurally after hardening. Although System 10 is described as a foam spraying system, it is understood that foam is one broad type of multi-component material. Multi-component materials can be glues, adhesives, coatings, epoxys, and other materials. While spray foam is used as an example, the constituent materials can be any type of component liquid that can be mixed and supplied in quantitative quantities. For example, the constituent materials can be mixed to form a multi-component material applied to flooring, such as an epoxy applied to flooring. The mixture is mixed in the applicator 18 and released as a single solution. The applicator 18 can be configured as a sprayer, but not all examples are limited in this way. The applicator 18 can be configured to output the multi-component material without producing a spray.

[0022] What is shown or described here as a single hose may be a series of connected hoses. What is shown or described here as a single component may be multiple components.

[0023] Storage tanks 14a and 14b are configured to store a supply of the constituent materials. Storage tank 14a is fluidly separated from storage tank 14b, and the constituent materials are not mixed except in the applicator 18. Storage tank 14a stores a supply of a first constituent material, which may be called component A material. Storage tank 14b stores a supply of a second constituent material, which may be called component B material. Component storage tanks 14a and 14b may be drums, buckets, tubs, bags, or other types of storage tanks. Component storage tanks 14a and 14b contain their respective constituent materials that react when mixed and cured, for example, to form a foam. Pumps 12a and 12b are configured to pump the constituent materials from storage tanks 14a and 14b, respectively, to the applicator 18 for mixing and application. Each of pumps 12a and 12b may be formed as pump 12. Pumps 12a and 12b may be collectively referred to here as "pump 12". Pump 12 includes an electric motor 36. Motor 36 includes motor components 46a and 46b. Motor 36 may be configured as a rotating rotor-stator type electric motor. One of motor components 46a and 46b is formed as a rotor configured to rotate during operation and provide input for displacing the fluid displacer 40, and the other of motor components 46a and 46b is formed as a stator configured to drive the rotation of the rotor. The stator is configured to receive power and generate an electromagnetic field for driving the rotation of the rotor. In some examples, the rotor may be located radially within the stator such that motor 36 is an inward-rotating motor. In such examples, motor component 46a may form the rotor and motor component 46b may form the stator. In some examples, the stator may be located radially within the rotor such that motor 36 is an outward-rotating motor. In such examples, motor component 46a may form the stator and motor component 46b may form the rotor. Motor 36 drives the displacement of the fluid displacer 40.

[0024] The fluid displacer 40 is configured to move in order to pump the constituent material. For example, the fluid displacer 40 can be configured to reciprocate along the pump shaft PA to pump the constituent material, although it is understood that not all examples are so limited. In the illustrated example, the fluid displacer 40 can be configured as, among other options, a piston or a diaphragm.

[0025] The housing 42 forms the lower part of the pump 12. The housing 42 can extend into the storage tanks 14a, 14b associated with the pump 12. For example, the housing 42 can extend so as to be at least partially immersed in the constituent material held within the storage tanks 14a, 14b. The housing 42 can be formed, among other options, as a cylinder within which the fluid displacer 40 reciprocates. The fluid displacer 40 is at least partially disposed within the housing 42. In some examples, such as when the fluid displacer 40 is formed as a piston, the fluid displacer 40 can move through a pump cycle including a suction stroke and a pressure stroke. Either the suction stroke and the pressure stroke can be referred to as a pump stroke. The fluid displacer 40 moves upward during the suction stroke, drawing in the component material through the inlet check valve 48 while the outlet check valve 50 is closed. The outlet check valve 50 can be supported by the fluid displacer 40, for example, within the piston forming the fluid displacer 40. The fluid displacer 40 moves downward through the pressure stroke in which the inlet check valve 48 is closed and the outlet check valve 50 is open, displacing the constituent material from the upstream chamber within the housing 42 to the downstream chamber within the housing 42. The pump 12 can be formed as a double displacement pump from which the component material is output between both the suction stroke and the pressure stroke.

[0026] The drive device 38 is disposed between the motor 36 and the fluid displacer 40 and connects them. The drive device 38 is configured to receive the rotational output from the motor 36 and convert the rotational motion into linear motion. In the illustrated example, the drive device 38 is configured to provide a linear input to the fluid displacer 40 in order to drive the reciprocating motion of the fluid displacer 40. For example, the drive device 38 can be configured as, among other options, a screw and a drive nut, a crank, a Scotch yoke. In the illustrated example, the motor 36, the drive device 38, and the fluid displacer 40 are coaxially arranged on the pump shaft PA, but it is understood that not all examples are so limited.

[0027] The pump sensor 44 is configured to generate parameter information regarding the operating parameters of the pump 12. For example, the pump sensor 44 can be configured to generate information regarding, among other things, the speed of the motor 36 (e.g., the rotational speed of the rotor of the motor 36), the speed of the fluid displacer 40 (e.g., directly by measuring the displacement speed or indirectly by measuring the speed of the motor 36), the position of the motor 36 (e.g., the rotational position of the rotor of the motor 36), the power consumption of the motor 36 (e.g., current draw). The pump sensor 44 can be configured as one or more sensors for measuring one or more of the rotational position and / or rotational speed of the electric motor 36, the linear position and / or linear speed of the fluid displacer 40, the current draw of the motor 36, etc. For example, such a sensor can determine whether the fluid displacer 40 is near or at the switching point where the moving direction of the fluid displacer 40 changes between the pump strokes when the fluid displacer reciprocates. The pump sensor 44 is operatively connected to the system controller 28 electrically and / or communicatively to provide the parameter information to the controller 28. The parameter information generated by the pump sensor 44 can be referred to as pump parameter information. In an example where the parameter information such as rotational speed, rotational position, and current draw is sensed from the motor 36, the parameter information generated by the pump sensor 44 can be referred to as motor parameter information.

[0028] Pumps 12a and 12b are independently controlled and operated pumps. Pumps 12a and 12b are not mechanically connected for simultaneous pumping. Instead, the motor 36 of pump 12a drives the fluid displacer 40 of pump 12a, and the motor 36 of pump 12b drives the fluid displacer 40 of pump 12b. Pumps 12a and 12b are not driven by a single motor. The controller 28 provides operating commands to the respective motors 36 of each pump 12a and 12b, causing each pump 12a and 12b to operate independently of the other pump 12a and 12b.

[0029] The applicator 18 is configured to discharge a multi-component material for coating onto a substrate. In some examples, the applicator 18 is configured as a sprayer for discharging a mist of the multi-component material. For example, the applicator 18 may be configured as a spray gun. In the illustrated example, the applicator 18 is configured as a spray gun with a handle, including a handle for the user to grip and a trigger operated by the user to control the spray by the applicator 18. However, in other examples, it is understood that the applicator 18 may be configured as an automated sprayer, which is operated remotely via a stream of compressed gas, among other options. In such examples, the applicator 18 may be mounted on a robotic arm for aiming and operation. In yet another example, the applicator 18 is configured to discharge a multi-component material in a configuration other than as a mist.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, system 10 can be configured as a mobile system. Such a mobile system can be transported between work sites. In the illustrated example, the mobile platform 11 includes a support base 15 supported by wheels 13. In some examples, the mobile platform 11 may include a hitch or other connector configured to connect the mobile platform to a vehicle such as a truck. In some examples, the mobile platform 11 may be self-propelled. For example, the mobile platform 11 may be formed by a vehicle bed or by a box supported by a vehicle frame.

[0031] The storage tanks 14a and 14b are positioned on the mobile platform 11. The pumps 12a and 12b are supported by the storage tanks 14a and 14b, respectively, such that their housings 42 extend into the constituent material held within the storage tanks 14a and 14b and are at least partially immersed therein. The motor 36 is positioned outside and vertically above the storage tanks 14a and 14b.

[0032] The constituent materials in storage tanks 14a and 14b are kept separate and mixed only within the applicator 18. Hose 16a extends from pump 12a to the inlet of applicator 18, carrying the first constituent material from the first storage tank 14a to the first inlet of applicator 18. Hose 16b extends from pump 12b to the inlet of applicator 18, carrying the second constituent material from the second storage tank 14b to the second inlet of applicator 18. The first and second constituent materials may be continuously mixed within the chamber of applicator 18 during the trigger operation of applicator 18, immediately before being discharged from the nozzle of applicator 18 as a multi-component material. Applicator 18 may be configured to block the flow of constituent materials into the chamber when the applicator 18 is released, preventing the formation and discharge of a multi-component material.

[0033] The heater 24a is operationally related to the first component and is configured to supply heat to the first component. In some examples, the heater 24a may be configured as a plurality of separate heaters that heat the first component. The heater 24a is positioned along the first hose 16a to heat the first component as it passes through the hose 16a, while the first heater 24a may be additionally and / or alternatively positioned in or on the first storage tank 14a or in the applicator 18. In some examples, the heater 24a extends along most of the length or the entire length of the hose 16a.

[0034] The heater 24b is operationally related to the second component and is configured to supply heat to the second component. In some examples, the heater 24b may be configured as a plurality of separate heaters for heating the second component. The heater 24b is positioned along the second hose 16b to heat the second component as it passes through the second hose 16b, while the second heater 24b may be additionally and / or alternatively positioned in or on the second storage tank 14b or within the applicator 18. In some examples, the heater 24b extends along most of the length or the entire length of the hose 16b.

[0035] The sensor package 26a is positioned along the flow path between the output of the pump 12a and the mixing chamber of the applicator 18. As shown in this embodiment, the first sensor package 26a is operationally related to the hose 16a and senses one or more parameters of the first constituent material along the hose 16a. In some examples, the sensor package 26a may be mounted on the hose 16a. The sensor package 26a may include one or more sensors configured to generate parameter information about the first constituent material flowing through the hose 16a. For example, the sensor package 26a may include one or more of a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, and a temperature sensor, among other options. The parameter information may be the pressure (e.g., via a pressure transducer), flow rate (e.g., via a flow meter), and / or temperature (e.g., via a thermistor), among other options. Although the sensor package 26a is shown positioned along the hose 16a, it is understood that the sensor package 26a may be positioned in other locations, including within the pump 12a and / or within the applicator 18, among other options. The sensor package 26a is electrically and / or communicatively operationally connected to the system controller 28 and provides parameter information to the system controller 28. The parameter information generated by the sensor package 26a may also be referred to as material parameter information or first material parameter information.

[0036] Sensor package 2ba is positioned along the flow path between the output of pump 12b and the mixing chamber of the applicator 18. As shown in this embodiment, a second sensor package 26b is operationally related to hose 16b and senses one or more parameters of the second component material along hose 16b. In some examples, sensor package 26b may be attached to hose 16b. Sensor package 26b may include one or more sensors configured to generate parameter information about the second component material flowing through hose 16b. For example, sensor package 26b may include one or more of a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, and a temperature sensor, among other options. The parameter information may be the pressure (e.g., via a pressure transducer), flow rate (e.g., via a flow meter), and / or temperature (e.g., via a thermistor), among other options. Although sensor package 26b is shown positioned along hose 16b, it is understood that sensor package 26b may be positioned in other locations, including within pump 12b and / or within applicator 18, among other options. The sensor package 26b is electrically and / or communicatively operationally connected to the system controller 28 and provides parameter information to the system controller 28. The parameter information generated by the sensor package 26b may also be referred to as material parameter information or second material parameter information.

[0037] System 10 is described as including sensor packages 26a, 26b for sensing the parameters of the first and second constituent materials, but it is understood that not all examples are limited in this way. Some examples of System 10 do not include sensor packages 26a, 26b, and / or the system controller 28 is configured to control the operation of pumps 12a, 12b independently of the material parameter information generated by the sensor packages 26a, 26b, details of which are described below.

[0038] The gas supply source 20 is fluidically connected to the applicator 18 and supplies compressed gas to the applicator 18. The gas supply source 20 may be a compressor for compressing and supplying ambient air. The gas supply source 20 may be a tank or other type of storage vessel that contains and supplies a gas under pressure, such as atmospheric gas or, among other options, a concentrated gas such as nitrogen. A gas hose 22 extends from the gas supply source 20 to the inlet of the applicator 18 and supplies compressed gas to the applicator 18. The compressed gas may be mixed with the first and second constituent materials within the applicator 18 to mix and propel the mixture from the nozzle of the applicator 18.

[0039] The heater 24c may be located along a gas supply circuit, such as part of the gas supply source 20, along a gas hose 22, or inside the applicator 18, to heat the gas before it is mixed with the first and second constituent materials. However, various embodiments may not include heating of the compressed gas.

[0040] The sensor package 26c is positioned to generate parameter information about the compressed gas. As shown in the figure, the sensor package 26c is mounted along the gas hose 22. However, the sensor package 26c may additionally or alternatively be located within the gas supply source 20 and / or within the applicator 18 to measure gas parameters. For example, the sensor package 26c may include one or more of the following, among other options: a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, and a temperature sensor. Such parameters of the compressed gas may include pressure (e.g., via a pressure transducer), flow rate (e.g., via a flow meter), and / or temperature (e.g., via a thermistor), among other parameters of the gas. In some examples, the sensor package 26c includes a valve or other type of regulator that can adjust the supply of compressed gas to the applicator 18. Additionally or alternatively, the gas supply source 20 may adjust the supply of compressed gas to the applicator 18. The parameter information generated by the sensor package 26a may also be referred to as gas parameter information.

[0041] Pumps 12a, 12b, sensor packages 26a, 26b, and 26c can each communicate with the system controller 28. In some cases, communication can be unidirectional, for example, from sensor packages 26a-26c or pumps 12a, 12b to the controller 28, or it can be bidirectional, for example, in one embodiment between the sensor packages and the controller 28, or in other embodiments between each of the first pumps 12a and 2 pumps 12b and the controller 28. In various embodiments, communication can occur between the gas supply source 20 and the controller 28, for example, the controller 28 instructing the gas supply source 20 to increase or decrease the flow rate and / or pressure output. In various embodiments, communication can occur between the controller 28 and heaters 24a-24c, for example, to increase or decrease the heat output to control the temperature of the constituent materials and compressed gas. Communication between the various components can be wired and / or wireless.

[0042] The controller 28 may include one or more processors for performing the functions described herein. The controller 28 may be separate from the first and second pumps 12a, 12b as shown, or it may be integrated into one or both of the motors 36 of the pumps 12a, 12b. As shown, the first pump 12a is separate from the second pump 12b. In some cases, the first pump 12a does not communicate directly with the second pump 12b, but not all embodiments are limited in this way, so that all communication is from each pump 12a, 12b to the controller 28 and back to each pump 12a, 12b, and not between the pumps 12a, 12b.

[0043] The controller 28 is operationally connected to other components of the system 10 and controls the operation of those other components. The controller 28 is configured to store software, implement functions, and / or process instructions. The controller 28 is configured to perform any of the functions described herein, including receiving outputs from any sensors referenced herein, detecting any conditions or events referenced herein, and controlling the operation of any components referenced herein. The controller 28 may be configured in any way appropriate for controlling the operation of components of the system 10 (e.g., the motors 36 of pumps 12a, 12b, gas supply sources 20, etc.), receiving signals from components of the system 10 (e.g., the pump sensor 44 of pump 12, sensor packages 26a-26c, etc.), collecting data, processing data, etc. The controller 28 may include hardware, firmware, and / or stored software, and the controller 28 may be mounted as a whole or in part on one or more circuit boards. The controller 28 may be in any configuration suitable for operating in accordance with the technology described herein.

[0044] The control circuit 32 is configured, in one example, to perform a function and / or process instructions. For example, the control circuit 32 may be capable of processing instructions stored in memory 30. Examples of the control circuit 32 may include one or more processors, microprocessors, controllers, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuits. The control circuit 32 may be mounted as a whole or in part on one or more circuit boards.

[0045] Memory 30 may be configured to store information before, during, and / or after an operation. In some examples, memory 30 is described as a computer-readable storage medium. In some examples, computer-readable storage medium may include non-temporary media. The term "non-temporary" may indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or propagated signal. In certain examples, non-temporary storage media may store data that may change over time (e.g., RAM or cache). In some examples, memory 30 is temporary memory, meaning that the primary purpose of memory 30 is not long-term storage. In some examples, memory 30 is described as volatile memory, meaning that memory 30 does not retain its stored contents when the power to the controller 28 is turned off. Examples of volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memory. In some examples, memory 30 is used to store program instructions executed by the control circuit 32. In one example, memory 30 is used by software or an application to temporarily store information during program execution. Memory 30 may be configured to store a larger amount of information than volatile memory. Memory 30 may also be configured for long-term storage of information. In some examples, memory 30 includes non-volatile memory elements. Examples of such non-volatile memory elements may include magnetic hard disks, optical disks, flash memory, or electrically programmable memory (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable memory (EEPROM).

[0046] The user interface 34 is configured to receive input from the user and provide it to the controller 28, and / or provide output to the user. The user interface 34 may be any graphical and / or mechanical interface that enables the user to communicate with the controller 28. For example, the user interface 34 may run a graphical user interface displayed on the user interface 34's display device to present information to the user or receive input from the user. The user interface 34 may include graphical navigation and control elements, such as graphical buttons or other graphical control elements presented on the display device. In some examples, the user interface 34 may include physical navigation and control elements, such as physically operated buttons or other physical navigation and control elements. In general, the user interface 34 may include any input / output devices and control elements that enable the user to interact with the controller 28.

[0047] The user interface 34 is configured to receive output settings from the user. The output settings define target output parameters for the material flow from pumps 12a and 12b. These target output parameters can be, among other options, target pressure or target flow rate. In some examples, the output settings can define target temperatures for the constituent materials.

[0048] The controller 28 is configured to control the operation of pumps 12a and 12b to supply the first and second constituent materials to the applicator 18 in a desired ratio between the constituent materials. For example, the controller 28 can control the motor speed of the electric motors 36 of each pump 12a and 12b based on a desired ratio to maintain a target flow rate ratio between the first and second constituent materials. The motor speed is directly correlated to the speed of the fluid displacer 40 of pump 12. The controller 28 is further configured to control the operation of pumps 12a and 12b based on output settings input via the user interface 34. For example, the controller 28 can control the operation of pumps 12a and 12b based on a target pressure or a target flow rate.

[0049] In some examples, pumps 12a and 12b are made of a common size so that they have the same or similar displacement per pump stroke. In such examples, the motor speeds of each pump 12a, 12b can be kept equal to provide a 1:1 component material output from each pump 12a, 12b. In various embodiments, the controller 28 can synchronize the respective motor speeds of the first and second pumps 12a, 12b. The speeds can be synchronized so that the speeds of the fluid displacers 40 of pumps 12a, 12b are equal and / or the switching occurs simultaneously. Equal speeds result in the first pump 12a and the second pump 12b outputting the same volume fraction, which can be useful for mixing the first and second component materials in a 1:1 ratio. In some embodiments, the motor 36 driving the first pump 12a can operate at a different speed than the motor 36 driving the second pump 12b, thereby outputting different flow rates of the first and second constituent materials from the first and second pumps 12a and 12b, respectively, while maintaining a mixing ratio that is not 1:1.

[0050] In some examples, pumps 12a and 12b may be of different sizes to have different outputs per pump stroke. In such examples, the motor speeds of pumps 12a and 12b may be controlled relative to each other based on the relative displacement between pumps 12a and 12b to provide a desired output ratio. In such examples, the controller 28 may maintain the motor 36 of pump 12a at a different speed than the motor 36 of pump 12b to provide a 1:1 mixing ratio, even if pumps 12a and 12b are not of the same size. For example, if pump 12a is sized to output twice the amount of material as pump 12b per pump stroke, the controller 28 can synchronize the speeds of the motors 36 of pumps 12a and 12b to provide a 2:1 output ratio. If a 1:1 output ratio is desired, the controller 28 can synchronize the speeds of pumps 12a and 12b by running the motor 36 of pump 12a at half the speed of the motor 36 of pump 12b to provide the desired 1:1 output ratio.

[0051] Any sensor referenced herein can monitor any of the parameters mentioned herein and transmit that information to the controller 28. The controller 28 can instruct either the first pump 12a or the second pump 12b to adjust any parameter (e.g., motor torque, speed) to counteract low or high fluid pressure, low or high flow rate, or out-of-ratio mixing. For example, if the second sensor package 26b detects a decrease in the pressure and / or flow rate of the second component material, the second sensor package 26b can transmit that information to the controller, which can then control the first pump 12a and adjust its motor speed (e.g., to a lower value) to reduce the fluid output pressure and / or flow rate output from the first pump 12a, thereby making the pressure and / or flow rates of the first and second components in the applicator 18 equal or in a specified ratio.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the controller 28 can instruct one or both of the first heater 24a or the second heater 24b to increase or decrease the heat input to the first or second component, respectively, which can increase or decrease the pressure and flow rate of the first and second components in the respective hoses 16a, 16b so that the pressure and / or flow rate of the first and second components in the applicator 18 are equal or in a specific ratio.

[0053] In various embodiments, the controller 28 may receive data indicating the temperature of one or both of the first and second constituent materials from the first sensor package 26a or the second sensor package 26b. If the temperature of the first constituent material, as sensed by the first sensor package 26a, falls below a threshold temperature, the controller 28 may instruct the first pump 12a to increase its motor speed and / or torque to produce either or both a higher pressure or a higher flow rate to compensate for the temperature drop. If the temperature of the second component, as sensed by the second sensor package 26b, falls below a threshold temperature, the controller 28 may instruct the second pump 12b to increase its motor speed and / or torque to produce either or both a higher pressure or a higher flow rate to compensate for the temperature drop.

[0054] The controller 28 may be configured to assign a status to each of the pumps 12a and 12b and to control the operation of pumps 12a and 12b based on the designated status. One of the pumps 12a and 12b may be designated as a lead pump, which may also be called a leader, and the other of the pumps 12a and 12b may be designated as a follower pump, which may also be called a follower. The lead pump sets the reference parameter levels of pumps 12a and 12b, and the follower pump is controlled based on the reference parameter levels of the lead pump. In some examples, the lead pump sets the reference speeds of pumps 12a and 12b, and the follower pump is controlled based on the speed of the lead pump. In such examples, the controller 28 controls the operation of the follower pump based on the operation of the lead pump. For example, the controller 28 can control the lead pump based on output settings provided by the user interface 34, and control the follower pump based on the lead pump.

[0055] During operation, the user sets target output parameters for pumps 12a and 12b. Target output parameters can be set by inputting output settings in the user interface. For example, target output parameters may be pressure, flow rate, etc. The controller 28 operates pumps 12a and 12b to output the constituent materials. The constituent materials differ from each other in that they have different viscosities, so that one constituent material flows more easily than the other. If each pump 12a and 12b were controlled individually to a target pressure, pumps 12a and 12b driving lower viscosity materials would have to achieve higher flow rates to output the material at the desired pressure, resulting in a supply of constituent materials to the applicator 18 that is outside the proportion.

[0056] The controller 28 sets a target output parameter and instructs the pumps 12a and 12b to output the constituent material based on that target output parameter. The controller 28 can receive parameter information regarding the output from the pumps 12a and 12b (for example, from sensor package 26a or pump sensor 44a for the output of pump 12a, and from sensor package 26b and / or pump sensor 44b for the output of pump 12b). For the purposes of this example, the target output parameter is assumed to be pressure, but it is understood that the target output parameter could be flow rate, among other options.

[0057] Pumps 12a and 12b pump the constituent material through hoses 16a and 16b. The pressure of the constituent material is sensed and provided to the controller 28. For example, the pressure may be sensed by pressure sensors in sensor packages 26a and 26b. In some examples, the pressure is determined based on pump parameter data. For example, the pressure output of pumps 12a and 12b may be determined based on the current draw of the motors 36 of pumps 12a and 12b. The controller 28 designates the pump 12a or 12b with the higher pressure output (for example, directly sensed by sensor packages 26a and 26b or determined based on current draw) as the lead pump. The controller 28 determines the pump 12a or 12b with the higher pressure output and designates that pump 12a or 12b as the lead pump. The controller 28 determines the speeds of the reed pumps 12a and 12b (for example, the speed of the motor 36 (for example, the number of rotations of the motor 36 rotor per unit of time) and / or the displacement speed of the fluid displacer 40 (for example, the straight-line distance per unit of time)) based on pump parameter information from, for example, the pump sensor 44.

[0058] The controller 28 controls the operation of the follower pump based on the operation of the reed pump. The controller 28 commands the motor 36 of the follower pump so that the speed of the follower pump is synchronized with the speed of the reed pump. By operating the follower pump at a speed synchronized with the reed pump (for example, the same speed for pumps 12a and 12b having the same displacement in a 1:1 ratio dispensing), pumps 12a and 12b dispense the constituent material according to the desired mixing ratio. The controller 28 can change the operation of the follower pump based on the operation of the reed pump while the system 10 is in operation.

[0059] The controller 28 determines which of the pumps 12a and 12b is the lead pump during the operation of the system 10. The controller 28 sets the lead pump based on parameter information regarding the output from the pumps 12a and 12b. Assigning the lead pump based on the actual operation of the system 10 provides a more efficient system that responds to the actual operating conditions of the system 10. For example, pre-assigning which pump 12a or 12b is the lead pump may cause out-of-ratio mixing when there is no assumed difference in viscosity. For example, if typically higher-viscosity components are in storage tanks 14a and 14b placed in a sunny location, and typically lower-viscosity components are in storage tanks 14a and 14b placed in the shade, the higher-viscosity components will be relatively heated, resulting in a decrease in viscosity. By the controller 28 determining and assigning which pump 12a or 12b is the lead pump based on the actual operation of the system 10, mixing at the appropriate ratio with desired operating parameters is provided, resulting in a multi-component material with desired properties.

[0060] For example, the target output parameter could be a pressure of 1,000 pounds / square inch (psi) (approximately 6.89 megapascals (MPa)). The controller 28 may be configured to assign lead pump status and follower pump status based on a specified threshold. The specified threshold is set based on the target operating parameter. For example, the controller 28 may determine that pump 12a is a lead pump and pump 12b is a follower pump based on parameter information indicating that the output of pump 12a meets the specified threshold.

[0061] In some examples, the specified threshold is related to the individual outputs of pumps 12a and 12b. For example, the controller 28 may be configured to identify the lead pump based on the actual output from pumps 12a and 12b. In such an example, the controller 28 monitors parameter information (e.g., from pump sensor 44 and / or sensor packages 26a and 26b) regarding the outputs of pumps 12a and 12b and designates the lead pump based on which of the pumps 12a and 12b reaches the specified threshold first. For example, if pump 12a reaches an output of 1,000 psi before pump 12b reaches an output of 1,000 psi, the controller 28 can designate pump 12a as the lead pump. The controller 28 can control the system 10 based on maintaining the output of the lead pump at the desired output parameter. For example, the controller 28 can increase the speed of the reed pump and correspondingly increase the speed of the follower pump based on a pressure drop detected at the output of the reed pump, or it can decrease the speed of the reed pump and correspondingly decrease the speed of the follower pump based on a pressure rise detected at the output of the reed pump.

[0062] In some examples, the specified threshold is related to the combined output of pumps 12a and 12b. For example, the controller 28 may be configured to identify the lead pump based on the average parameter values ​​for pumps 12a and 12b. In such an example, the controller 28 monitors parameter information (e.g., from pump sensor 44 and / or sensor packages 26a and 26b) regarding the output of pumps 12a and 12b and designates the lead pump based on whether the average output has reached the specified threshold. In such an example, the controller 28 can determine that the specified threshold is met based on the average output of pumps 12a and 12b. For example, when the average output of pumps 12a and 12b reaches a target output pressure of 1,000 psi, the controller 28 can designate pump 12a as the lead pump based on the fact that pump 12a is outputting at a higher pressure than pump 12b. For example, this would occur if pump 12a is outputting at 1,200 psi (approximately 8.27 MPa) and pump 12b is outputting at 800 psi (approximately 5.52 MPa).

[0063] In some examples, the controller 28 is configured to assign a reed pump at the start of operation. For example, the controller 28 can assign a reed pump at the start of operation of system 10. The controller 28 may be configured to determine and assign a reed pump status at each start of system 10. The controller 28 may make a reed pump determination at the start of operation and then reassign the reed pump each time a new operation is started (for example, after replacing storage tanks 14a, 14b with new storage tanks 14a, 14b of material, at the start of a new operation, when system 10 is powered on, or after a certain period of inactivity (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.)).

[0064] In some examples, the controller 28 is configured to assign an initial pump status based on the output ratio between pumps 12a and 12b. The controller 28 may be configured to assign the pump outputting at the higher rate as the lead pump, based on the fact that pumps 12a and 12b are outputting at the higher rate. For example, pump 12a may be configured to output a first component material at a flow rate of X gallons / minute (gpm), and pump 12b may be configured to output a second component material at a flow rate of 3X gpm. In such a configuration, the controller 28 may designate pump 12b as the lead pump, based on the fact that pump 12b is configured to output at a larger flow rate.

[0065] In some examples, the pump ratio between pumps 12a and 12b may be input to the controller 28 via the user interface 34. For example, a dial, knob, lever, switch, slider, wheel, GUI, or other operable component forming at least part of the user interface 34 may be configured to receive input from the user to the controller 28 identifying the pump ratio. Such input may be referred to as a pump ratio identifier. The pump ratio identifier may provide information such as the difference in volume per stroke between pumps 12a and 12b, the desired output ratio, etc.

[0066] In some examples, the controller 28 may be configured to assign lead pump status and follower pump status based on a specified hierarchy. For example, the controller 28 may first determine if there is a displacement ratio other than 1:1 between pumps 12a and 12b. If there is a displacement ratio other than 1:1, such as that provided by the information input from the user interface 34, the controller 28 can initially assign the status of the lead pump and follower pump based on that ratio. For example, the controller 28 may assign the pump 12a, 12b with the higher output as the lead pump. If there is a displacement ratio of 1:1, the controller moves to the next step in the hierarchy and determines the pump status based on the parameter information for pumps 12a and 12b.

[0067] The controller 28 may be configured to initially designate the pump 12a, 12b with the greater output as the lead pump, regardless of the actual physical displacement ratio between the pumps 12a, 12b. In one example, the pumps 12a, 12b may be sized differently to provide a desired ratio. For example, pump 12a may be sized to output three times the volume per stroke of pump 12b in a 3:1 system.

[0068] In one example, pumps 12a and 12b may be similarly sized (e.g., sized for pumping in a 1:1 ratio), but they may also be used for pumping in ratios other than 1:1. For example, to provide a 3:1 power ratio, pump 12a may operate at three times the speed of pump 12b, providing the desired ratio even if pumps 12a and 12b are sized in a 1:1 ratio. The controller 28 may control the speed of the lower displacement pump 12b, acting as a follower pump, based on the speed of the higher displacement pump 12a, acting as a lead pump. As mentioned above, pumps 12a and 12b may be considered to have different displacements even when moving the same volume of fluid per full pump stroke, if they are controlled to operate in that manner.

[0069] In some examples, the controller 28 may be configured to reassign pump statuses based on the actual operating conditions of the system 10. In some examples, the controller 28 is configured to dynamically assign the statuses of lead pumps and follower pumps during the operation of the system 10. In some examples, the controller 28 is configured to dynamically determine and assign the statuses of lead pumps and follower pumps based on a comparison of parameter information of each pump 12a, 12b. For example, the controller 28 may first determine that pump 12a is the lead pump and pump 12b is the follower pump. The controller 28 continues to monitor the output from pumps 12a and 12b. If there is a reversal in which of pumps 12a or 12b is the higher pressure pump, and the pressure output of pump 12b exceeds the pressure output of pump 12a, the controller 28 may reassign the lead pump status to pump 12b, which has the higher pressure output, and assign the follower pump status to pump 12a. The controller 28 can reassign pump status based on the pump parameters of the follower pumps exceeding those of the lead pumps (for example, if the pressure output of the follower pumps exceeds that of the lead pumps, or if the follower pumps have a larger current draw than the lead pumps). In such cases, the controller 28 controls pump 12b (which has been reassigned as a lead pump) based on its target output parameters, and controls pump 12a (which has been reassigned as a follower pump) based on the operating parameters of pump 12b. For example, the controller 28 may perform a status change so that pumps 12a and 12b that were previously follower pumps become lead pumps, and pumps 12a and 12b that were previously lead pumps become follower pumps.

[0070] By dynamically determining and assigning the status of pumps 12a and 12b during operation, a responsive system 10 is provided that dynamically responds to the real-world conditions experienced during the dispensing of multi-component materials. The viscosity of the constituent materials changes depending on environmental conditions and can affect the flow rate and pressure. By reassigning the status of the lead pump and follower pump, the supply of the constituent materials to the dispensing unit 18 in the appropriate ratio is maintained, providing efficient operation and high-quality multi-component materials.

[0071] In some dynamic status examples, the controller 28 is configured to perform status changes between the lead pump and follower pump of pumps 12a and 12b based on a status threshold. For example, assuming pump 12a is a lead pump and pump 12b is a follower pump, pump 12a remains a lead pump until it reaches a status threshold. The status threshold can be based on one or more of the following, among other options: pump cycles, time, average current draw, average pressure output, and average flow rate. In the pump cycle example, the status threshold can be based on the measured output parameter from the follower pump (e.g., pressure or flow rate) exceeding the measured output parameter from the lead pump over a certain number of pump cycles. In the time example, the status threshold can be based on the measured output parameter from the follower pump exceeding the measured output parameter from the lead pump over a certain period of time (e.g., 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, etc.). In the example of average parameters, the measured parameters (e.g., pressure, current draw, flow rate, etc.) of pumps 12a and 12b used to determine the lead pump are averaged over a certain period (e.g., time, pump cycles, etc.), and the average parameters of pumps 12a and 12b are compared to determine which pump 12a or 12b should be designated as the lead pump and which pump 12a or 12b should be designated as the follower pump. The pump 12a or 12b with the higher average is designated as the lead pump. The average parameters can be moving averages (e.g., over the past 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 pump cycles, 50 pump cycles, etc.).

[0072] Implementing status thresholds enables efficient operation of system 10 and promotes mixing at the appropriate ratio. The pressure output from pumps 12a and 12b may fluctuate as the fluid displacer 40 reciprocates within the housing 42, for example, when the fluid displacer 40 reverses direction during the switch between suction and pressure strokes. The current draw from pumps 12a and 12b may also fluctuate as the fluid displacer 40 reciprocates within the housing 42. The status thresholds prevent fluctuations between pump statuses caused by transient parameter measurements, providing efficient pumping and a consistent flow of material to the applicator 18.

[0073] In some examples, the controller 28 can control the motors 36 of pumps 12a and 2b to turn on and / or off simultaneously, so that both motors 36 are turned on and / or off simultaneously. Such on and off of motors 36 may be in response to any parameters referred herein with respect to pumps 12a and 12b, sensor package 26a and / or sensor package 26b. For example, an increase in pressure from the sensor of either sensor package 26a or 26b, or an increase in current draw from either motor 36, may indicate that the dispenser 18 is de-triggered and therefore that pumping needs to be stopped so that the controller 28 instructs both pumps 12a and 12b to stop. A decrease in pressure from the sensor of either sensor package 26a or 26b, or a decrease in current draw, may indicate that the dispenser 18 is triggered and therefore that pumping needs to be started so that the controller 28 instructs both pumps 12a and 12b to start.

[0074] A change in the current draw of either the motor 36 of pumps 12a or 12b may indicate the start or stop of the release of the multi-component material. For example, an increase in current draw, such as a current spike, may indicate the de-triggering of the applicator 18, and therefore the need to stop pumping so that the controller 28 instructs both pumps 12a and 12b to stop pumping. In some examples, current may be supplied to the motor 36 so that it torques and drives the fluid displacer 40 when the applicator 18 is de-triggered, for example, when the current level is lower than the level required for pumping. Input from the pump sensor 44 may indicate the movement of the motor 36 while it is running (e.g., rotation of the rotor or linear displacement of the fluid displacer 40), which may indicate the triggering of the applicator 18, and therefore the need to start pumping so that the controller 28 instructs both pumps 12a and 12b to start pumping.

[0075] In some examples, the controller 28 can control the motors 36 of pumps 12a and 12b so that they have the same acceleration and deceleration profiles when starting and stopping. For example, the acceleration and deceleration profiles relate to how much torque or what target ramp speed the motors 36 should operate at when transitioning from a stopped state to steady-state pumping, or from steady-state pumping to a stopped state. The controller 28 can accelerate the motors 36 of pumps 12a and 12b to the same speed so that both motors 36 reach steady-state pumping speed simultaneously. The controller 28 can decelerate the motors 36 of pumps 12a and 12b to the same speed so that both motors 36 stop simultaneously. By controlling the motors 36 with the same acceleration and / or deceleration profiles, when pumps 12a and 12b reach steady-state and stopped states simultaneously, a mixing ratio is achieved, thereby providing a consistent flow during both acceleration and deceleration.

[0076] In some examples, the controller 28 can control the motors 36 of pumps 12a and 12b to have synchronous switching between the fluid displacers 40 of each pump 12a and 12b. In this way, the fluid displacer 40 of pump 12a switches synchronously with the fluid displacer 40 of pump 12b. In some cases, if the sensors indicate a synchronization mismatch (determined, for example, based on changes in current draw, based on pressure fluctuations sensed from the pump sensor 44, sensor package 26a and / or sensor package 26b, based on the position of the rotor or fluid displacer 40 sensed by the pump sensor 44), the controller 28 can accelerate one of the pumps 12a and 12b and / or decelerate the other of the pumps 12a and 12b until synchronization for simultaneous switching is achieved. In some cases, if the sensor indicates a synchronization error, the controller 28 may pause one of the pumps 12a or 12b until the other pump catches up, and then restart the paused pump 12a or 12b to synchronize its timing with the cycle of the other pump 12a or 12b.

[0077] In some examples, the controller 28 can control the motors 36 of pumps 12a and 12b to switch synchronously, even if the fluid displacer 40 of the other pump 12a or 12b is not at the end of the pump stroke. The controller 28 can identify that the fluid displacer 40 of one of the pumps 12a or 12b is switching and instruct the other pump 12a or 12b to switch the stroke direction of that fluid displacer 40. For example, the motor 36 may be configured so that the rotor can rotate in one of two directions relative to the stator. The controller 28 can instruct the motor 36 to reverse direction to perform a switch at any point in the pump stroke. The controller 28 can also instruct the other pump 12a or 12b to switch the stroke direction, even if its fluid displacer 40 is between the ends of its entire stroke length.

[0078] In some examples, the controller 28 can control pumps 12a and 12b at synchronous speeds based on switching. For example, the controller 28 can pause pump 12a when the fluid displacer 40 of pump 12b is switching. The fluid displacer 40 pauses for at least a short time when switching in the stroke direction. By pausing the displacement of the fluid displacer 40 of pump 12a while the fluid displacer 40 of pump 12b is switching, both pumps 12a and 12b are outputting and paused simultaneously, thus maintaining a mixing ratio. In some examples, switching may be determined based on the position of the fluid displacers 40 of pumps 12a and 12b, based on pump parameter information from the pump sensors 44 of pumps 12a and 12b. For example, switching may be determined based on the rotational position of the rotor, the linear position of the fluid displacer 40, current draw, etc. In some examples, switching may be determined based on pressure fluctuations sensed by the sensors of the sensor packages 26a and 26b. During the switchover, the pressure output from pumps 12a and 12b decreases, allowing the controller 28 to stop the other pumps 12a and 12b that are not being switched over. The subsequent increase in pressure indicates that the fluid displacer 40 has completed the switchover and is stroking again, allowing the controller 28 to allow the other pumps 12a and 12b to resume pumping.

[0079] In some examples, the controller 28 can switch the fluid displacer 40 of the first pump 12a, 12b based on the switching of the fluid displacer 40 of the second pump 12a, 12b, when the fluid displacer 40 of the first pump 12a, 12b is within a threshold distance from the end of the stroke. For example, the controller 28 can switch the fluid displacer 40 of the first pump 12a, 12b when it is within a range of 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, etc., of the stroke length from the end of the pump stroke. The controller 28 can continue the same pump stroke and not switch the fluid displacer 40 of the first pump 12a, 12b when it is outside the threshold distance, so that the fluid displacer 40 is further than the threshold distance from the end of the pump stroke. By causing the fluid displacer 40 of the first of the pumps 12a and 12b to switch when it is within a threshold distance, a short stroke before the switch is prevented. For example, the first of the pumps 12a and 12b may pause based on the fluid displacer 40 of the second of the pumps 12a and 12b switching, and then resume pumping. Such a configuration provides efficient pumping with fewer pauses during pumping, and also provides efficient pumping that provides a more consistent supply of constituent materials.

[0080] In some examples, if pumps 12a and 12b are not supplying in a 1:1 ratio, only a portion of the switching may be synchronized. For example, the first of pumps 12a and 12b may operate faster than the second of pumps 12a and 12b. This is achieved by having different (e.g., higher or lower) motor speeds, in an example where pumps 12a and 12b are sized to match a 1:1 power ratio. For example, pump 12a may be configured to pump a first component material that is mixed in a 2:1 ratio with a second component material pumped by pump 12b. The controller 28 can operate the first pump 12a at twice the speed of the second pump 12b. In such an example, if the full stroke length is utilized, the slower pump 12b will switch less frequently than the first pump 12a. The controller 28 can control pumps 12a and 12b so that the switching is synchronized when both pumps 12a and 12b switch. For example, in the case of a 2:1 ratio, the synchronization occurs every other stroke of the first pump 12a and every stroke of the second pump 12b.

[0081] In such an example, the controller 28 can assign either the first pump 12a, 12b that pumps at a higher speed or the second pump 12a, 12b that pumps at a lower speed as the lead pump, and assign the other pump 12a, 12b as the follower pump, so that the speed of the follower pump is based on the speed of the lead pump. As described above, the controller 28 can assign the lead pump based on the resistance that the pumps 12a, 12b encounter while pumping. In this way, either the faster pump 12a, 12b or the slower pump 12a, 12b can be designated as the lead pump, and the other pump 12a, 12b can be designated as the follower pump.

[0082] In some examples, switching can be synchronized by not using the full stroke length of one or both pumps 12a and 12b. For example, if the first pump 12a, moving at a first speed, needs to switch due to the end of its stroke length, the second pump 12b, moving at a second speed different from the first speed, can switch synchronously even if it has not reached the end of its stroke length. For example, when pumping in a 2:1 ratio, the faster of the two pumps 12a and 12b can use its full stroke length, while the slower of the two pumps 12a and 12b can use half of the available stroke length. In such examples, the controller 28 can control pumps 12a and 12b so that each switching is synchronized.

[0083] In various examples, the sensor package 26c monitors one or more parameters of the compressed gas and transmits parameter data indicating one or more parameters to the controller 28. The controller 28 can then control one or more other components of the system 10 in accordance with the parameter information from the sensor package 26c indicating the parameters of the compressed gas. For example, if the flow rate or pressure of the compressed gas falls below (or becomes zero) a threshold, the controller 28 can reduce (or stop) the output from the pumps 12a and 12b.

[0084] In some cases, the output from the pump sensor 44 of any of the pumps 12, the first sensor package 26a and / or the second sensor package 26b can cause the controller 28 to adjust the supply of compressed gas, for example, by increasing or decreasing the pressure and / or flow rate of the compressed gas supplied to the applicator 18. For example, if an increase in the pressure and / or flow rate of the first and / or second constituent material is detected, the controller 28 can increase the supply of compressed gas to the applicator 18. If the pump sensor 44 of any of the pumps 12a, 12b, the first sensor package 26a and / or the second sensor package 26b does not detect the flow of the first and / or second constituent material, the supply of compressed gas can be reduced or stopped by closing the valve of the sensor package 26c or the gas supply source 20, or by stopping the compressor that forms the gas supply source 20.

[0085] Output setting inputs can be received from the user interface 34 and transmitted to the controller 28. The user can provide output setting inputs to the user interface 34 to set target output parameters from pumps 12a and 12b (e.g., to set desired pressure, flow rate, etc.). Output setting inputs can indicate a desire to output a higher or lower volume of multi-component material. Output setting inputs can also indicate a desire to output at a higher or lower pressure. The controller 28 can then control pumps 12a and 12b and the gas supply source 20, respectively, based on the output setting inputs from the user to change the volume and / or pressure output. For example, if the user inputs a command for outputting a multi-component material at a higher pressure and / or higher volume, the controller 28 can instruct the motors 36 of pumps 12a and 12b to increase their speed and increase the volume and / or pressure output. The controller 28 can also control the gas supply source 20, for example, by a solenoid-driven regulator, among other options, or by increasing the speed of the compressor of the gas supply source 20, thereby increasing the flow rate and / or pressure of the gas supplied to the applicator 18. For example, if the user inputs a command for outputting a multi-component material at a lower pressure and / or lower volume, the controller 28 can instruct the motors 36 of the pumps 12a and 12b to reduce their speed and decrease the volume and / or pressure output. The controller 28 can also control the gas supply source 20, for example, by a solenoid-driven regulator, among other options, or by decreasing the speed of the compressor of the gas supply source 20, thereby decreasing the flow rate and / or pressure of the gas supplied to the applicator 18.

[0086] As illustrated, there is only one pump 12a between the first fluid reservoir 14a and the applicator 18 for supplying the first component material. Similarly, there is only one pump 12b between the second fluid reservoir 14b and the applicator 18 for supplying the second component material. Thus, the partially submerged pumps 12a and 12b provide all the airless fluid pressure supplied to the applicator 18 for the component material supplied by those pumps 12a and 12b. There are no intermediate pumps along the fluid path. System 10 does not include a pump downstream of pump 12a for pumping the first component material into the applicator 18. System 10 does not include a pump downstream of pump 12b for pumping the second component material into the applicator 18. System 10 does not include a pump upstream of pump 12a for pumping the first component material into pump 12a. System 10 does not include a pump upstream of pump 12b for pumping a second component material to pump 12b. System 10 does not include any mechanically coupled pumps. Pumps 12a and 12b are independently operable and independently controllable. The fluid displacers 40 of pumps 12a and 12b are not mechanically coupled for simultaneous displacement. System 10 does not include a proportioner that includes mechanically coupled pumps to provide the component material in the appropriate ratio. Instead, the controller 28 actively controls the operation of pumps 12a and 12b so that they provide the component material to the applicator 18 in the appropriate ratio.

[0087] In some examples, the controller 28 controls the operation of the system 10 based on pump parameter information generated by the pump sensor 44. In such examples, the controller 28 may not require or utilize material parameter information from sensor packages 26a and 26b to control the operation of the pumps 12a and 12b. In some such examples, the system 10 does not include sensor packages 26a and 26b, nor does it include sensors that directly sense the parameters of the constituent materials downstream of the pumps 12a and 12b. In some such examples, the controller 28 may receive material parameter information from sensor packages 26a and 26b, but the controller 28 does not rely on this material parameter information to control the operation of the pumps 12a and 12b.

[0088] The pump sensor 44 can generate pump parameter information regarding the displacement of the fluid displacer 40, for example, by directly sensing the linear position and / or displacement velocity of the fluid displacer 40, or by sensing the rotational position and / or rotational velocity of the rotor of the motor 36, from which the position of the fluid displacer 40 can be determined. In some examples, the output flow rate from pumps 12a and 12b can be determined based on the displacement of the fluid displacer 40, for example, based on the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer 40 or the rotor of the motor 36. The current level supplied to the motor 36 is known during operation and may change based on the resistance encountered by pumps 12a and 12b during pumping. For example, a higher current level is required to pump a more viscous material to a target pressure, and a lower current level is required to pump a less viscous material to a target pressure. In some examples, the output pressure of pumps 12a and 12b can be determined based on the current drawn by the motor 36 for pumps 12a and 12b.

[0089] The controller 28 may be configured to control the operation of pumps 12a and 12b based solely on pump parameter data, such as current draw and / or displacement of the fluid displacer 40. The controller 28 can control the operation of each pump 12a and 12b by adjusting the power supplied to the motors 36 of pumps 12a and 12b.

[0090] The controller 28 can increase or decrease the flow output of pumps 12a and 12b based on the current draw from either pump 12a or 12b. A decrease in current draw may indicate a corresponding decrease in pressure, and the controller 28 can increase the power to pumps 12a and 12b to increase the pressure. An increase in current draw may indicate a corresponding increase in pressure, and the controller 28 can decrease the power to pumps 12a and 12b to decrease the pressure. A change in current draw may indicate a corresponding change in flow rate, and the controller 28 can increase or decrease the power to pumps 12a and 12b to increase or decrease the flow rate.

[0091] The controller 28 can increase or decrease the flow output of pumps 12a and 12b based on the sensed displacement of the fluid displacer 40 of pumps 12a and 12b, which may be sensed directly based on the fluid displacer 40 or indirectly based on the rotor of the motor 36. A decrease in speed may indicate a corresponding decrease in flow rate, and the controller 28 can increase the power to pumps 12a and 12b to increase the flow rate. An increase in speed may indicate a corresponding increase in flow rate, and the controller 28 can decrease the power to pumps 12a and 12b to decrease the flow rate. A change in displacement speed may indicate a corresponding change in pressure, and the controller 28 can increase or decrease the power to pumps 12a and 12b to decrease or increase the pressure.

[0092] In some examples, the controller 28 can assign a lead pump status to one of the pumps 12a and 12b and a follower pump status to the other, based solely on pump parameter information. For example, the controller 28 can determine which of the pumps 12a and 12b is the lead pump based on the current draw of the motors 36 of the pumps 12a and 12b. In some examples, the controller 28 can determine the output pressure of a first component based on the current draw of the electric motor 36 of pump 12a. In some examples, the controller 28 can determine the output pressure of a second component based on the current draw of the electric motor 36 of pump 12b. The controller 28 can assign the pump 12a or 12b with the larger current draw as the lead pump and control the operation of the other pump 12a or 12b based on the operation of the lead pump. For example, if pump 12a has a larger current draw to achieve the target output parameter, the controller 28 assigns the lead pump status to pump 12a and the follower pump status to pump 12b. Subsequently, the controller 28 controls the operation of the follower pump 12b based on the operation of the lead pump 12a, for example, by having the pump 12b displace the fluid displacer 40 based on the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer 40 of the pump 12a.

[0093] As described above, the controller 28 can control the operation of pumps 12a and 12b based on target output parameters input via the user interface 34. Target output parameters may include target pressure, target flow rate, etc.

[0094] In an example where the target output parameter is the target pressure, the controller 28 can control the operation of pumps 12a and 12b based on the current draw of the electric motors 36 of pumps 12a and 12b. The current draw indicates the actual pressure that pumps 12a and 12b are pumping. For example, the pressure output from pump 12a may be determined based on the current draw of the electric motor 36 of pump 12a. For example, the pressure output from pump 12b may be determined based on the current draw of the electric motor 36 of pump 12b. The controller 28 can control the operation of pumps 12a and 12b to achieve the target pressure without receiving pressure information from the pressure sensors for the first component material and without receiving pressure information from the pressure sensors for the second component material.

[0095] In an example where the target output parameter is a target flow rate, the controller 28 can control the operation of pumps 12a and 12b based on their position information. For example, the flow rate output from pump 12a can be determined based on the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer 40 of pump 12a, which can be determined based on direct sensing of the displacement of the fluid displacer 40 of pump 12a, or based on direct sensing of the rotational displacement of the rotor of the electric motor 36 of pump 12a. Similarly, the flow rate output from pump 12b can be determined based on the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer 40 of pump 12b, which can be determined based on direct sensing of the displacement of the fluid displacer 40 of pump 12b, or based on direct sensing of the rotational displacement of the rotor of the electric motor 36 of pump 12b. The controller 28 can control the operation of pumps 12a and 12b to achieve the target flow rate without receiving flow rate information for a first component from the flow sensor, and without receiving flow rate information for a second component from the flow sensor.

[0096] Significant advantages are provided by the controller 28 controlling the operation of the system 10 based on pump parameter information. The controller 28 can receive information about pumps 12a and 12b and controls the operation of pumps 12a and 12b based on that pump parameter information. The controller 28 does not need parameter information sensed from the flow output from pumps 12a and 12b. Instead, the controller 28 controls the operation of pumps 12a and 12b based on parameter information from pumps 12a and 12b themselves. This configuration eliminates the need for pressure and / or flow sensors, providing a lower-cost and easier-to-operate system 10. By controlling the operation of pumps 12a and 12b based on pump parameter information, a more responsive system is provided that directly controls pumps 12a and 12b based on parameter data from pumps 12a and 12b, rather than based on material parameter data of first and second constituent materials generated downstream of pumps 12a and 12b.

[0097] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and that equivalents can be used in place of those elements. In addition, many modifications can be made without departing from its essential scope to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is intended to include all embodiments contained in the appended claims, rather than being limited to the specific embodiments disclosed.

Claims

1. A multi-component system, A first pump having a first electric motor for pumping a first component material, A second pump having a second electric motor for pumping a second component material, A coating device configured to receive the first constituent material and the second constituent material, and to discharge a multi-component material formed by mixing the first constituent material and the second constituent material, A first electric motor for controlling the pumping by the first pump, a second electric motor for controlling the pumping by the second pump, and an operablely connected controller, Equipped with, The aforementioned controller, The system receives first parameter information relating to the first output of the first pump and second parameter information relating to the second output of the second pump. The pump status is specified for the first pump and the second pump such that one of the first pump and the second pump is designated as a lead pump, and the other of the first pump and the second pump is designated as a follower pump. Control the operation of the follower pump so that the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the follower pump is based on the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the lead pump. It is configured in such a way, The controller determines the pump status as follows: The displacement ratio between the first pump and the second pump, wherein, if the displacement ratio is other than 1:1, the controller designates the pump with the greater output among the first and second pumps as the lead pump, and the pump with the smaller output among the first and second pumps as the follower pump, and When the displacement ratio is 1:1, the first parameter information and the second parameter information A multi-component system configured to be specified based on [a certain condition].

2. The multi-component system according to claim 1, wherein the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the follower pump is maintained at a 1:1 ratio with respect to the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the lead pump.

3. The multi-component system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first parameter information relating to the first output is generated by the pump sensor of the first pump.

4. The multi-component system according to claim 3, wherein the pump sensor is a motor sensor configured to generate information relating to at least one of the rotational position of the first rotor of the first electric motor and the rotational speed of the first rotor of the first electric motor.

5. The multi-component system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second parameter information relating to the second output is generated by the pump sensor of the second pump.

6. The multi-component system according to claim 5, wherein the pump sensor of the second pump is a motor sensor configured to generate information relating to at least one of the rotational position of the second rotor of the second electric motor and the rotational speed of the second rotor of the second electric motor.

7. A first sensor package comprising one or more sensors for sensing one or more parameters of the first constituent material and generating the first parameter information, A second sensor package comprising one or more sensors for sensing one or more parameters of the second constituent material and generating the second parameter information, A multi-component system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the above.

8. The multi-component system according to claim 7, wherein the first sensor package includes a pressure sensor configured to generate first pressure data relating to a first pressure of the first constituent material.

9. The multi-component system according to claim 8, wherein the second sensor package includes a pressure sensor configured to generate second pressure data relating to a second pressure of the second constituent material.

10. The multi-component system according to claim 7, wherein the first sensor package includes a flow sensor configured to generate first flow data relating to the flow rate of the first constituent material.

11. The multi-component system according to claim 10, wherein the second sensor package includes a flow sensor configured to generate second flow data relating to the flow rate of the second constituent material.

12. A user interface configured to receive output settings from a user, the user interface further comprising the output settings providing target output parameters for pumping, The multi-component system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller is configured to specify the pump status based on the output setting.

13. The multi-component system according to claim 12, wherein the target output parameter is a target pressure level.

14. The multi-component system according to claim 12, wherein the target output parameter is a target flow rate.

15. The controller is configured to designate one of the first pump and the second pump as the lead pump based on which of the first output and the second output satisfies a specified threshold first, the specified threshold being based on the target output parameter, the multi-component system according to claim 12.

16. The multi-component system according to claim 15, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the reed pump so that the reed output of the reed pump matches the target output parameter.

17. The controller is configured to designate one of the first pump and the second pump as the lead pump based on an average parameter value between the first output and the second output that satisfies a specified threshold, wherein the designated threshold is based on the target output parameter, according to claim 12.

18. The multi-component system according to claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the first pump and the second pump based on the average parameter value.

19. The multi-component system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first output is the current drawn from the first electric motor, and the second output is the current drawn from the second electric motor.

20. The multi-component system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid displacer of the lead pump and the fluid displacer of the follower pump are not mechanically connected for pumping.

21. The multi-component system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein no pump is located downstream of the first pump for pumping the first component material into the applicator.

22. The multi-component system according to claim 21, wherein no pump is located downstream of the second pump for pumping the second component material into the applicator.

23. A first heater is positioned between the first pump and the applicator to heat the first constituent material, A second heater is positioned between the second pump and the applicator to heat the second component material, A multi-component system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the above.

24. The multi-component system according to claim 23, wherein the controller is configured to control the thermal output of at least one of the first heater and the second heater based on at least one of the first parameter information and the second parameter information.

25. The multi-component system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a gas supply source fluidly connected to the applicator for supplying compressed gas to the applicator.

26. The multi-component system according to claim 25, wherein the controller is configured to control the compressed gas output from the gas supply source based on at least one of the first parameter information and the second parameter information.

27. The system further comprises at least one sensor configured to generate information regarding one or more parameters of the gas supply source, The multi-component system according to claim 25, wherein the controller is configured to receive information from at least one sensor configured to generate information relating to one or more parameters of the gas supply source, and the controller is configured to change the operation of at least one of the first electric motor, the second electric motor, and the gas supply source based on the information from the at least one sensor configured to generate information relating to one or more parameters of the gas supply source.

28. The multi-component system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller is configured to dynamically specify the pump status.

29. The multi-component system according to claim 28, wherein the controller is configured to reassign pump statuses between the first pump and the second pump based on the first parameter information and the second parameter information indicating that the output parameter of the other of the first pump and the second pump exceeds the output parameter of the other of the first pump and the second pump.

30. The multi-component system according to claim 28, wherein the controller is configured to reassign pump statuses between the first pump and the second pump based on the first parameter information and the second parameter information indicating that the output parameters of the follower pump satisfy a status threshold.

31. The multi-component system according to claim 30, wherein the status threshold is based on current draw.

32. The multi-component system according to claim 31, wherein the controller determines whether the output parameter of the follower pump satisfies the status threshold based on a comparison of the current draw of the first electric motor and the current draw of the second electric motor.

33. The multi-component system according to claim 30, wherein the status threshold is based on the pressure of the constituent materials.

34. The multi-component system according to claim 33, wherein the controller determines whether the output parameter of the follower pump satisfies the status threshold based on a comparison of the pressure of the first component and the pressure of the second component.

35. The multi-component system according to claim 28, wherein the status threshold includes a pump cycle count.

36. The multi-component system according to claim 28, wherein the status threshold includes a time count.

37. A multi-component system, A first pump having a first electric motor for pumping a first component material, A second pump having a second electric motor for pumping a second component material, A coating device configured to receive the first constituent material and the second constituent material, and to discharge a multi-component material formed by mixing the first constituent material and the second constituent material, A first electric motor for controlling the pumping by the first pump, a second electric motor for controlling the pumping by the second pump, and an operablely connected controller, Equipped with, The aforementioned controller, The system receives first parameter information relating to the first output of the first pump and second parameter information relating to the second output of the second pump. Based on the displacement ratio between the first pump and the second pump, a pump status is assigned to the first pump and the second pump. The operation of the follower pump is controlled such that the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the follower pump is based on the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the lead pump. Based on the first and second parameter information, which indicate that the output parameter of the other of the first and second pumps exceeds the output parameter of the other of the first and second pumps, the other of the first and second pumps is re-designated as the lead pump, and the other of the first and second pumps is re-designated as the follower pump. It is configured in such a way, The aforementioned controller, If the displacement ratio is other than 1:1, the pump with the greater output of the first pump and the second pump is designated as the lead pump, and the pump with the smaller output of the first pump and the second pump is designated as the follow pump. When the displacement ratio is 1:1, based on the first parameter information and the second parameter information, one of the first pump and the second pump is designated as the lead pump, and the other of the first pump and the second pump is designated as the follower pump. A multi-component system configured in such a way.

38. The multi-component system according to claim 37, wherein the first output is the current drawn from the first electric motor.

39. The multi-component system according to claim 37, wherein the first output is the pressure of the first constituent material.

40. The multi-component system according to any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the second output is the current draw of the second electric motor.

41. The multi-component system according to any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the second output is the pressure of the second constituent material.

42. A user interface configured to receive output settings from a user, the user interface further comprising the output settings providing target output parameters for pumping, The multi-component system according to any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the controller is configured to specify the pump status based on the target output parameter.

43. The multi-component system according to claim 42, wherein the target output parameter is a target pressure level.

44. The multi-component system according to claim 42, wherein the target output parameter is a target flow rate.

45. A multi-component system, A first pump having a first electric motor for pumping a first component material, A second pump having a second electric motor for pumping a second component material, A coating device configured to receive the first constituent material and the second constituent material, and to discharge a multi-component material formed by mixing the first constituent material and the second constituent material, A user interface configured to receive output settings from a user, wherein the output settings provide target output parameters for the multi-component material. A first electric motor for controlling the pumping by the first pump, a second electric motor for controlling the pumping by the second pump, and an operablely connected controller, Equipped with, The aforementioned controller, The system receives first pump parameter information relating to the first pump, The second pump parameter information relating to the second pump is received, The operation of the first pump and the second pump is controlled based on the output settings, the first pump parameter information, and the second pump parameter information so that the first pump and the second pump output the first and second constituent materials in a desired ratio. Based on a displacement ratio other than 1:1 between the first pump and the second pump, the pump status is assigned to the first pump and the second pump such that the pump with the greater output is the lead pump and the pump with the smaller output is the follower pump. Based on the 1:1 displacement ratio between the first pump and the second pump, and based on the first parameter information and the second parameter information, one of the first pump and the second pump is designated as the lead pump, and the other of the first pump and the second pump is designated as the follower pump. A multi-component system configured in such a way.

46. The multi-component system according to claim 45, wherein the first pump and the second pump are not mechanically connected.

47. The multi-component system according to claim 45 or 46, wherein there is no pump positioned between the first pump and the applicator for pumping the first component material into the applicator.

48. The multi-component system according to claim 47, wherein there is no pump positioned between the second pump and the applicator for pumping the second component material into the applicator.

49. The multi-component system according to claim 45 or 46, wherein there is no proportion pump fluidly connected to the applicator.

50. The multi-component system according to claim 45 or 46, wherein the first pump includes a pump body configured to extend into the first storage tank to contact the first constituent material inside the first storage tank.

51. The multi-component system according to claim 50, wherein the fluid displacer of the first pump is formed as a piston at least partially located within the pump body and configured to reciprocate relative to the pump body.

52. The multi-component system according to claim 50, wherein the first electric motor is positioned vertically above the pump body such that the electric motor is positioned outside the first storage tank with the pump body extending into the first storage tank.

53. The multi-component system according to claim 50, wherein the controller controls the operation of the first pump and the second pump based on parameter data other than pressure data relating to the pressure of one of the first and second constituent materials.

54. The multi-component system according to claim 50, which does not include a pressure sensor configured to directly sense the pressure of one of the first and second components.

55. The multi-component system according to claim 50, wherein the controller does not rely on first material parameter data sensed from the first constituent material downstream of the first pump.

56. The multi-component system according to claim 55, wherein the material parameter data includes the pressure and flow rate of the first constituent material.

57. The multi-component system according to claim 50, wherein the controller does not rely on first pressure information generated based on the first component material downstream of the first pump in order to control the operation of the first pump and the second pump.

58. The multi-component system according to claim 57, wherein the controller does not rely on second pressure information generated based on the second component material downstream of the second pump in order to control the operation of the first pump and the second pump.

59. The multi-component system according to claim 50, wherein the first pump includes a first pump sensor configured to generate the first pump parameter data.

60. The multi-component system according to claim 59, wherein the first pump sensor is configured to generate information relating to the position of the first fluid displacer of the first pump.

61. The multi-component system according to claim 59, wherein the first pump sensor is configured to generate information relating to the rotational position of the first rotor of the first electric motor.

62. The multi-component system according to claim 59, wherein the first pump sensor is configured to generate information relating to the current draw of the first electric motor.

63. The multi-component system according to claim 50, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the first pump and the second pump based on a first current draw from the first pump.

64. The multi-component system according to claim 63, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the first pump and the second pump based on a second current draw from the second pump.

65. The multi-component system according to claim 50, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the first pump and the second pump based on the rotational position of the first rotor of the first electric motor.

66. The multi-component system according to claim 65, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the first pump and the second pump based on the rotational position of the second rotor of the second electric motor.

67. The multi-component system according to claim 50, wherein the controller is configured to control the speed of one of the first pump and the second pump based on the speed of the other of the first pump and the second pump.

68. The multi-component system according to claim 67, wherein the controller is configured to designate one of the first pump and the second pump as a follower pump and the other of the first pump and the second pump as a lead pump based on a comparison of the sensed current draws of the first electric motor and the second electric motor.

69. The multi-component system according to claim 68, wherein the controller is configured to designate the other of the first and second pumps as the lead pump based on the fact that the other of the first and second pumps has a larger current draw than the other of the first and second pumps.

70. The multi-component system according to claim 67, wherein the controller is configured to designate one of the first pump and the second pump as a follower pump and the other of the first pump and the second pump as a lead pump based on a comparison of the sensed displacement speeds of the first electric motor and the second electric motor.

71. A multi-component system, A first pump having a first electric motor for pumping a first component material, A second pump having a second electric motor for pumping a second component material, wherein the first pump is not mechanically connected to the first pump for simultaneous pumping, and the second pump is not mechanically connected to the first pump. A coating device configured to receive the first constituent material and the second constituent material, and to discharge a multi-component material formed by mixing the first constituent material and the second constituent material, A user interface configured to receive output settings from a user, wherein the output settings provide target output parameters for the multi-component material. A first electric motor for controlling the pumping by the first pump, a second electric motor for controlling the pumping by the second pump, and an operablely connected controller, Equipped with, The aforementioned controller, The system receives first pump parameter information relating to the first pump, which includes at least one of the current draw of the first electric motor, the rotational speed of the first rotor of the first electric motor, and the displacement speed of the first fluid displacer of the electric motor. The second pump parameter information relating to the second pump is received, The operation of the first pump and the second pump is controlled based on the output settings, the first pump parameter information, and the second pump parameter information so that the first pump and the second pump output the first and second constituent materials in a desired ratio. Based on a displacement ratio other than 1:1 between the first pump and the second pump, the pump status is assigned to the first pump and the second pump such that the pump with the greater output is the lead pump and the pump with the smaller output is the follower pump. Based on the 1:1 displacement ratio between the first pump and the second pump, and based on the first parameter information and the second parameter information, one of the first pump and the second pump is designated as the lead pump, and the other of the first pump and the second pump is designated as the follower pump. A multi-component system configured in such a way.

72. The multi-component system according to claim 71, wherein the second pump parameter information includes at least one of the current draw of the second electric motor, the rotational speed of the second rotor of the second electric motor, and the displacement speed of the second fluid displacer of the second electric motor.

73. The multi-component system according to claim 71 or 72, wherein the controller does not control the operation of the first pump and the second pump based on first pressure data generated by a pressure sensor located downstream of the first pump.

74. The multi-component system according to claim 73, wherein the controller does not control the operation of the first pump and the second pump based on second pressure data generated by a pressure sensor located downstream of the second pump.

75. The multi-component system according to claim 71 or 72, wherein there is no pump positioned between the first pump and the applicator for pumping the first component material into the applicator.

76. The multi-component system according to claim 75, wherein there is no pump positioned between the second pump and the applicator for pumping the second component material.

77. A system for quantitatively supplying multiple components, A first pump having a first electric motor for pumping a first component material, A second pump having a second electric motor for pumping a second component material, A coating device configured to receive the first constituent material and the second constituent material, and to discharge a multi-component material formed by mixing the first constituent material and the second constituent material, A first electric motor for controlling the pumping by the first pump, a second electric motor for controlling the pumping by the second pump, and an operablely connected controller, Equipped with, The aforementioned controller, Based on the displacement ratio between the first pump and the second pump, the controller assigns a pump status to the first pump and the second pump, designating the pump with the higher output as the lead pump and the pump with the lower output as the follower pump. Control the operation of the follower pump so that the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the follower pump is based on the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the lead pump. A multi-component quantitative dispensing system configured as follows.

78. The multi-component system according to claim 77, wherein the first pump and the second pump are sized to match a 1:1 power output ratio per pump stroke.

79. The multi-component system according to claim 77, wherein the first pump and the second pump are sized to match an output ratio other than 1:1 per pump stroke.

80. The multi-component system according to any one of claims 77 to 79, wherein the controller is configured to receive a pump ratio identifier providing the displacement ratio from a user interface.

81. The controller further, The system receives first parameter information relating to the first output of the first pump and second parameter information relating to the second output of the second pump. Based on the displacement ratio, which is a 1:1 displacement ratio, the pump status is assigned to the first pump and the second pump based on the first parameter information and the second parameter information. A multi-component system according to any one of claims 77 to 79, configured as described above.

82. A system for quantitatively supplying multiple components, A first pump having a first electric motor for pumping a first component material, A second pump having a second electric motor for pumping a second component material, A user interface configured to receive pump ratio information from the user, A coating device configured to receive the first constituent material and the second constituent material, and to discharge a multi-component material formed by mixing the first constituent material and the second constituent material, A first electric motor for controlling the pumping by the first pump, a second electric motor for controlling the pumping by the second pump, and an operablely connected controller, Equipped with, The aforementioned controller, If the pump ratio information indicates that the displacement ratio between the first pump and the second pump is other than 1:1, the pump ratio information, and If the pump ratio information indicates that the displacement ratio is 1:1, then the first parameter information relating to the output of the first pump and the second parameter information relating to the output of the second pump are used. Based on at least one of the above, the pump status is assigned to the first pump and the second pump, in which case the first pump and the second pump are designated as one of the lead pump and the follower pump. Control the operation of the follower pump so that the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the follower pump is based on the displacement velocity of the fluid displacer of the lead pump. A multi-component quantitative dispensing system configured as follows.

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