Jetting needle integration with fluid jetting valve and methods thereof

Abstract

A fluid body for use with an injection distributor comprises: a fluid inlet for receiving fluid from a source; a fluid outlet for discharging fluid from the fluid body; a chamber defined between the fluid inlet and the outlet and configured to receive fluid; a valve seat within the chamber, through which the fluid outlet extends; a valve element for reciprocating within the chamber between a first position and a second position, in contact with the valve seat at the first position and spaced apart from the valve seat at the second position; a distribution needle detachable from the fluid body and configured to receive fluid from the fluid outlet; and a fixing nut configured to detachably secure the distribution needle to the fluid body so that the distribution needle contacts the fluid body adjacent to the fluid outlet.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus and method for dispensing a material onto a substrate, and more specifically to a dispensing dispenser having a needle and an easily accessible component. Background Technology

[0002] Non-contact viscous material dispensers are often used to apply minute amounts of viscous material onto a substrate. For example, non-contact viscous material dispensers are used to apply various viscous materials onto electronic substrates, such as printed circuit boards. Materials applied to electronic substrates include, for example but not limited to, general-purpose adhesives, UV-curable adhesives, solder paste, solder flux, solder mask, thermal grease, lid sealant, oil, sealant, potting compound, epoxy, die attachment fluid, silicone, RTV (room temperature curing silicone), cyanoacrylate, etc.

[0003] A spray dispenser may have a pneumatic or electric actuator for repeatedly moving a shaft or tappet toward a seat while spraying a drop of viscous material from the outlet orifice of the dispenser. More specifically, an electric spray dispenser may use a piezoelectric actuator.

[0004] Conventional spray dispenser designs often lack the arrangement for adequate and / or easy access to properly clean all essential surfaces of the components. Consequently, users frequently have to disassemble multiple parts of the spray system to access the components requiring cleaning. This requires time and additional tools, leading to increased costs, longer downtime, and reduced efficiency.

[0005] Furthermore, conventional spray dispenser systems often utilize dispensing nozzles that are unsuitable for small or dense components, which limits their applications. Additionally, conventional systems allow air to be trapped, which reduces the accuracy and precision of the dispensed material and can degrade its structural properties and / or similar performance issues. Moreover, while some dispensing components may accommodate coatings to facilitate material dispensing or spraying, such coatings often form undesirable droplets, further reducing the accuracy and precision of material application.

[0006] For at least these reasons, it would be desirable to provide injection systems and methods that solve these and other problems.

[0007] The aforementioned requirements are satisfied by various embodiments of the injection system, the dispensing needle, the coating tool, and the disclosed method. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a fluid body for use with an injection distributor is disclosed. The fluid body is configured to receive a fluid internally and to dispense the fluid therefrom. The fluid body comprises: a fluid inlet configured to receive a fluid from a fluid source; a fluid outlet configured to discharge a fluid from the fluid body; a chamber defined between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and configured to receive a fluid internally; a valve seat disposed in the chamber, through which the fluid outlet extends; a valve element for reciprocating within the chamber between a first position and a second position, in contact with the valve seat at the first position and spaced apart from the valve seat at the second position; a dispensing needle detachable from the fluid body and configured to receive a fluid from the fluid outlet; and a fixing nut configured to detachably secure the dispensing needle to the fluid body so that the dispensing needle contacts the fluid body adjacent to the fluid outlet.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a spraying system comprising a fluid body and a spray distributor is disclosed. The fluid body comprises: a fluid inlet configured to receive fluid from a fluid source; a fluid outlet configured to discharge fluid from the fluid body; a chamber defined between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and configured to receive fluid within; a valve seat disposed in the chamber, through which the fluid outlet extends; a valve element for reciprocating within the chamber between a first position and a second position, in contact with the valve seat at the first position and spaced apart from the valve seat at the second position; a distribution needle detachable from the fluid body and configured to receive fluid from the fluid outlet; and a fixing nut configured to detachably secure the distribution needle to the fluid body so that the distribution needle contacts the fluid body adjacent to the fluid outlet. The spray distributor has an actuator configured to cause a valve stem to reciprocate toward the valve seat and away from the valve seat so that fluid material within the fluid chamber moves from the fluid outlet into the distribution needle.

[0009] According to another embodiment, a needle coating holder for applying a coating to a dispensing needle for use with a dispensing system is disclosed. The needle coating holder comprises: a body defining a chamber configured therein to receive a coating; a needle retaining plate adjacent to the chamber (the needle retaining plate defines an aperture extending therethrough, said aperture configured to receive a dispensing needle therein); and a cover that may be optionally disposed in contact with a dispensing needle disposed within the needle retaining plate. When the cover is disposed in contact with the dispensing needle, a hermetic seal is formed between the cover and the needle inlet of the dispensing needle.

[0010] According to another embodiment, a fluid body for use with an injection distributor may comprise: a fluid inlet configured to receive fluid from a fluid source; a fluid outlet configured to discharge fluid from the fluid body; a chamber defined between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and configured to receive fluid inside; a valve seat disposed in the chamber, through which the fluid outlet extends; a valve element for reciprocating within the chamber between a first position and a second position, in contact with the valve seat at the first position and spaced apart from the valve seat at the second position; a distribution needle detachable from the fluid body and configured to receive fluid from the fluid outlet; and a fixing component configured to detachably secure the distribution needle to the fluid body so that the distribution needle contacts the fluid body adjacent to the fluid outlet.

[0011] According to another embodiment, a fluid body for use with an injection distributor may comprise: a fluid inlet configured to receive fluid from a fluid source; a fluid outlet configured to discharge fluid from the fluid body; a chamber defined between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and configured to receive fluid therein; a valve seat disposed in the chamber, through which the fluid outlet extends; a valve element for reciprocating within the chamber between a first position and a second position, in contact with the valve seat at the first position and spaced apart from the valve seat at the second position; and a distribution needle detachable from the fluid body and configured to receive fluid from the fluid outlet. The distribution needle may comprise a coating thereon, the coating configured to reduce surface tension. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0012] This application is better understood when read together with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the subject matter, exemplary aspects of the subject matter are shown in the drawings, but the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited to the specific methods, devices, and systems disclosed. In the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a spraying system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the injection system of FIG. 1, showing a fluid body housing in an open position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a fluid body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of the fluid body of Figure 3. Figure 5 shows an angled side cross-sectional view of a part of the fluid body of Figure 3. FIG. 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of a fluid body having a distribution needle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 shows a partially disassembled side cross-sectional view of the fluid body of Figure 6. Figure 8 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of a part of the fluid body of Figure 7. FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a distribution needle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 shows a side cross-sectional view of the distribution needle of Figure 9. FIG. 11 shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a fluid body having a distribution needle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart illustrating a process for assembling a fluid body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 shows a portion of the distribution needle on which a droplet is formed. FIG. 14 shows an angled cross-sectional view of a portion of a distribution needle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 shows a needle coating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of the needle coating device of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 shows another cross-sectional view of a part of the needle coating device of FIG. 15. FIG. 18 shows a side view of a part of the needle coating device of FIG. 15. FIG. 19 shows a flowchart illustrating a process for coating a distribution needle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of another distribution needle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 shows a side cross-sectional view of the distribution needle of FIG. 20. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0013] Now, aspects of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein similar reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout unless otherwise specified.

[0014] Specific terms are used for illustrative purposes only for convenience and are not restrictive. The words "proximal" and "distal" generally refer to a position or direction facing and away from the individual using the mixed system, respectively. The terms "axial," "vertical," "transverse," "left," "right," "up," and "down" indicate directions in the drawing where the reference is made. The term "substantially" is intended to mean that the degree is substantial or mostly, but not necessarily entirely. The above terms include the words listed above, their derivatives, and words of similar derivation.

[0015] Where a value is expressed as an approximation by the use of the preceding word "approximately," the specific value will be understood as forming another embodiment. Generally, the use of the term "approximately" may vary depending on the desired characteristics to be obtained by the disclosed subject and indicates an approximation that must be interpreted in the specific context in which it is used based on its function, and those skilled in the art will interpret it as such. In some cases, the number of significant figures used for a specific value may be a non-limiting method for determining the range of the word "approximately." In other cases, the scale used in a series of values ​​may be used to determine the intended range available for the term "approximately" for each value. Where present, all ranges are inclusive and combinable. That is, a reference to a value specified as a range includes each and every value within that range.

[0016] Throughout this specification, words are to be given their normal meanings as understood by those skilled in the art. However, to avoid misunderstanding, the meanings of specific terms will be specifically defined or clarified.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dispensing system (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure generally comprises a dispensing distributor (12) coupled with a main electronic control unit (14). The dispensing distributor (12) comprises a fluid body (16) coupled to an actuator housing (18). More specifically, the fluid body (16) is retained within a fluid body housing (19), which may include one or more heaters (not shown) depending on the application requirements. The fluid body (16) receives fluid under pressure from a suitable fluid supply unit (20), such as a syringe barrel (not shown). A tappet or valve assembly (22) is coupled to the actuator housing (18) and extends into the fluid body (16). For the purposes of this application, a dispensing axis (1) is defined as extending parallel to the direction in which fluid is dispensed or dispensed from the dispensing system (10). It will be understood that the injection direction may vary depending on the orientation of the injection system (10), and that the distribution axis (1) is used for reference and is not intended to limit the distribution direction of any of the embodiments disclosed herein. The distribution axis (1) may be parallel to the direction of gravity. A first axial direction (1a) (also referred to as the distribution direction (1a)) may be defined parallel to the distribution axis (1) and may extend along the distribution axis (1) in a first direction (e.g., the direction of gravity). The first axial direction (1a) may be used to refer to a direction configured to move the distribution or injection fluid away from the injection system (10). A second axial direction (1b) may be defined parallel to the distribution axis (1) in the opposite direction to the first axial direction (1a).

[0018] The injection distributor (12) includes an actuator (e.g., a piezoelectric actuator) configured to actuate the valve assembly (22). The actuator may be configured to distribute or inject fluid material received into the fluid body (16) by causing or alternatively excluding movement of one or more components within the valve assembly (22) or the fluid body (16). The fluid body (16) may be operably connected to a fluid supply unit (20) and may be configured to receive fluid material from the fluid supply unit (20) into the fluid inlet (92) as shown in FIG. 4. The fluid material may be movable through the fluid body (16) along the fluid supply channel (94) and may be distributed away from the fluid body (16) out of the fluid outlet (104). The fluid chamber (88) may be configured to receive fluid material from the fluid supply channel (94) and may be partially defined by the fluid outlet (104). The fluid chamber (88) may be further defined by the valve assembly (22). The valve seat (100) may be defined on the fluid body (16) adjacent to the fluid outlet (104) and may extend into the fluid chamber (88). The valve seat (100) may be selectively contacted by one or more components of the valve assembly (22) to selectively allow or exclude the passage of fluid material from within the fluid chamber (88) out through the fluid outlet (104).

[0019] The valve assembly (22) may include a valve element (76) configured for reciprocating movement within a fluid chamber (88). The valve element (76) is configured to be optionally positioned to engage with or contact the valve seat (100). When the valve element (76) engages with the valve seat (100), the fluid material within the fluid chamber (88) is prevented from moving out of the fluid body (16) through the fluid outlet (104) past the valve seat (100). When the valve element (76) is separated from the valve seat (100), the fluid material may flow out of the fluid outlet (104). In some embodiments, the position of the valve element (76) within the fluid chamber (88) may allow or exclude the introduction of fluid material into the fluid chamber (88). In some embodiments, when the valve element (76) is in a first position (e.g., spaced apart from the valve seat (100)), fluid material is allowed to enter the fluid chamber (88) from the fluid supply channel (94) that receives fluid material from the fluid supply unit (20). That is, the fluid supply channel (94) is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber (88). When the valve element (76) is in a second position spaced apart from the first position (e.g., the valve element (76) is in contact with the valve seat (100)), the valve element (76) can block the fluid supply channel (94) to prevent fluid material from entering the fluid chamber (88).

[0020] An actuator in the injection distributor (12) is configured so that a valve element (76) moves along a distribution axis (1) in a fluid chamber (88). An actuator (not shown) in the injection distributor (12) may be arranged so that the actuator is configured to move the valve element (76) in a first axial direction (1a), a second axial direction (1b), or both the first axial direction (1a) and the second axial direction (1b). When the valve element (76) moves in the first axial direction (1a), the valve element (76) is configured to come into contact with a valve seat (100) defined on the fluid body (16). When the valve element (76) comes into contact with the valve seat (100), fluid material within the fluid body (16) between the valve element (76) and the valve seat (100) may be excluded from moving out of the fluid body (16). In some embodiments, the movement of the valve element (76) toward the valve seat (100) may force a portion of the fluid material out of the fluid body (16) or spray it. The spraying may be caused by the valve element (76) coming into contact with and pushing out a portion of the fluid material within the fluid body (16) as the valve element (76) moves toward the valve seat (100).

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a fluid body (16) is fixed within a fluid body housing (19). The fluid body housing (19) may be coupled to an actuator housing (18) by a hinge (122) at one end thereof. The fluid body housing (19) may be configured to pivot around the hinge (122) between at least two positions relative to the actuator housing (18). In the first position, the fluid body housing (19) is firmly fixed relative to the actuator housing (18), and the fluid body (16) is coupled to a component within the actuator housing (18) as described above. In this position, the fluid body (16) may be configured to receive a fluid to be distributed and to operate to distribute the fluid. The fluid body housing (19) can rotate about the hinge (122) from a first position to a second position, the fluid body housing (19) can be separated from the actuator housing (18), and the fluid body (16) can be separated from the actuator housing (18). In the second position, the fluid body (16) can be accessed and removed from the fluid body housing (19). Removal of the fluid body (16) enables easier cleaning and / or other maintenance or replacement of the components before the fluid body (16) is reinserted into the fluid body housing (19) (or before another fluid body (16) is inserted). In this regard, the valve assembly (22) may be easily removed from the fluid body (16) after the fluid body (16) has been removed from the fluid body housing (19). The valve assembly (22) may be replaced with one or more new parts and / or cleaned for reuse.

[0022] When the fluid body housing (19) is in a first position, the fluid body housing (19) may be detachably secured to the actuator housing (18) by a connector (124) located near the second end of the fluid body housing (19) opposite the first end, as shown in FIG. 2. The connector (124) may include a threaded fastener, a hook-and-loop fastener, a deflected push-pin fastener, a clasp, a rotary cam, or other suitable securing mechanism, and the present disclosure is not limited to any specific securing mechanism. When the connector (124) is in a locked configuration, the fluid body housing (19) is firmly secured to the actuator housing (18) so that rotation of the fluid body housing (19) around the hinge (122) may be excluded. When the connector (124) is in an unlocked configuration, the fluid body housing (19) may be allowed to rotate around the hinge (122).

[0023] The fluid body (16) is configured to distribute or spray fluid toward a substrate (not shown). Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, fluid may be introduced into the fluid body (16) from the fluid supply unit (20) at the fluid inlet (92). The fluid may move or be moved from the fluid inlet (92) along the fluid supply channel (94) into the fluid chamber (88). A fluid outlet (104) may be defined on the fluid body (16) and may be configured to communicate fluidly with the fluid chamber (88). The fluid outlet (104) may be defined on the valve seat (100). In some embodiments, the fluid outlet (104) may be defined on a component of the fluid body (16) that can be separated from the rest of the fluid body (16), as described in detail below. The fluid may be distributed or sprayed from the fluid body (16) at the fluid outlet (104). In some embodiments, as described in detail below, one or more additional components may be configured to receive fluid from a fluid outlet (104) before the fluid is separated from the injection system (10).

[0024] A fluid outlet (104) may extend from or be positioned adjacent to the valve seat (100) so that when the valve element (76) moves toward the valve seat (100), a portion of the fluid in the fluid chamber (88) may move toward and through the fluid outlet (104). The valve seat (100) may be positioned on a valve seat holder (150). The valve seat (100) may be a component separate from the valve seat holder (150), which may be configured to be detachably attached to the valve seat (100). In this embodiment, the valve seat (100) may be designed, structured, and / or configured to be removable and / or replaceable within the valve seat holder (150). This may allow easier access to the valve seat (100) to replace the valve seat (100) with a different valve seat (100) having different parameters (e.g., different curvature or different size of fluid outlet (104)), to repair a damaged valve seat (100), to replace a worn valve seat (100), and to clean a clogged valve seat (100) and fluid outlet (104).

[0025] In some embodiments, the valve seat (100) may be integrally connected to the valve seat holder (150) and / or may be designed, structured, and / or configured so as not to be separately removed from the valve seat holder (150). In these embodiments, the valve seat (100) may be part of a single valve seat holder (150) or, alternatively, may be a separate component from the valve seat holder (150) that can be firmly and permanently attached to the valve seat holder (150). When placed within the valve seat holder (150), the valve seat (100) may be attached to the valve seat holder (150) through any number of suitable fixing mechanisms, which may be selected based on the intended use of the valve seat (100) and whether the valve seat (100) is designed, structured, and / or configured to be detachably or permanently fixed to the valve seat holder (150). Suitable fastening mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, adhesives, welding, threading, snap fits, friction fits, etc.

[0026] The valve seat holder (150) may be attached to the fluid body (16), may be part of a single fluid body (16), or alternatively may be a separate component configured to be detachably attached to the fluid body (16). Referring to FIGS. 4 through 7, the valve seat holder (150) may have a proximal end (154) and a distal end (158) spaced apart from the proximal end (154) along the distribution axis (1) (e.g., in the direction of the distribution direction (1a) or the fluid outlet (104)). The fluid chamber (88) may be defined by the inner surface (152) of the valve seat holder (150) between the proximal end (154) and the distal end (158). The valve element (76) can be received into the valve seat holder (150) (and into the fluid chamber (88)) through a proximal opening (156) (shown in FIG. 7) defined at the proximal end (154) of the valve seat holder (150). The valve seat (100) and / or the fluid outlet (104) can be positioned adjacent to the distal end (158), and the fluid can be discharged or sprayed from inside the fluid chamber (88) out of the valve seat holder (150) through the fluid outlet (104) at the distal end (158).

[0027] In some embodiments, the valve seat holder (150) may be configured to be detachably secured to the fluid body (16) so that the valve seat holder (150) can be separated from and removed from the fluid body (16). The valve seat holder (150) may be secured to the remainder of the fluid body (16) through a suitable securing mechanism, such as a screw connection, a snap fit, and / or other mechanism. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the valve seat holder (150) may include a thread (162) defined on an outer surface (151). The thread (162) may be configured to detachably engage with a complementary thread (170) defined on a portion of the fluid body (16) that accommodates the valve seat holder (150). The valve seat holder (150) may be designed, structured, and / or configured to be detachable and removable from the remainder of the fluid body (16). This allows the valve seat holder (150) to be cleaned or repaired without the need to disassemble the entire injection system (10). The removable valve seat holder (150) can also provide easy access to the valve seat (100) for cleaning, repair, and / or replacement as described above. In some embodiments where the valve seat (100) is considered to require replacement, the valve seat (100) may be removed from the valve seat holder (150) and replaced within the valve seat holder, or alternatively, the entire valve seat holder (150) may be removed from the fluid body (16) along with the valve seat (100) within it and replaced with a different valve seat holder (150) having a different valve seat (100) within it. By allowing various components of the injection system (10) to be removed, cleaned, and / or replaced without the need to disassemble the entire injection system (10), efficiency is increased, time spent on maintenance is reduced, and waste associated with replacing a group of inseparable components, where often only some components need to be replaced, is reduced.

[0028] As described above, the fluid discharged from the fluid body (16) may be discharged or sprayed into or onto another component before moving to the substrate. Additional components may include a funnel, needle, atomizer, other conduit, distributor, applicator, receptacle, etc., configured to receive the distributed fluid before the fluid moves to the substrate. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the needle (200) may be configured to receive the fluid discharged from the fluid chamber (88). The needle (200) may be positioned adjacent to the fluid outlet (104) so ​​that the needle (200) may be configured to receive the fluid discharged from the fluid outlet (104).

[0029] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 6 and 7 and further to FIGS. 9 through 11, the needle (200) may comprise a proximal end (204) and a distal end (208) spaced apart from the proximal end (204) along the axial direction along the distribution axis (1) in, for example, a first axial direction (or distribution direction) (1a). A needle shaft (212) may extend between the proximal end (204) and the distal end (208). The needle shaft (212) may define a lumen (216) that extends through it. A needle inlet (220) may be defined at the proximal end (204) of the needle shaft (212), and a needle outlet (224) may be defined at the distal end (208). The lumen (216) may be in fluid communication with both the needle inlet (220) and the needle outlet (224). The needle (200) may be configured to receive fluid distributed from the fluid outlet (104) into the lumen (216) through the needle inlet (220). The fluid may travel toward the distal end (208) through the lumen (216) and may be discharged from the lumen (216) out of the needle (200) through the needle outlet (224). In some embodiments, the needle shaft (212) may be substantially cylindrical, but it will be understood that the needle shaft (212) (and lumen (216)) may be designed, structured, and / or configured to have different cross-sectional shapes such as rectangular, triangular, oblong, trapezoidal, and / or other suitable shapes.

[0030] The needle (200) may further include an outer housing or needle housing (230) configured to receive and secure the needle shaft (212) inside. The needle housing (230) may be configured to engage with other components of the injection system (10), such as a fluid body (16) or a valve seat holder (150). In this embodiment, the needle shaft (212) is not directly connected to the injection system (10), but is instead secured to the injection system (10) through the needle housing (230). The needle housing (230) may be dimensioned so that when the needle (200) is engaged with the injection system (10), the needle shaft (212) and the lumen (216) can be oriented and aligned in a desired manner, so that the fluid distributed from the fluid chamber (88) can be received into the lumen (216). The needle (200) can be secured to the fluid body (16) or a related component of the fluid body (16) (e.g., valve seat holder (150)) through the needle housing (230).

[0031] It will be understood that the needle housing (230) may be substantially cylindrical, but other shapes may be used. As shown in the exemplary drawing of FIG. 10, the needle housing (230) may include a proximal end (232) and a distal end (234) spaced apart from the proximal end (232) along the distribution direction (1a). The proximal end (232) of the needle housing (230) may overlap axially with the proximal end (204) of the needle (200). The distal end (234) of the needle housing (230) may be spaced axially from the distal end (208) of the needle (200) so that the distal end (234) of the needle housing (230) may be axially positioned between the proximal end (204) and the distal end (208) of the needle (200). In some embodiments, the proximal end (232) of the housing may be axially spaced from the proximal end (204) of the needle (200) so that the proximal end (232) of the housing is axially positioned between the proximal end (204) and the distal end (208) of the needle.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 9, the needle housing (230) may define an outer surface (238) extending along the distribution axis (1). In some embodiments, the needle housing (230) may have a substantially uniform size throughout so that the needle housing (230) defines the same diameter along its entirety. Referring to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the needle housing (230) may include a proximal portion (230a) and a distal portion (230b) extending axially along the distribution direction (1a) from the proximal portion (230a). The proximal portion (230a) may be adjacent to the proximal end (232) of the needle housing (230), while the distal portion (230b) may be adjacent to the distal end (234) of the needle housing (230). The proximal portion (230a) and the distal portion (230b) may have different physical dimensions, such as diameters. In some embodiments, the proximal portion (230a) may have a first diameter (242a) that is larger than the second diameter (242b) of the distal portion (230b). Each of the proximal portion (230a) and the distal portion (230b) defines an outer surface extending between the proximal end (232) and the distal end (234). In some embodiments, the proximal portion (230a) defines an outer surface (238a), and the distal portion (230b) defines an outer surface (238b). The outer surface (238a) of the proximal portion (230a) may be axially adjacent to the outer surface (238b) of the distal portion (230b) along the distribution axis (1).

[0033] Referring continuously to FIGS. 9 through 11, the needle housing (230) includes an upper contact surface (250) configured to be positioned to contact a component of the fluid body (16), for example, a valve seat holder (150). The upper contact surface (250) may be defined on the proximal portion (230a) at the proximal end (232) of the needle housing (230). A lower contact surface (262) may be defined opposite the upper contact surface (250) and may be spaced apart from the upper contact surface (250) along a first axial direction (1a). The lower contact surface (262) may be positioned on the proximal portion (230a) of the needle housing (230) such that the proximal portion (230a) is arranged between the upper contact surface (250) and the lower contact surface (262). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the lower contact surface (262) may be positioned between the outer surface (238a) of the proximal portion (230a) and the outer surface (238b) of the distal portion (230b) along the radial direction (2) perpendicular to the distribution axis (1). Although other relative orientations are considered, the upper contact surface (250) and the lower contact surface (262) may be planar and parallel to each other in some embodiments. The upper contact surface (250) may be adjacent to the proximal end (204) of the needle (200) and the needle inlet (220).

[0034] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the upper contact surface (250) may additionally define one or more notches, slots, grooves, etc., which may be configured to accommodate one or more sealing elements. For example, a notch (254) may be defined on the upper contact surface (250) configured to accommodate a seal (270) (see FIGS. 6 to 8, for example). The seal (270) may be an elastomer. In some embodiments, the seal (270) may be an O-ring. When the needle (200) is engaged with the fluid body (16), the seal (270) may be configured to provide a liquid seal so that the liquid cannot pass through the seal (270). In some embodiments, the needle (200) may include a plurality of seals (270) spaced apart from each other in the radial direction (2). For example, the needle (200) may include two seals (270) (e.g., O-rings) that are concentrically spaced apart from each other along the upper contact surface (250). Multiple seals (270) may overlap to ensure that if one of the seals (270) is damaged, the other seals (270) can prevent leakage. In some embodiments, one or more seals (270) may be configured to prevent any of the dispensed fluid from entering the valve seat holder (150), the fixing nut (300) (described later), and / or various threads located elsewhere on the fluid body (16). One or more seals (270) may be configured to define a space (340) between the valve seat (100) and the needle (200) in which the dispensed material can be received, as further described below.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the other needle (2200) may be configured to receive the discharge fluid from the fluid chamber (88) in any or all manner as described herein for the needle (200). That is, the needle (2200) may include any or all of the features of the needle (200), but may differ in some aspects as described herein (e.g., it may be wider). The needle (2200) may be connected to and / or function together with the injection system (10) in any or all manner as described herein for the needle (200).

[0036] The needle (2200) may include a proximal end (2204) and a distal end (2208) spaced apart from the proximal end (2204) along the axial direction along the distribution axis (1), for example, in the first axial direction (or distribution direction) (1a). The needle (2200) may include a needle shaft (2212) that may extend between the proximal end (2204) and the distal end (2208). The needle shaft (2212) may define a lumen (2216) that extends therethrough. A needle inlet (2220) may be defined at the proximal end (2204) of the needle shaft (2212), and a needle outlet (2224) may be defined at the distal end (2208). The lumen (2216) may be in fluid communication with both the needle inlet (2220) and the needle outlet (2224). The needle (2200) may be configured to receive fluid distributed from the fluid outlet (104) (shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 11) into the lumen (2216) through the needle inlet (2220). The fluid may travel through the lumen (2216) toward the distal end (2208) and may be discharged from the lumen (2216) out of the needle (2200) through the needle outlet (2224). In some embodiments, the needle shaft (2212) (and the lumen (2216)) may be substantially cylindrical. The needle (2200) may differ from the needle (200) in that the needle shaft (2212) (and lumen (2216)) may be wider and may include a taper (2217) at the distal end (2208) toward the needle outlet (2224) (e.g., may be shaped and ground to fit a mold). However, it will be understood that the needle shaft (2212) (and lumen (2216)) may be designed, structured, and / or configured to have different cross-sectional shapes such as rectangular, triangular, oblong, trapezoidal, and / or other suitable shapes.

[0037] The needle (2200) may further include an outer housing or needle housing (2230) configured to receive and secure the needle shaft (2212) inside. The needle housing (2230) may be configured to engage with a fluid body (16) or a valve seat holder (150) in any manner as described herein for other components of the injection system (10), e.g., the needle (200). In this embodiment, the needle shaft (2212) is not directly connected to the injection system (10), but is instead secured to the injection system (10) through the needle housing (2230). The needle housing (2230) can be dimensioned so that when the needle (2200) is connected to the injection system (10), the needle shaft (2212) and the lumen (2216) can be oriented and aligned in a desired manner, so that the fluid distributed from the fluid chamber (88) (shown in FIG. 4, 5, 6 and 7) can be received into the lumen (2216). The needle (2200) can be secured to the fluid body (16) or a related component of the fluid body (16) (e.g., valve seat holder (150)) through the needle housing (2230).

[0038] It will be understood that the needle housing (2230) may be substantially cylindrical, but other shapes may be used. As shown in FIG. 21, the needle housing (2230) may include a proximal end (2232) and a distal end (2234) spaced apart from the proximal end (2232) along the distribution direction (1). The proximal end (2232) of the needle housing (2230) may overlap axially with the proximal end (2204) of the needle (2200). The distal end (2234) of the needle housing (2230) may be spaced axially from the distal end (2208) of the needle (2200) so that the distal end (2234) of the needle housing (2230) may be axially positioned between the proximal end (2204) and the distal end (2208) of the needle (2200). In some embodiments, the proximal end (2232) of the housing may be axially spaced from the proximal end (2204) of the needle (2200) so that the proximal end (2232) of the housing is axially positioned between the proximal end (2204) and the distal end (2208) of the needle.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 20, the needle housing (2230) may define an outer surface (2238) extending along the distribution axis (1). In some embodiments, the needle housing (2230) may have a substantially uniform size over its entire length so that the needle housing (2230) defines the same diameter along its entire length. Referring to FIG. 21, in some embodiments, the needle housing (2230) may include a proximal portion (2230a) and a distal portion (2230b) extending axially along the distribution direction (1) from the proximal portion (2230a). The proximal portion (2230a) may be adjacent to the proximal end (2232) of the needle housing (2230), while the distal portion (2230b) may be adjacent to the distal end (2234) of the needle housing (2230). The proximal portion (2230a) and the distal portion (2230b) may have different physical dimensions, such as diameters. In some embodiments, the proximal portion (2230a) may have a first diameter (2242a) that is larger than the second diameter (2242b) of the distal portion (230b). Each of the proximal portion (2230a) and the distal portion (2230b) may define an outer surface extending between the proximal end (2232) and the distal end (2234). In some embodiments, the proximal portion (2230a) defines an outer surface (2238a), and the distal portion (2230b) defines an outer surface (2238b). The outer surface (2238a) of the proximal portion (2230a) may be axially adjacent to the outer surface (2238b) of the distal portion (2230b) along the distribution axis (1).

[0040] The needle housing (2230) may include an upper contact surface (2250) configured to be positioned to contact a component of the fluid body (16), for example, a valve seat holder (150). The upper contact surface (2250) may be defined on the proximal portion (2230a) at the proximal end (2232) of the needle housing (2230). A lower contact surface (2262) may be defined opposite the upper contact surface (2250) and may be spaced apart from the upper contact surface (2250) along a first axial direction (1). The lower contact surface (2262) may be positioned on the proximal portion (2230a) of the needle housing (2230) such that the proximal portion (2230a) is positioned between the upper contact surface (2250) and the lower contact surface (2262). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 21, the lower contact surface (2262) may be positioned between the outer surface (2238a) of the proximal portion (2230a) and the outer surface (2238b) of the distal portion (2230b) along the radial direction (2) perpendicular to the distribution axis (1). Although other relative orientations are considered, the upper contact surface (2250) and the lower contact surface (2262) may be planar and parallel to each other in some embodiments. The upper contact surface (2250) may be adjacent to the proximal end (2204) of the needle (2200) and the needle inlet (2220).

[0041] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the top contact surface (2250) may additionally define one or more notches, slots, grooves, etc., which may be configured to accommodate one or more sealing elements. For example, a notch (2254) may be defined on the top contact surface (2250) configured to accommodate a sealing portion (270) in a manner similar to the needle (200) described above. The notch (2254) may partially or completely surround an area (2231) of the needle housing (2230) including a needle inlet (2220) and a lumen (2216). The needle inlet (2220) and the lumen (2216) may be wide or wider, and the lumen may remain wide or wider between the needle inlet (2220) and the taper (2217). For example, the needle inlet (2220) and the lumen (2216) may occupy a substantial portion and / or most of the area (2231). In an embodiment, the needle inlet (2220) and the lumen (2216) may occupy 50–60%, 60–70%, 70–80%, or 80–90% of the area (2231). Providing a wider or wider embodiment of the needle inlet (2220) and a wider or wider embodiment of the lumen (2216) up to a maximum taper (2217) may advantageously allow for accurate and precise dispensing of thick fluid. Additionally, it should be understood that any subsequent description of the relationship between any other embodiment of the needle (200) and the injection system (10) may be applied to the needle (2200) in the same way.

[0042] The needle (200) can be detachably connected to the fluid body (16) and can be separated from the fluid body (16). Removing the needle (200) from the fluid body (16) allows for cleaning of the components of the fluid body (16) and / or cleaning of the needle (200). The possibility of removing the needle (200) also allows the needle (200) to be replaced with another needle (200). Thus, the fluid body (16) can be configured to operate with various needles (200) having different dimensions of, for example, the lumen (216). In some embodiments, if the needle (200) becomes clogged or damaged, the needle (200) can be separated from the fluid body (16) and removed from the injection system (10) so that another needle (200) can be introduced in its place and connected to the fluid body (16).

[0043] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the needle (200) may be held by a movable fixed component, for example, in a state of being engaged with a valve seat holder (150) or with the remainder of the fluid body (16) adjacent thereto. The fixed component may be configured to hold the needle (200) in a compressed state against one or more components of the fluid body (16). In some embodiments, the fixed component may be a fixed nut (300). Generally, referring to FIGS. 4 through 8, the fixed nut (300) may include a proximal end (304) and a distal end (308) spaced axially from the proximal end (304) along the distribution axis (1) in the distribution direction (1a), for example. The fixed nut (300) may include an inner surface (324) defining a receptacle (312) extending through the fixed nut (300). The receptacle (312) is configured to receive a needle (200) therein. A proximal opening (316) is defined at the proximal end (304) and is in fluid communication with the receptacle (312). A distal opening (320) is defined at the distal end (308) and is in fluid communication with the receptacle (312). At least a portion of the needle (200) may be configured to be movable along the distribution direction (1a) within the receptacle (312).

[0044] A fixing nut (300) may be detachably attached to a fluid body (16). In some embodiments, the fixing nut (300) may be attached to a valve seat holder (150). The fixing nut (300) may be attached to the valve seat holder (150) via a screw, a snap fit, a friction fit, a joint fit, and / or other suitable connection method. An exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7 may have a thread (328) defined thereon such that the inner surface (324) of the fixing nut (300) is configured to be detachably engaged with a complementary thread (166) defined on the outer surface (151) of the valve seat holder (150). Although the drawing shows a thread (328) on an inner surface (324) and a complementary thread (166) on an outer surface (151), it will be understood that this arrangement may be reversed so that the thread (328) of the fixing nut (300) may be defined on its outer surface, and the complementary thread (166) may be defined on the inner surface (152) of the valve seat holder (150) or on other components of the fluid body (16).

[0045] The fixing nut (300) can serve as a carrier for the needle (200) and as an attachment interface between the needle (200) and the fluid body (16). That is, the connection between the needle (200) and the fluid body (16) (e.g., connection with the valve seat holder (150)) may vary depending on the alignment, orientation, relative position, and relative connection with respect to the fluid body (16). The fixing nut (300) may include specific dimensions and components within or above it configured to secure the needle (200) therein and to transport and connect the needle (200) to the fluid body (16), as described in detail below.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the receptacle (312) and inner surface (324) of the fixing nut (300) may be dimensioned to compensate for at least part of the shape of the needle (200), e.g., the needle housing (230). It may be advantageous for the fixing nut (300) to accommodate the needle (200) so that when the needle (200) comes into contact with the fixing nut (300), the needle (200) can be excluded from translational movement relative to the fixing nut (300) in a plane perpendicular to the distribution direction (1a) (e.g., the radial direction (2)). In an embodiment in which the needle housing (230) comprises a distal portion (230b) that is dimensioned differently from the proximal portion (230a) as described above, the fixing nut (300) may include a surface that is complementarily dimensioned to accommodate the needle housing (230) and the respective proximal portion (230a) and distal portion (230b) to exclude unwanted movement. As shown in FIG. 8, the inner surface (324) of the fixing nut (300) may include a first portion (324a) and a second portion (324b) adjacent to the first portion (324a). The needle (200) may move into a seating configuration within the fixing nut (300) so that the needle (200) is fixedly secured to the nut in at least the distribution direction (1a) (see FIG. 6). When the needle (200) moves into the receptacle (312) and into the seated configuration, the proximal portion (230a) of the needle housing (230) of the needle (200) may be positioned adjacent to or in contact with the first portion (324a) of the inner surface (324) of the fixing nut (300). The distal portion (230b) may be positioned adjacent to or in contact with the second portion (324b). The outer surface (238a) of the proximal portion (230a) may be adjacent to or in contact with the first portion (324a), whereas the outer surface (238b) of the distal portion (230b) may be adjacent to or in contact with the second portion (324b).When the needle (200) is in a seated configuration, contact between the outer surface (238) of the needle housing (230) of the needle (200) and the inner surface (324) of the fixing nut (300) excludes translation of the needle (200) relative to the fixing nut (300) along the radial direction (2) in a plane perpendicular to the distribution axis. The needle (200) can similarly be excluded from angular movement relative to the fixing nut (300), wherein the line extending between the proximal end (204) and the distal end (208) of the needle (200) is angularly offset from the distribution axis (1).

[0047] Referring further to FIG. 8, the fixing nut (300) may include a ledge (332) extending radially inward from the inner surface (324) of the fixing nut (300) toward the distribution axis (1). The ledge (332) may be adjacent to the distal end (308) of the fixing nut (300) and may define a distal opening (320). At least a portion of the needle (200) is configured to be axially movable along the distribution axis (1) relative to the ledge (332). The ledge (332) defines a ledge surface (336) formed thereon and facing the receptacle (312). The ledge surface (336) may be adjacent to the inner surface (324). The ledge surface (336) may be configured to be selectively contacted by at least a portion of the needle (200) when the needle (200) is in a seated configuration. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, when the needle (200) is seated in the fixing nut (300), the needle housing (230) is configured to contact the ledge (332). Specifically, the lower contact surface (262) may be configured to be positioned adjacent to and in contact with the ledge surface (336). The contact between the ledge surface (336) and the lower contact surface (262) creates a physical stop between the needle (200) and the fixing nut (300) to define the furthest relative position of the needle (200) along the first axial direction (1a) with respect to the fixing nut (300) when the needle (200) is within the receptacle (312) of the fixing nut (300). While the lower contact surface (262) can contact the ledge surface (336), the outer surfaces (238a and 238b) of the respective proximal (230a) and distal (230b) of the needle housing (230) contact the first part (324a) and the second part (324b) of the inner surface (324) of the fixing nut (300), respectively.When the needle (200) is in a seating configuration within the fixing nut (300), this contact between the needle housing (230) and its lower contact surface (262) along its outer surface (238) prevents unwanted movement of the needle (200) relative to the fixing nut (300).

[0048] The seated needle (200) can be secured to the fluid body (16) so that material distributed from the fluid body (16) can move into and through the needle (200). A fixing nut (300) configured to hold the needle (200) inside as described above can be detachably attached to the fluid body (16). In some embodiments (refer again to FIGS. 4 through 7), the fixing nut (300) can be screwed onto the valve seat holder (150) via the mechanism described above. The fixing nut (300) can move relative to the valve seat holder (150) in a spiral pattern defined by the engagement of the threads (328 and 166) along the distribution axis (1), for example, along the second axial direction (1b). The fixing nut (300) may move relative to the valve seat holder (150) until the fixing nut (300) is fixed to the valve seat holder (150) and / or until the fixing nut (300) is no longer allowed to move along the second axial direction (1b). When the fixing nut (300) is sufficiently attached to the valve seat holder (150), the needle housing (230) of the needle (200) retained within the fixing nut (300) may come into contact with the valve seat holder (150). Referring to FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 11, the valve seat holder (150) may define a distal contact surface (174) defined on the outer surface (151) at the distal end (158) of the valve seat holder (150). The distal contact surface (174) may be dimensioned to compensate for the shape and dimensions of the upper contact surface (250) of the needle housing (230). In some embodiments, both the upper contact surface (250) and the distal contact surface (174) may be substantially flat and may be arranged in planes parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 11, when the fixing nut (300) is fully and sufficiently attached to the valve seat holder (150), at least a portion of the upper contact surface (250) of the needle housing (230) is configured to contact at least a portion of the distal contact surface (174) of the valve seat holder (150).In this arrangement, the needle housing (230) (and accordingly, the attached needle shaft (212)) is axially fixed to the fixing nut (300) and the fluid body (16) due to physical contact between the ledge surface (336) and the lower contact surface (262) and between the distal contact surface (174) of the valve seat holder (150) and the upper contact surface (250) of the needle housing (230). This prevents axial movement of the needle (200) during use, which not only increases the accuracy and precision of the dispensing and spraying operations but also reduces damage to the components.

[0049] As can be seen in FIG. 11, when the needle (200) is in contact with the fixing nut (300) and the valve seat holder (150) and is axially fixed between them, the space (340) can be defined between the upper contact surface (250) of the needle housing (230) and the valve seat (100). Specifically, the space (340) can be defined along the distribution axis (1) between the fluid outlet (104) and the needle inlet (220). The space (340) can be defined along the radial direction (2) by the circumferential connection of the distal contact surface (174) and the upper contact surface (250). In some embodiments, a seal (270) can be disposed on the needle (200) and / or the valve seat holder (150), which can be radially spaced out along the radial direction (2) away from the distribution axis (1). In this embodiment, the space (340) may be defined radially (2) by the seal (270). In some embodiments, the distance along the distribution axis (1) between the fluid outlet (104) and the needle inlet (220) in the space (340) may be about 0.01 mm to about 2 mm, about 0.05 mm to about 1 mm, or other suitable range. In some embodiments, this distance may be about 0.1 mm. The space (340) may have a diameter measured along the radial direction (2) of about 0.25 mm to about 2.5 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm, or other suitable range. In some embodiments, the diameter may be about 1.27 mm.

[0050] A specific arrangement of the needles (200) for the aforementioned valve seat (100) allows the space (340) defined between them to have a relatively smaller volume compared to conventional dispensers. The smaller space (340) disclosed herein allows less air to be trapped between the needle inlet (220) and the fluid outlet (104) than in conventional technology. Less trapped air creates fewer bubbles formed within the dispensed material, which increases the accuracy and precision of the dispensing and / or spraying. Additionally, some of the dispensed material may mix with air, which forms microbubbles within the deposited material. This can cause undesirable and / or random air pockets within the dispensed material, which can reduce the integrity of the dispensed material. The trapped air within the deposited material occupies a volume that would otherwise have been filled with material, thereby reducing the total desired amount of dispensed material. This can result in insufficient coverage of the substrate by the dispensed material. As described above, by configuring and / or arranging the needles (200), the space (340) defines a smaller volume in which air is trapped, thereby reducing the aforementioned disadvantages as well as other disadvantages. In some embodiments, the space (340) may define a volume of about 0.05 cubic mm to about 1 cubic mm, about 0.1 cubic mm to about 0.5 cubic mm, or other suitable ranges. In some specific embodiments, the space (340) may define a volume of approximately 0.24 cubic mm. Conventional systems often have significantly large volumes, for example, up to 9 cubic mm in some devices and up to 52 cubic mm in others.

[0051] The components described throughout this application may comprise various suitable materials such as metal or plastic. In some embodiments, the needle (200), the fixing nut (300), and the valve seat holder (150) may comprise stainless steel, for example, 300 stainless steel. In some embodiments, one or more components may comprise polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The components described throughout this application may be produced by machining, casting, molding, three-dimensional printing, etc.

[0052] The above-described embodiment offers various advantages over existing systems due to the ability to disassemble one or more components of the system for cleaning, repair, replacement, etc. Referring to FIG. 12, an exemplary assembly process (400) is illustrated. It should be noted that the exemplary assembly process (400) is merely exemplary and may be modified according to various embodiments disclosed herein. In particular, the exemplary assembly process (400) may include any one or more embodiments of the present disclosure described herein. It should be noted that the steps of the exemplary assembly process (400) may be performed in a different order consistent with the above-described embodiments. Additionally, the exemplary assembly process (400) may be modified to have more or fewer process steps consistent with various embodiments disclosed herein.

[0053] In step (404), the needle (200) can be introduced into the fixing nut (300). The needle (200) can be moved into the receptacle (312) through the proximal opening (316) of the fixing nut (300). At least a portion of the needle (200) (e.g., a portion of the needle shaft (212)) can be moved out of the receiving portion (312) through the receptacle (312) and through the distal opening (320) of the fixing nut (300). At least a portion of the needle (200) (e.g., a needle housing (230)) can be fixed within the receptacle (312). As described throughout this application, when the needle (200) is in a seating configuration within the fixing nut (300), the fixing nut (300) can be attached to the fluid body (16) in step (408). Specifically, the fixing nut (300) may be detachably connected to the valve seat holder (150), for example, via threads. Preferably, the fixing nut (300) may be moved to connect with the valve seat holder (150) until the needle (200) is axially fixed within the receptacle (312) between the ledge (332) of the fixing nut (300) and the distal contact surface (174) of the valve seat holder (150). At this stage, the needle (200) is fixed to the valve seat holder (150), and the needle (200) is configured to receive material from the fluid body (16) into it. The fixing nut (300) having the needle (200) may be attached to the fluid body (16) which is already fully assembled with the rest of the injection system (10). In some embodiments, the fixing nut (300) and the needle (200) may be operably connected to the valve seat holder (150) when the valve seat holder (150) is fastened to the remainder of the fluid body (16) and sufficiently connected. In other embodiments, the valve seat holder (150) may accommodate the fixing nut (300) and the needle (200) while being separated from the fluid body (16) (or while not being fully fastened to the fluid body).In this embodiment, the process (400) may optionally include step (412), wherein, as described throughout this specification, the valve seat holder (150) is operably secured to the fluid body (16) (e.g., via threads). It will be understood that step (412) may be performed before steps (404 and 408) or after step (404 or 408).

[0054] The fixing nut (300) and the needle (200) can be connected to the fluid body (16) (e.g., via the valve seat holder (150)) when the fluid body (16) is connected to the rest of the injection system (10) and is ready for operation. In another embodiment, the fixing nut (300) and the needle (200) can be operably connected to the fluid body (16) before the fluid body (16) is connected to the injection system (10). In this embodiment, the process (400) may optionally include the step (416) of introducing the fluid body (16) into the fluid body housing (19) and the fluid body housing (19) being secured to the injection distributor (12), so that the fluid body (16) is arranged so that the valve assembly (22) is operably connected to the injection distributor (12) to perform the desired injection or distribution operation. It should be understood that step (416) may be performed before, after, or in between steps (404-412). To disassemble the injection system (10), one or more of the aforementioned steps may be reversed.

[0055] One advantage of the disclosed embodiment is the multifunctionality of the components, which can be accessed for cleaning or replacement. For example, the needle (200) can be removed from the injection system (10) by removing the fixing nut (300) from the fluid body (16) while the fluid body (16) is fixed and operablely connected to the injection distributor (12), or alternatively, while the fluid body (16) is removed or otherwise separated from the injection distributor (12). Similarly, the valve seat holder (150) can be removed from the fluid body (16) for cleaning or replacement, and the valve seat holder (150) can be removed when the fixing nut (300) and the needle (200) are attached thereto, or alternatively when the fixing nut (300) and the needle (200) are separated from the valve seat holder (150). By allowing the connection and disconnection of various components of the injection system (10) in various configurations of the injection system (10), the user can efficiently access the desired components without disassembling a large part of the injection system (10) and without substantial assembly downtime. In some embodiments, the needle (200) may become clogged or damaged and may need to be replaced in an efficient manner. Thus, the user can detach the fixing nut (300) from the valve seat holder (150) and remove the needle (200) from the fixing nut (300). A new or cleaned needle (200) can be reintroduced into the fixing nut (300), and the fixing nut (300) can be re-attached to the valve seat holder (150). This process can be achieved without disassembling other components of the injection system (10). In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to quickly replace one needle (200) with another needle (200) of a different size. The needle (200) can vary in length, shape, and diameter.

[0056] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to clean or replace the valve seat (100) within the valve seat holder (150). In some embodiments, the valve seat (100) may be separated from the valve seat holder (150) and may be removed, cleaned, and / or replaced. Different valve seats (e.g., having fluid outlets (104) of different sizes) may be introduced into the valve seat holder (150). To achieve such replacement, the valve seat holder (150) may be separated from the fluid body (16), and the valve seat (100) may be removed, cleaned, replaced, and / or reinserted into the valve seat holder (150). Alternatively, in an embodiment where the valve seat (100) is integral with the remainder of the valve seat holder (150), the entire valve seat holder (150) can be separated from the fixing nut (300) and the fluid body (16), cleaned / replaced, and reintroduced to the fixing nut (300) and the fluid body (16) containing a needle (200) inside.

[0057] The dimensions and shape of the components of the system disclosed herein improve upon existing technology by making the components more accessible for cleaning, repair, or replacement. The fixing nut (300) and the needle (200) may be attached to the fluid body (16) rather than to the fluid body housing (19), as is common in some existing technology. This allows for easier movement of the fixing nut (300) with respect to the fluid body housing (19) and the needle (200) having the fluid body (16) relative to the injection distributor (12). In this way, the fluid body (16) can be removed from the fluid body housing (19) with the fixing nut (300) and needle (200) still attached to the fluid body (16), which simplifies cleaning of the fluid body housing (19) and provides easier access to the fixing nut (300) and needle (200) on the fluid body (16) than when the fixing nut (300) and needle (200) are attached directly to the injection distributor (12). This has the additional advantage of the fluid body housing (19) requiring fewer (or no) fastening features, such as threads, thereon, which enables easy cleaning of the fluid body housing (19) and any related components such as a heater.

[0058] Another advantage of the disclosed embodiment is the availability of interchangeable needles (200) for different desired applications. As previously mentioned, the needles (200) may be manufactured to have different lengths, cross-sectional diameters, tapers, or other parameters that affect the application of the material being dispensed. The needles (200) may be thin enough to fit into areas where larger dispensing nozzles, typically used in the prior art, are not suitable. In prior art systems, various dispensing nozzles (used instead of the needles (200) disclosed herein) are commonly attached to the dispensing dispenser (12). Each dispensing nozzle must have sufficient attachment means to interact with each receiving means on the dispensing dispenser (12). In some cases, one or more adapters are typically used to ensure proper attachment and connection between the dispensing nozzle and the dispensing dispenser (12). This connection between the distribution nozzle and the injection distributor (12) will result in a larger space (340) between the inlet of the distribution nozzle and the fluid outlet (104) compared to the significantly smaller space (340) between the needle inlet (220) and the fluid outlet (104) of the embodiment disclosed herein.

[0059] In some embodiments, the needle (200) may include a coating thereon to improve the distribution or ejection of material. The coating may be a phobic coating configured to repel the fluid or material being distributed. In some embodiments, the coating may include fluorine. The coating may be placed on a portion of the needle (200). In some embodiments, the coating may be applied to the needle shaft (212). In a specific embodiment, at least the distal end (208) of the needle (200) may include a phobic coating thereon. The presence of the phobic coating allows the distributed material to be separated from the needle (200) more easily than in the absence of the phobic coating. The phobic coating reduces the surface tension between the needle shaft (212) and the distributed or ejected material at the needle outlet (224), thereby reducing the amount of material that remains attached to the needle (200) due to surface tension rather than being separated from the needle (200) and moving toward the substrate. This enables better accuracy and precision in dispensing or spraying a desired amount of material onto a substrate; while the substrate accepts less material than desired during the dispensing or spraying process when material remains on the needle (200); the material left on the needle (200) can accumulate and eventually overcome surface tension and be deposited later on the substrate, and consequently more material than desired is applied to the substrate.

[0060] In the conventional system, the phobic coating is applied to the needle shaft (212) on the outer surface of the needle shaft (212) and on the inner surface defining the lumen (216). However, the presence of the phobic coating within the lumen (216) causes the material to be undesirably discharged from within the lumen (216) to the outside of the lumen through the needle outlet (224). This discharge may occur between individual dispensing or spraying operations. The discharged material may form a droplet adjacent to the distal end of the applicator in the conventional system. An exemplary droplet (55) is shown in FIG. 13 for an exemplary needle (200), such as the needle (200) of one of the embodiments illustrated throughout this application. These droplets (55) may accumulate over one or more operations of the spraying system until the droplets (55) become large and heavy enough to hold the droplets (55) together and overcome the surface tension attached to the needle (200). When the droplets (55) are separated from the needle (200), they may be deposited on the substrate. This results in an unwanted and difficult-to-measure coating of material onto the substrate.

[0061] To overcome these problems, embodiments of the needle (200) disclosed throughout this application may be configured to accommodate a phobic coating thereon so that the phobic coating is disposed on a portion of the needle (200) to facilitate the separation of material when the dispensing distributor (12) is operated without substantially forming a droplet (55) or other manifestation of material stagnant on the needle (200). Referring to FIG. 14, a portion of the needle shaft (212) of the needle (200) according to one embodiment is shown. The shaft comprises an outer surface (213) and an inner surface (214) spaced apart from the outer surface (213) along the radial direction (2) toward the dispensing axis (1). A lumen (216) is defined by the inner surface (214). The needle shaft (212) defines a distal surface (215) disposed at the distal end (208) of the needle (200). The distal surface (215) extends between the outer surface (213) and the inner surface (214) along the radial direction (2). The distal surface may be substantially flat and may be placed in a plane perpendicular to the distribution axis (1), but it can be understood that other shapes, dimensions, and orientations of the distal surface (215) are taken into consideration.

[0062] A phobic coating (544) may be placed on an outer surface (213). In some embodiments, the entire needle shaft (212) may accommodate the phobic coating (544), for example, between the proximal end (204) and the distal end (208) of the needle (200). In other embodiments, a portion, but not all, of the needle shaft (212) may accommodate the phobic coating (544). In some specific examples, the phobic coating (544) may be applied to up to about 1 / 4 of the needle shaft (212), up to about 1 / 3 of the needle shaft (212), up to about 1 / 2 of the needle shaft (212), up to about 2 / 3 of the needle shaft (212), up to about 3 / 4 of the needle shaft (212), or another proportion of the needle shaft (212). The phobic coating (544) may be applied from the distal end (208) of the needle (200) toward the proximal end (204) of the needle (200) along the second axial direction (1b). The phobic coating (544) may be applied so that the entire applied phobic coating (544) is not interrupted along the outer surface (213) of the needle shaft (212). In some embodiments, the phobic coating (544) is applied to the distal end (208) of the needle (200) or immediately adjacent thereto. In some embodiments, the needle (200) is configured to receive the phobic coating (544) on the distal surface (215). The phobic coating (544) on the distal surface (215) may be adjacent to the phobic coating (544) placed on the outer surface (213).

[0063] In some embodiments, the phobic coating (544) is not applied to the inner surface (214) of the needle shaft (212). It may be advantageous to exclude the phobic coating (544) from being applied to the inner surface (214). When the coating is applied to the distributor as in the conventional method, the coating is not excluded from being actively removed or entering the interior of the distributor. When the coating is applied to the conventional system, a portion of the applied coating may enter the interior of the distributor and may be placed within the lumen of the distributor. This results in undesirable functions and operations as described above in relation to FIG. 13. Referring to FIGS. 15 through 18, a coating device (500) is shown that is configured to exclude the phobic coating (544) from entering the lumen (216) and being deposited on the inner surface (214) of the needle shaft (212) while applying the phobic coating (544) to the needle (200). In particular, the coating device (500) can ensure that the phobic coating (544) is substantially applied to the outer surface (213) and that the phobic coating (544) is substantially prevented from being applied to the inner surface (214). The coating device (500) may be designed, structured, and / or configured to detachably accommodate a needle (200) therein. The coating device (500) comprises a body (504) having a lower surface (512) and an upper surface (536) spaced apart from the lower surface (512) along the vertical direction (4). One or more walls (508) extend between the lower surface (512) and the upper surface (536). The body (504) defines a chamber (520) inside between the upper surface (536), the lower surface (512), and one or more walls (508). In some embodiments, the body (504) may be substantially cylindrical so that a single wall (508) extends circumferentially between the upper surface (536) and the lower surface (512) and around the chamber (520).

[0064] A retaining plate (524) may be placed within a chamber (520) between a lower surface (512) and an upper surface (536). The retaining plate (524) may be configured to accommodate one or more needles (200) that receive a phobic coating (544) thereon. An aperture (528) may extend through the retaining plate (524). The retaining plate (524) may have a plurality of apertures (528). Each aperture (528) may be configured to receive the needle (200) removablely therefrom. As shown in FIG. 17, the aperture (528) may be dimensioned so that a portion of the needle (200) can move through the aperture (528), while other portions of the needle (200) are excluded from moving through the aperture (528). In some embodiments, the aperture (528) may be large enough for the needle shaft (212) to move through it, but may not be large enough for at least a portion of the needle housing (230) to move through it. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17, the aperture (528) may be configured so that the distal portion (230b) of the needle housing (230) is received within the aperture (528), whereas the proximal portion (230a) may be excluded from being received within the aperture (528). The aperture (528) may have the same cross-sectional shape as the needle housing (230), for example, a circular cross-section. The aperture (528) may define a diameter (530). In some embodiments described above, the diameter (530) may be at least slightly larger than the second diameter (242b) of the distal portion (230b) of the needle housing (230), so that at least the distal portion (230b) of the needle housing (230) is fitted into the aperture (528). In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to fix the needle (200) within a substantially fixed aperture (528) so that the needle (200) may be excluded from moving in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (4) when the needle (200) is within the aperture (528).In this embodiment, the diameter (530) of the aperture (528) may be slightly larger than the second diameter (242b) of the distal portion (230b) of the needle housing (230), so that when the needle housing (230) is inside the aperture (528), there is sufficient tolerance to allow the needle housing (230) to be inserted into and removed from the aperture (528) along the vertical direction (4) while substantially excluding movement along the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (4).

[0065] The chamber (520) may be configured to accommodate a phobic coating (544) inside. It will be understood that the amount of phobic coating (544) in the chamber (520) may vary depending on the number of needles (200) accommodated in the coating device (500), the length of each needle (200) (measured between the proximal end (204) and the distal end (208), and the desired portion of the needle (200) intended to be coated. When in operation, when the needle (200) (or needles (200)) is accommodated in the aperture (528), at least a portion of the needle shaft (212) of the needle (200) may extend into the chamber (520) between the lower surface (512) and the retaining plate (524). At least a portion of the needle shaft (212) may be immersed in the phobic coating (544) placed inside the chamber (520).

[0066] In some embodiments, the seal (532) may be positioned adjacent to the needle inlet (220) when the needle (200) is arranged within the aperture (528). The seal (532) contacts the proximal end (204) of the needle (200) so as to cover the needle inlet (220). The seal (532) may form a hermetic seal between itself and the needle (200) so that air or other gases cannot enter or exit the lumen (216) through the needle inlet (220). By closing the needle inlet (220), the seal (532) prevents air placed within the lumen (216) from being displaced through the needle inlet (220) by the phobic coating (544), and the distal end (208) and the needle outlet (224) are placed in fluid communication with the phobic coating (544) within the chamber (520). In the absence of the seal (532), the phobic coating (544) can enter the lumen (216) through the needle outlet (224) and thus come into contact with the inner surface (214) of the needle shaft (212). The phobic coating (544) can move further along the lumen (216) toward the proximal end (204) of the needle (200) by capillary action. The sealing portion (532) prevents air within the lumen (216) from escaping from the needle inlet (220), thereby preventing the creation of a vacuum within the lumen (216) that can be filled with the phobic coating (544). This allows the phobic coating (544) to come into contact with and be applied to a desired portion of the needle (200), such as at least a portion of the distal surface (215) and the outer surface (213), while substantially excluding the inner surface (214) from receiving the phobic coating (544). However, separate and / or limited application of the phobic coating (544) may be implemented in a number of different ways, and such methods are considered by the present invention.

[0067] The upper surface (536) may be a closure, cover, or lid configured to position the needle (200) and the phobic coating (544) over the chamber (520) contained therein. The lid may include a fixing means (540) configured to detachably attach the lid to the body (504). The fixing means (540) may include a screw attachment, a snap fit, a lever, a clamp, or other suitable fixing mechanism. In some embodiments, the seal (532) may be forcibly held against the proximal end (204) of each needle (200) placed on the retaining plate (524) to form an airtight seal. The seal (532) may be positioned compressed between each needle (200) and the lid by the operation of the fixing means (540) to move the lid toward the retaining plate (524). To release the airtight seal, the fixing means (540) can be operated in the opposite direction, and the cover can be moved away from the retaining plate (524).

[0068] Referring to the coating process (600) illustrated in FIG. 19, it should be noted that the coating process (600) is merely exemplary and may be modified according to various embodiments disclosed herein. In particular, the coating process (600) may include any one or more embodiments of the present disclosure described herein. It should be noted that the steps of the coating process (600) may be performed in a different order consistent with the aforementioned embodiments. Additionally, the coating process (600) may be modified to have more or fewer process steps consistent with various embodiments disclosed herein.

[0069] In step (604), the needle (200) may be introduced into the coating device (500) as described above. The coating device (500) may be configured to accommodate one or more needles (200). It will be understood that the overall size of the coating device (500) as well as the number of apertures (528) will vary depending on the number of needles (200) intended to be accommodated in the coating device (500) at one time.

[0070] In step (608), as described above, a hermetic seal may be formed between the seal (532) and the needle (200). The coating device (500) may include a plurality of seals (532), and individual seals (532) may be positioned in contact with each needle (200), or alternatively, the coating device (500) may include a single seal (532) configured to simultaneously contact all needles (200) within the coating device (500). However, separate and / or limited application of the phobic coating (544) may be implemented in a number of different ways, and such methods are considered by the present invention.

[0071] In step (612), a phobic coating (544) may be introduced into the chamber (520). The phobic coating may be any suitable coating material. In some embodiments, the phobic coating (544) contains fluorine. The needle (200) is fixed by being at least partially immersed in the phobic coating (544) for a predetermined period of time. This duration may vary depending on the specific coating used and other specifications of the coating process. The phobic coating (544) may be introduced into the chamber (520) before the needle (200) is introduced inside, or alternatively, after the needle (200) is fixed to the retaining plate (524).

[0072] In step (616), the applied phobic coating (544) may be cured to ensure that the coating is permanently attached to the needle (200) with desired parameters. The curing step may include drying the needle (200) to evaporate any excess of the phobic coating (544). In some embodiments, the coated needle (200) may be placed in a curing oven (not shown) to heat the needle (200) to a predetermined temperature, which ensures that the phobic coating (544) is cured and / or fixed to the needle (200) and exhibits the desired phobic properties. It will be understood that specific parameters for curing the coating, such as the step, temperature, duration, etc., will vary depending on the coating used and the materials including the needle (200). In some embodiments, the needle (200) is configured to be fixed within the coating device (500) for the entire duration of the coating process (600).

[0073] In some embodiments, optional additional steps may be used during the coating process (600). For example, the needle (200) may first be properly cleaned before being fixed to the coating device (500). In some embodiments, the needle (200) may be treated with plasma to remove unwanted material (e.g., oil) present on the surface of the needle shaft (212) to be coated. It will be understood that other steps common in similar coating procedures may be used, and that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific exemplary steps described above. Unless otherwise noted, one or more steps illustrated in the coating process (600) may be performed in a different order for other steps of the coating process (600), and the steps may be repeated a plurality of times to achieve the desired coating effect.

[0074] The following are a number of non-limiting examples of aspects of the present disclosure. One example includes: Example 1. A fluid body for use with a spray distributor, wherein the fluid body is configured to contain a fluid and spray a fluid therefrom, and the fluid body comprises: a fluid inlet configured to receive a fluid from a fluid source; a fluid outlet configured to discharge a fluid from the fluid body; a chamber defined between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and configured to contain a fluid; a valve seat disposed in the chamber, wherein the fluid outlet extends through the valve seat; a valve element configured to reciprocate within the chamber between a first position and a second position, wherein the valve element contacts the valve seat at the first position and is spaced apart from the valve seat at the second position; a dispensing needle detachable from the fluid body and configured to receive a fluid from the fluid outlet; and a fixing nut configured to detachably secure the dispensing needle to the fluid body so that the dispensing needle contacts the fluid body adjacent to the fluid outlet.

[0075] The foregoing embodiment may further include any one or more combinations of the following embodiments: 2. In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing needle comprises: a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end opposite to the proximal end; a lumen defined through the shaft between the proximal end and the distal end; a needle inlet disposed at the proximal end and fluidly communicating with the lumen, wherein the needle inlet is configured to receive fluid from the fluid outlet into the lumen; a needle outlet disposed at the distal end and fluidly communicating with the lumen; and a housing surrounding at least a portion of the shaft between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the dispensing needle defines an upper contact surface configured to be disposed in contact with the fluid body, and when the dispensing needle contacts the fluid body, a space is defined between the dispensing needle and the fluid body, said space is adjacent to and fluidly communicating with the fluid outlet and the needle inlet. 3. In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing of the needle is substantially cylindrical, a fluid body. 4. In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing of the needle comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion adjacent to the proximal portion, wherein the proximal portion has a first diameter and the distal portion has a second diameter, and the first diameter is larger than the second diameter, a fluid body. 5. In an embodiment of the present invention, the upper contact surface is configured to accommodate a seal thereon, so that when the dispensing needle contacts the fluid body, the seal is compressed and maintained between the dispensing needle and the fluid body. 6. In an embodiment of the present invention, the space defines a volume of about 0.05 cubic mm to about 1 cubic mm, a fluid body. 7.In an embodiment of the present invention, the fixing nut is configured to accommodate the distribution needle inside, and the fixing nut is configured to detachably connect the distribution needle inside the fixing nut to the fluid body. 8. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fixing nut defines a receptacle internally between a proximal opening at the proximal end of the fixing nut and a distal opening at the distal end of the fixing nut opposite to the proximal end, wherein the dispensing needle is accommodated within the receptacle, and the fixing nut includes a ledge extending radially into the receptacle adjacent to the distal end and defining the distal opening, wherein the proximal opening has a first diameter and the distal opening has a second diameter, wherein the first diameter of the proximal opening is larger than the second diameter of the distal opening, and the fixing nut is configured to accommodate the dispensing needle into the receptacle through the proximal opening, and the fixing nut is configured to move a portion, rather than the whole, of the dispensing needle out of the receptacle through the distal opening, a fluid body. 9. An embodiment of the present invention, wherein the fixing nut defines an inner surface having a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion, wherein the first portion has a first diameter greater than the second diameter of the second portion, and when the dispensing needle is received within the fixing nut, the proximal portion of the housing is received within the first portion of the fixing nut and the distal portion of the housing is received within the second portion of the fixing nut, a fluid body. 10. An embodiment of the present invention, wherein when the dispensing needle is secured in contact with the fluid body through the fixing nut, the dispensing needle is excluded from movement relative to the fluid body, a fluid body. 11. An embodiment of the present invention, wherein the valve seat is disposed on a valve seat holder detachably connectable to the fluid body, a fluid body. 12.In an embodiment of the present invention, a fluid body, wherein the fixing nut is configured to be detachably attached to the valve seat holder. 13. In an embodiment of the present invention, a fluid body, wherein the fixing nut comprises a thread configured to be detachably engaged with a corresponding thread on the fluid body. 14. In an embodiment of the present invention, a fluid body, wherein the dispensing needle comprises a coating thereon, and the coating is configured to reduce surface tension. 15. In an embodiment of the present invention, a fluid body, wherein the coating comprises fluorine. 16. In an embodiment of the present invention, a fluid body, wherein the dispensing needle comprises the coating on its outer surface and the coating is not present on an inner surface that defines a lumen. 17. A dispensing system comprising a fluid body according to an embodiment of the present invention; and a dispensing distributor having an actuator configured to reciprocate the valve element toward and away from the valve seat so that the fluid in the fluid chamber moves out of the fluid outlet and into the dispensing needle. 18. In an embodiment of the present invention, the injection system comprises a fluid body housing configured to accommodate the fluid body in a removable manner, wherein the fluid body housing is movable between a first position (a position in which the fluid body is fixed to the injection distributor and the valve element is operable by an actuator of the injection distributor) and a second position (a position in which the fluid body is spaced apart from the injection distributor), wherein when the fluid body housing is in the second position, the fluid body is removable from the fluid body housing and separable from the injection system.

[0076] One example includes the following: Example 19. A needle coating holder for applying a coating to a dispensing needle for use with a dispensing system, wherein the needle coating holder comprises: a body defining a chamber configured to receive the coating; a needle retaining plate adjacent to the chamber, wherein the needle retaining plate defines an aperture extending through it and the aperture configured to receive the dispensing needle; and a cover optionally disposed in contact with the dispensing needle disposed within the needle retaining plate, wherein when the cover is positioned in contact with the dispensing needle, a hermetic seal is formed between the cover and the needle inlet of the dispensing needle.

[0077] The foregoing embodiment may further include any one or more combinations of the following embodiments: 20. A needle coating holder comprising an elastomeric seal between the cover and the dispensing needle in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] One example includes the following: Example 21. A fluid body for use with a spray distributor, wherein the fluid body is configured to contain a fluid and spray a fluid therefrom, and the fluid body comprises: a fluid inlet configured to receive a fluid from a fluid source; a fluid outlet configured to discharge a fluid from the fluid body; a chamber defined between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and configured to contain a fluid; a valve seat disposed in the chamber, wherein the fluid outlet extends therethrough; a valve element for reciprocating within the chamber between a first position and a second position, wherein the valve element contacts the valve seat at the first position and is spaced apart from the valve seat at the second position; a dispensing needle detachable from the fluid body and configured to receive a fluid from the fluid outlet; and a fixing component configured to detachably secure the dispensing needle to the fluid body so that the dispensing needle contacts the fluid body adjacent to the fluid outlet.

[0079] The foregoing embodiment may further include any one or more combinations of the following embodiments: 22. In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing needle comprises: a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end opposite to the proximal end; a lumen defined through the shaft between the proximal end and the distal end; a needle inlet disposed at the proximal end and fluidly communicating with the lumen, wherein the needle inlet is configured to receive fluid from the fluid outlet into the lumen; a needle outlet disposed at the distal end and fluidly communicating with the lumen; and a housing surrounding at least a portion of the shaft between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the dispensing needle defines an upper contact surface configured to be disposed in contact with the fluid body, and when the dispensing needle contacts the fluid body, a space is defined between the dispensing needle and the fluid body, said space being adjacent to and fluidly communicating with the fluid outlet and the needle inlet. 23. In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing of the needle is substantially cylindrical, a fluid body. 24. In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing of the needle comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion adjacent to the proximal portion, wherein the proximal portion has a first diameter and the distal portion has a second diameter, and the first diameter is larger than the second diameter, a fluid body. 25. In an embodiment of the present invention, the upper contact surface is configured to accommodate a seal thereon, so that when the dispensing needle contacts the fluid body, the seal is compressed and maintained between the dispensing needle and the fluid body. 26. In an embodiment of the present invention, the space defines a volume of about 0.05 cubic mm to about 1 cubic mm, a fluid body. 27.In an embodiment of the present invention, the fixed component is configured to accommodate the distribution needle inside, and the fixed component is configured to be detachably connected to the distribution needle within the fixed component and to the fluid body. 28. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fixed component defines a receptacle internally between a proximal opening at a proximal end of the fixed component and a distal opening at a distal end of the fixed component opposite to the proximal end, wherein the dispensing needle is accommodated within the receptacle, and the fixed component includes a ledge extending radially into the receptacle adjacent to the distal end and defining the distal opening, wherein the proximal opening has a first diameter and the distal opening has a second diameter, wherein the first diameter of the proximal opening is larger than the second diameter of the distal opening, and the fixed component is configured to accommodate the dispensing needle into the receptacle through the proximal opening, and the fixed component is configured to move a portion, rather than the whole, of the dispensing needle out of the receptacle through the distal opening. 29. An embodiment of the present invention, wherein the fixed component defines an inner surface having a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion, wherein the first portion has a first diameter greater than the second diameter of the second portion, and when the dispensing needle is received within the fixed component, the proximal portion of the housing is received within the first portion of the fixed component and the distal portion of the housing is received within the second portion of the fixed component, a fluid body. 30. An embodiment of the present invention, wherein when the dispensing needle is fixed in contact with the fluid body through the fixed component, the dispensing needle is excluded from movement with respect to the fluid body. 31.In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid body, wherein the valve seat is disposed on a valve seat holder detachably connected to the fluid body. 32. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid body, wherein the fixed component is configured to be detachably attached to the valve seat holder. 33. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid body, wherein the fixed component comprises a thread configured to be detachably fastened to a corresponding thread on the fluid body. 34. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid body, wherein the dispensing needle comprises a coating thereon, and the coating is configured to reduce surface tension. 35. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid body, wherein the coating comprises fluorine. 36. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid body, wherein the dispensing needle comprises the coating on its outer surface and the coating is absent on an inner surface defining a lumen. 37. As a dispensing system, the fluid body according to an embodiment of the present invention; A spray system comprising a spray distributor having an actuator configured to reciprocate a valve stem toward and away from the valve seat so that fluid in the fluid chamber moves out of the fluid outlet and into the distribution needle. 38. In an embodiment of the present invention, the spray system comprises a fluid body housing configured to accommodate a fluid body in a removable manner, wherein the fluid body housing is movable between a first position (a position in which the fluid body is fixed to the spray distributor and the valve stem is operable by an actuator of the spray distributor) and a second position (a position in which the fluid body is spaced apart from the spray distributor), wherein when the fluid body housing is in the second position, the fluid body is removable from the fluid body housing and separable from the spray system.

[0080] One example includes the following: Example 39. A fluid body for use with a spray distributor, wherein the fluid body is configured to contain a fluid and spray a fluid therefrom, and the fluid body comprises: a fluid inlet configured to receive a fluid from a fluid source; a fluid outlet configured to discharge a fluid from the fluid body; a chamber defined between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and configured to contain a fluid therefrom; a valve seat disposed in the chamber, wherein the fluid outlet extends through the valve seat; a valve element for reciprocating within the chamber between a first position and a second position, wherein the valve element contacts the valve seat at the first position and is spaced apart from the valve seat at the second position; and a dispensing needle detachable from the fluid body and configured to receive a fluid from the fluid outlet, wherein the dispensing needle comprises a coating thereon, said coating being configured to reduce surface tension.

[0081] The foregoing embodiments may further include any one or more combinations of the following embodiments: 40. A fluid body, wherein the coating comprises fluorine, in an embodiment of the present invention. 41. A fluid body, wherein the dispensing needle comprises the coating on its outer surface and the coating is absent on an inner surface defining a lumen. 42. In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing needle comprises: a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end opposite to the proximal end; a lumen defined through the shaft between the proximal end and the distal end; a needle inlet disposed at the proximal end and fluidly communicating with the lumen, wherein the needle inlet is configured to receive fluid from the fluid outlet into the lumen; a needle outlet disposed at the distal end and fluidly communicating with the lumen; A fluid body comprising a housing that surrounds at least a portion of the shaft between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the dispensing needle defines an upper contact surface configured to be disposed in contact with the fluid body, and when the dispensing needle contacts the fluid body, a space is defined between the dispensing needle and the fluid body, and the space is adjacent to and fluidly communicating with the fluid outlet and the needle inlet. 43. A fluid body in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the housing of the needle is substantially cylindrical. 44. A fluid body in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the housing of the needle includes a proximal portion and a distal portion adjacent to the proximal portion, wherein the proximal portion has a first diameter and the distal portion has a second diameter, and the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. 45. A fluid body in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the upper contact surface is configured to accommodate a seal thereon, so that when the dispensing needle contacts the fluid body, the seal is compressed and maintained between the dispensing needle and the fluid body. 46. ​​In an embodiment of the present invention, the space is approximately 0.05 A fluid body defining a volume of approximately 1 cubic mm to about 1 cubic mm. 47. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid body is configured such that the fixed component is configured to receive the dispensing needle inside, and the fixed component is configured to be detachably connected to the dispensing needle within the fixed component and to the fluid body. 48. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fixed component defines a receptacle internally between a proximal opening at a proximal end of the fixed component and a distal opening at a distal end of the fixed component opposite to the proximal end, wherein the dispensing needle is accommodated within the receptacle, and the fixed component includes a ledge extending radially into the receptacle adjacent to the distal end and defining the distal opening, wherein the proximal opening has a first diameter and the distal opening has a second diameter, wherein the first diameter of the proximal opening is larger than the second diameter of the distal opening, and the fixed component is configured to accommodate the dispensing needle into the receptacle through the proximal opening, and the fixed component is configured to move a portion, rather than the whole, of the dispensing needle out of the receptacle through the distal opening. 49. An embodiment of the present invention, wherein the fixed component defines an inner surface having a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion, wherein the first portion has a first diameter greater than the second diameter of the second portion, and when the dispensing needle is received within the fixed component, the proximal portion of the housing is received within the first portion of the fixed component and the distal portion of the housing is received within the second portion of the fixed component, a fluid body. 50. An embodiment of the present invention, wherein when the dispensing needle is fixed in contact with the fluid body through the fixed component, the dispensing needle is excluded from movement with respect to the fluid body. 51.In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid body is positioned on a valve seat holder detachably connected to the fluid body. 52. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid body is configured such that the fixed component is detachably attached to the valve seat holder. 53. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid body is configured such that the fixed component includes a thread configured to detachably fasten to a corresponding thread on the fluid body.

[0082] Although systems and methods have been described in connection with various embodiments of the various drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that modifications to the embodiments may be made without departing from the broad concept of the invention. Accordingly, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and is intended to include variations within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A fluid body for use with an injection distributor, wherein the fluid body is configured to contain a fluid and inject the fluid therefrom, and the fluid body comprises: a fluid inlet configured to receive the fluid from a fluid source; a fluid outlet configured to discharge the fluid from the fluid body; a chamber defined between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and configured to contain the fluid; a valve seat disposed within the chamber, wherein the fluid outlet extends through the valve seat; a valve element configured to reciprocate within the chamber between a first position and a second position, wherein the valve element contacts the valve seat at the first position and is spaced apart from the valve seat at the second position; and a distribution needle detachable from the fluid body and configured to receive the fluid from the fluid outlet.and a fixed component having a proximal opening having a first diameter at the proximal end of the fixed component and a distal opening having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter at the distal end of the fixed component opposite to the proximal end, wherein the fixed component includes a ledge extending radially within the receptacle adjacent to the distal end and defining the distal opening, and the fixed component is configured to receive the dispensing needle into the receptacle through the proximal opening and to detachably secure the dispensing needle to the fluid body so that the dispensing needle contacts the fluid body adjacent to the fluid outlet, and the fixed component is detachably connected to the fluid body while the dispensing needle is within the fixed component, and the fluid body is configured to spray the fluid from therefrom along the dispensing direction, and the fixed component is configured to move a portion, not the whole, of the dispensing needle out of the receptacle through the distal opening, and at least a portion of the fixed component along the dispensing direction the valve A fluid body comprising the fixed component above the sheet. Claim 2 In claim 1, the dispensing needle comprises: a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end opposite to the proximal end; a lumen defined through the shaft between the proximal end and the distal end; a needle inlet disposed at the proximal end and fluidly communicating with the lumen, wherein the needle inlet is configured to receive the fluid from the fluid outlet into the lumen; a needle outlet disposed at the distal end and fluidly communicating with the lumen; and a housing surrounding at least a portion of the shaft between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the dispensing needle defines an upper contact surface configured to be disposed in contact with the fluid body, and when the dispensing needle contacts the fluid body, a space is defined between the dispensing needle and the fluid body, said space is adjacent to and fluidly communicating with the fluid outlet and the needle inlet. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the housing of the distribution needle is a fluid body that is substantially cylindrical. Claim 4 A fluid body according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the housing of the distribution needle comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion adjacent to the proximal portion, wherein the proximal portion has a first diameter and the distal portion has a second diameter, and the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. Claim 5 A fluid body according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the upper contact surface is configured to accommodate a seal thereon, and when the dispensing needle contacts the fluid body, the seal is compressed and maintained between the dispensing needle and the fluid body. Claim 6 In paragraph 2 or 3, the space is a fluid body defining a volume of 0.05 cubic mm to 1 cubic mm. Claim 7 A fluid body according to claim 4, wherein the fixed component defines an inner surface having a first part and a second part adjacent to the first part, the first part having a first diameter larger than the second diameter of the second part, and when the dispensing needle is received within the fixed component, the proximal part of the housing is received within the first part of the fixed component and the distal part of the housing is received within the second part of the fixed component. Claim 8 A fluid body in which, in any one of claims 1 to 3, the distribution needle is fixed in contact with the fluid body through the fixed component, and the distribution needle is excluded from movement with respect to the fluid body. Claim 9 A fluid body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the valve seat is disposed on a valve seat holder detachably connectable to the fluid body. Claim 10 In claim 9, the fluid body is configured such that the fixed component is detachably attached to the valve seat holder. Claim 11 A fluid body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixed component comprises a thread configured to be detachably fastened to a corresponding thread on the fluid body. Claim 12 A fluid body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dispensing needle comprises a coating thereon, and the coating is configured to reduce surface tension. Claim 13 In paragraph 12, the above coating is a fluid body containing fluorine. Claim 14 In paragraph 12, the above-mentioned dispensing needle comprises the coating on its outer surface and is a fluid body without the coating on its inner surface defining the lumen. Claim 15 In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, the fixed component is a fluid body defining a fixed nut. Claim 16 As a spraying system, a fluid body configured to contain a fluid and spray said fluid therefrom: a fluid inlet configured to receive said fluid from a fluid source; a fluid outlet configured to discharge said fluid from said fluid body; a chamber defined between said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet and configured to contain said fluid; a valve seat disposed within said chamber, said valve seat, said valve seat, said valve seat, said valve seat, said valve seat, said valve seat, said valve seat, said valve seat, said valve seat, said valve seat, said valve element configured to reciprocate within said chamber between a first position and a second position, said valve element, said valve seat A fluid body comprising a fixing component configured to detachably secure the distribution needle to the fluid body so that the distribution needle contacts the fluid body adjacent to the fluid; a spray distributor having an actuator configured to reciprocate a valve element toward and away from the valve seat so that the fluid in the chamber moves out of the fluid outlet and into the distribution needle; and a fluid body housing configured to removablely accommodate the fluid body, wherein the fluid body housing comprises a fluid body housing movable between a first position in which the fluid body is fixed to the spray distributor and the valve element is operable by an actuator of the spray distributor, and a second position in which the fluid body is spaced apart from the spray distributor, wherein when the fluid body housing is in the second position, the fluid body is removable from the fluid body housing and separable from the spray system. Claim 17 In paragraph 16, the fluid body is configured to spray the fluid therefrom along the distribution direction, and at least a portion of the fixed component is located distal to the valve seat along the distribution direction, in a spraying system. Claim 18 A fluid body for use with a spray distributor, wherein the fluid body is configured to contain a fluid and spray the fluid therefrom, and the fluid body comprises: a fluid inlet configured to receive the fluid from a fluid source; a fluid outlet configured to discharge the fluid from the fluid body; a chamber defined between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and configured to contain the fluid; a valve seat disposed within the chamber, wherein the fluid outlet extends through the valve seat; a valve element configured to reciprocate within the chamber between a first position and a second position, wherein the valve element contacts the valve seat at the first position and is spaced apart from the valve seat at the second position; and a dispensing needle comprising a needle inlet detachable from the fluid body and configured to receive fluid from the fluid outlet, wherein when the dispensing needle contacts the fluid body, a space is defined between the dispensing needle and the fluid body, wherein the space is adjacent to and fluidly communicating with the fluid outlet and the needle inlet. Claim 19 In paragraph 18, a fluid body further comprising a fixed component, wherein the fluid body is configured to spray the fluid therefrom along a distribution direction, and at least a portion of the fixed component is located distal to the valve seat along the distribution direction. Claim 20 A fluid body according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the dispensing needle comprises a coating thereon, and the coating is configured to reduce surface tension. Claim 21 In paragraph 20, the above coating is a fluid body containing fluorine. Claim 22 In paragraph 18, the above-mentioned dispensing needle comprises a coating on its outer surface and is a fluid body without the coating on its inner surface defining the lumen. Claim 23 In claim 18, the dispensing needle comprises: a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end opposite to the proximal end; a lumen defined through the shaft between the proximal end and the distal end; a needle inlet disposed at the proximal end and fluidly communicating with the lumen, wherein the needle inlet is configured to receive fluid from the fluid outlet into the lumen; a needle outlet disposed at the distal end and fluidly communicating with the lumen; and a housing surrounding at least a portion of the shaft between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the dispensing needle defines an upper contact surface configured to be disposed in contact with the fluid body. Claim 24 In paragraph 23, the housing of the distribution needle is a fluid body that is substantially cylindrical. Claim 25 A fluid body according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the housing of the dispensing needle comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion adjacent to the proximal portion, wherein the proximal portion has a first diameter and the distal portion has a second diameter, and the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. Claim 26 A fluid body according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the upper contact surface is configured to accommodate a seal thereon, and when the dispensing needle contacts the fluid body, the seal is compressed and maintained between the dispensing needle and the fluid body. Claim 27 In paragraph 23 or 24, the space is a fluid body defining a volume of 0.05 cubic mm to 1 cubic mm. Claim 28 A fluid body according to claim 23 or 24, further comprising a fixed component, wherein the fixed component is configured to accommodate the distribution needle inside, and the fixed component is configured to be detachably connected to the fluid body while the distribution needle is inside the fixed component. Claim 29 A fluid body according to claim 28, wherein the fixed component defines a receptacle internally between a proximal opening at the proximal end of the fixed component and a distal opening at the distal end of the fixed component opposite to the proximal end, and the dispensing needle is accommodated within the receptacle, and the fixed component includes a ledge extending radially into the receptacle adjacent to the distal end and defining the distal opening, the proximal opening having a first diameter and the distal opening having a second diameter, the first diameter of the proximal opening being larger than the second diameter of the distal opening, and the fixed component is configured to accommodate the dispensing needle into the receptacle through the proximal opening, and the fixed component is configured to move a portion, rather than the whole, of the dispensing needle out of the receptacle through the distal opening. Claim 30 A fluid body according to claim 25, further comprising a fixed component, wherein the fixed component defines an inner surface having a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion, the first portion having a first diameter greater than the second diameter of the second portion, and when the dispensing needle is received within the fixed component, the proximal portion of the housing is received within the first portion of the fixed component and the distal portion of the housing is received within the second portion of the fixed component. Claim 31 In paragraph 28, when the dispensing needle is fixed in contact with the fluid body through the fixed component, the dispensing needle is excluded from movement with respect to the fluid body. Claim 32 In paragraph 28, the above valve seat is disposed on a valve seat holder detachably connected to the fluid body, the fluid body. Claim 33 In paragraph 32, the fluid body is configured such that the fixed component is detachably attached to the valve seat holder. Claim 34 In paragraph 28, the fluid body comprises a fixed component configured to detachably engage with a corresponding thread on the fluid body. Claim 35 delete Claim 36 delete Claim 37 delete Claim 38 delete Claim 39 delete Claim 40 delete Claim 41 delete Claim 42 delete Claim 43 delete Claim 44 delete Claim 45 delete Claim 46 delete Claim 47 delete Claim 48 delete Claim 49 delete Claim 50 delete Claim 51 delete Claim 52 delete Claim 53 delete

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