Actuated Fluid Pods With Sensor Feedback for Precise Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid delivery systems lack sufficient technical solutions for precise, automated, and condition-responsive fluid application, particularly in actively actuated systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery device comprising a pod with a reservoir, an expulsion energy source, and a control system that includes sensors and a processor to automate fluid output based on sensed conditions, enabling precise and adaptive fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated control system with sensors and processor is implemented, then extent of automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into discrete functional modules: sensors for environmental monitoring, processor for decision-making, expulsion energy source for fluid delivery, and reservoir for fluid storage. Each module operates independently but contributes to the overall automated function, making the complex system manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The pod system automatically monitors environmental conditions through sensors and triggers fluid expulsion based on pre-programmed criteria without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system serves itself by making autonomous decisions about when and how much fluid to deliver, reducing the need for human operators.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise and adaptive fluid delivery is achieved through automated control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and other parameters in the application area. This feedback information is fed to the processor, which adjusts the fluid delivery parameters accordingly, enabling precise and adaptive control of the expulsion process based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts fluid delivery parameters such as expulsion timing, duration, and amount based on sensed environmental conditions. The processor modifies these parameters dynamically to achieve optimal fluid application precision while adapting to changing environmental factors.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors and control components are added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor is pre-programmed with criteria and algorithms for interpreting sensor data and triggering fluid expulsion. This preliminary configuration allows the system to reliably respond to environmental conditions without requiring complex real-time decision-making logic, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves precise and adaptive fluid delivery, enhancing safety, reducing manual effort, and improving reliability by automatically responding to environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the expulsion energy source is piezo-electric and further comprising a piezo-electric actuator configured to push the fluid in the reservoir out of the outlet towards an application area when activated
Implementation Method 2
a sensor that utilizes a sacrificial metal piece as a method of assessing if corrosion is occurring. If the electrical resistance of the sacrificial metal changes, it is an indicator that corrosion is occurring
Implementation Method 3
the fluid delivery device further comprises at least one heating element configured to heat the fluid in the reservoir
Implementation Method 4
the nozzle is configured with a plurality of small orifices to atomize the fluid output from the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid delivery device, comprising: a pod comprising a reservoir containing a fluid; an outlet to the reservoir; and, an expulsion energy source to actuate the pod such that the fluid is output from the pod through the outlet towards an application area.