Adjustable Piezo Nozzle Control for Precise Media Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing media application devices lack flexibility and efficiency in adjusting nozzle parameters, leading to suboptimal media application processes and potential environmental contamination.

Innovation Solution

A media application device with an adjustable nozzle unit, equipped with an electronic control unit and oscillation nozzle, allows for automatic adjustment of nozzle parameters based on detected parameters, and includes a cleaning and contamination prevention system to maintain device performance and prevent environmental contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If nozzle parameters are manually adjusted, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle parameter precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control unit automatically adjusts nozzle parameters based on detected parameters from the detection device, enabling the system to self-regulate without manual intervention. This achieves precise nozzle parameter control while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through automated feedback control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a detection device that monitors parameters and feeds this information to the electronic control unit, which then adjusts nozzle parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures manufacturing precision through continuous monitoring and automatic adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If nozzle parameters are automatically adjusted, then adaptability and manufacturing precision improve, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle parameter adaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic nozzle parameter adjustment based on detected conditions, making the device adaptable to different operating scenarios without requiring user expertise in parameter tuning. The automated system handles complexity internally while presenting a simple interface to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic control unit dynamically changes nozzle parameters based on detected parameters, enabling the system to adapt to varying operating conditions automatically. This allows high versatility in different application scenarios without burdening the user with manual adjustment complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If cleaning mechanisms are integrated, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning mechanism performs preliminary or periodic cleaning actions to prevent contamination buildup that would compromise reliability. By addressing potential failure modes proactively through integrated cleaning, the system maintains high reliability without requiring complex redundant systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning function is integrated into the existing device structure, combining multiple functions (media dispensing and cleaning) within a unified system. This merging approach improves reliability through preventive maintenance while avoiding the complexity of completely separate cleaning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If oscillation nozzle unit is used, then manufacturing precision and productivity improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedia application precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillation nozzle unit utilizes mechanical vibration or oscillation to achieve precise media application patterns. This vibration-based mechanism enables high manufacturing precision for point-based murals and detailed work, with the oscillation pattern controlled electronically to achieve desired application geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The oscillation nozzle unit introduces dynamic motion to the otherwise static spraying process, enabling precise control over media application patterns through controlled oscillation. This dynamic approach achieves high manufacturing precision while the oscillation parameters can be electronically adjusted to match different application requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables precise and efficient media application with reduced user burden, extended device lifespan, and minimizes environmental contamination through automated parameter adjustment and integrated cleaning mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

the nozzle unit be designed as an oscillation nozzle unit, in particular as a piezo nozzle unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3720612B1Media application device
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3720612B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3720612B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3720612B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a media application device, in particular an ink application device, comprising at least one media discharge unit (12a –2e; 12g) which has at least one nozzle unit (14a –14e; 14g) having at least one nozzle element (16a –16e; 16g; 16h; 106c, 108c, 110c), for discharging at least one medium onto at least one surface (18a), and comprising at least one electronic unit (20a; 20b) at least for controlling and/or regulating the media discharge unit (12a –2e; 12g). According to the invention, at least one nozzle parameter of the nozzle element (16a –16e; 16g; 16h; 106c, 108c, 110c) can be set and/or adjusted and/or the nozzle unit (14g) is formed as an oscillation nozzle unit, in particular as a piezo nozzle unit.