Automated Dosing Head Coupling for Rapid Component Exchange

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dosing systems require manual component replacement, leading to prolonged downtime and reduced efficiency, especially in large production environments, due to the need for disassembly and reassembly during component changes.

Innovation Solution

A dosing installation with a change system that allows for automated, detachable coupling and decoupling of dosing head components, facilitated by a control device, reducing the need for manual intervention and enabling rapid component exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual component replacement is used in dosing systems, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases due to prolonged downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dosing head is divided into separable components (nozzle, ejection element, body) that can be independently replaced. This segmentation enables rapid exchange of specific worn parts without replacing the entire dosing head, reducing downtime while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism between dosing head components is designed to be dynamically changeable, allowing quick attachment and detachment during operation. This dynamic coupling system enables fast component replacement without complex manual assembly procedures, improving productivity while keeping the system easy to operate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If manual disassembly and reassembly is performed during component changes, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dosing head components are pre-configured with standardized coupling interfaces and alignment features. This preliminary design preparation eliminates the need for complex manual alignment and assembly procedures during replacement, reducing replacement time while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism replaces traditional manual threading or bolting systems with a simplified mechanical insertion and locking system. This substitution eliminates time-consuming manual assembly steps while keeping the replacement process intuitive and easy to perform

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated coupling of dosing head components is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated coupling system is segmented into independent functional elements (alignment features, coupling interfaces, locking mechanisms) that can be implemented progressively. This segmentation allows automation without requiring complete system redesign, managing complexity while enabling automated component exchange for improved productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism is designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate different dosing head components through standardized mounting features. This universality allows a single automated coupling system to handle multiple component types without increasing complexity, enabling flexible automated replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If detachable coupling of dosing head components is used, then adaptability increases for rapid replacement, but reliability may decrease due to connection stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling interface incorporates curved or conical surfaces that provide self-centering and form-fit connection between components. This geometric design ensures stable, reliable coupling while maintaining the ability for rapid attachment and detachment, balancing adaptability with connection stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

A coupling element or interface structure acts as an intermediary between dosing head components, providing a stable connection mechanism that maintains reliability during operation. This intermediary coupling structure enables rapid replacement while ensuring stable component connection through its mediator function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250314514A1Dosing head for a dosing system

Publication Date: 2025.10.09

AI summary

The invention relates to a dosing installation (1) comprising at least one dosing device (2), which dosing device (2) has at least one dosing system (3) comprising at least one dosing head (5) for dispensing a dosing material; and at least one change system (6, 6′) assigned to the dosing device (2). The dosing device (2) and/or the change system (6, 6′) and/or the dosing system (3) are designed and can be controlled by a control device (7) in such a way that, in order to form a dosing head (5), at least one first dosing head component (A) can be detachably coupled to at least one second dosing head component (B) in an automated process via the change system (6, 6′). The invention also relates to a change system (6, 6′) and a dosing device (2) for such a dosing installation (1) as well as to a dosing system (3) and a dosing head (5) for a dosing system (3). The invention also relates to a method for coupling at least one first dosing head component (A) to a second dosing head component (B) in an automated manner in order to form a dosing head (5).