Automated Fluid Dispensing Machine for Lacquer Formulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for preparing lacquers in the automotive industry are inefficient due to high manual intervention, errors in measurement, and inflexibility in handling complex formulations, leading to increased costs and waste.
Innovation Solution
A modular machine with dispensing modules that allow for the precise and flexible dispensing of fluid products, enabling the production of complex lacquer formulations with minimal human intervention and reduced waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual weighing and pouring of fluid components is used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but productivity is low and human errors occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automatic dispensing machines that self-regulate the dispensing process based on pre-stored formulation data. The machine automatically controls the quantity and sequence of fluid components without requiring manual weighing or pouring operations, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (weighing, pouring) with an automated electronic control system. The dispensing machine uses electronic sensors, motors, and control algorithms to precisely measure and dispense fluid components, eliminating human errors and increasing production speed
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluid components are kept available for complex formulations, then formulation versatility is improved, but device complexity and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the formulation process into discrete, manageable segments. Each fluid component is stored in separate containers with individual dispensing control. The formulation data is segmented into component lists with specific quantities and sequences. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex formulations with many components while maintaining simple, modular hardware architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing machine is designed as a universal system that can handle any number and type of fluid components through standardized interfaces. The same dispensing mechanism and control system work regardless of the specific formulation, allowing the system to accommodate formulation versatility without increasing device complexity
3Quantity of substance
If containers are manually closed and stored on shelves, then component availability is maintained, but time is lost and components may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing formulation data, component quantities, and dispensing sequences in the machine's memory before production begins. Containers are pre-positioned in the dispensing machine rather than on external shelves. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual retrieval, closing, and storage operations during production, thereby maintaining component availability while eliminating time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing machine maintains continuous operation by keeping all required fluid components ready and accessible within the machine. The automated system continuously dispenses components according to the formulation sequence without interruption for manual handling. This continuity ensures component availability is maintained throughout production without the downtime associated with manual storage and retrieval operations
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for preparing fluid products has a dispensing module with a tank for fluid products. The tank is connected to a pump device for dispensing measured quantities of fluid product in an operating dispensing zone of the dispensing module. The dispensing module has a transport device for transporting a container from an inlet to an outlet which are different from each other, by passing through the operating dispensing zone in which the container is selectively located. The machine further includes an inlet and an outlet which are mutually different, for introducing and removing to/from the machine a container, in which to dispense measured quantities of fluid products to obtain a finished fluid product. The inlet of the machine communicates with continuity of transport with an inlet of a dispensing module, and the outlet of the machine communicates with continuity of transport with an outlet of a dispensing module.