Material Cartridge Air-Flow Measurement for Static Volume Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for viscous materials in stencil printers and dispensers lack accurate methods to determine the remaining volume of material in cartridges, which is crucial for timely replacement and efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a mass flow meter to measure the volume of air delivered to a material cartridge, coupled with a pressure regulator and controller, to determine the volume of assembly material by measuring the flow rate of air through a tube for a calculated time interval, enabling precise volume detection and replacement scheduling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mass flow meter is used to measure air volume delivered to the cartridge, then the measurement precision of material volume is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses air as an intermediary substance to indirectly measure the volume of viscous material in the cartridge. By measuring the volume of air delivered to displace the material and knowing the total cartridge volume, the system calculates remaining material volume without direct contact with the viscous material, thus improving measurement precision while avoiding complex direct measurement mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical volume measurement mechanisms with a mass flow meter that uses fluid flow measurement principles. Instead of using mechanical displacement sensors or direct volume gauges that would be complex to implement for viscous materials, the system uses aerodynamic flow measurement to infer material volume, simplifying the overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the starting volume of the cartridge is less than 100% of maximum volume, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the measurement precision of material contents is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the volume of air delivered to the cartridge and uses this information to calculate and update the remaining material volume. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to different starting volumes and maintain measurement precision by dynamically tracking the air volume input rather than relying on fixed calibration points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct material volume measurement to air volume measurement. By measuring the volume of air delivered to displace the material and using this parameter change to infer material volume, the system can accurately measure material contents regardless of the initial cartridge fill level, thus maintaining measurement precision while improving adaptability
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 accurate determination of material volume, optimizing cartridge replacement schedules and improving operational efficiency by ensuring timely replenishment and reducing material waste.
Implementation Method 1
The system includes a mass flow meter to measure a volume of air delivered to the material cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is configured to dispense assembly material on an electronic substrate. The apparatus includes a frame and a unit coupled to the frame. The unit includes a material cartridge coupled to a pressure regulator configured to deliver pressurized air to the material cartridge at a desired pressure. The material cartridge is configured to contain assembly material. The apparatus further includes a substrate support configured to support the electronic substrate and a controller configured to control the apparatus including the unit. A system to detect static volume in the material cartridge includes a mass flow meter to measure a volume of air delivered to the material cartridge. The controller is configured to determine a volume of assembly material in the material cartridge upon determining the volume of air in the material cartridge.