Compact Hot Melt Adhesive Applicator with Integrated Manifold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot melt adhesive dispensing systems have a large footprint, making them inefficient for use in applications with limited space, such as the production of smaller products, and are difficult to install in facilities with limited space.
Innovation Solution
A compact dispensing system with a single manifold that integrates drive gears, pump assemblies, heating elements, and electrical components, featuring a rotatable drive arm and two-gear pump assemblies to reduce size and enhance flexibility, allowing for efficient use in small spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional multi-manifold system with rear-mounted pump assembly is used, then the system can dispense hot melt adhesive effectively, but the system occupies a large footprint and is difficult to install in facilities with limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple manifolds into a single integrated manifold structure that houses all pump assemblies, heating elements, and fluid conduits. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate manifolds and reduces the overall system footprint while maintaining full dispensing functionality across multiple nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assemblies are mounted on the top surface of the manifold rather than being rear-mounted, transitioning from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement. This dimensional change significantly reduces the horizontal footprint of the system while keeping all components accessible and functional.
2Productivity
If a conventional system with multiple manifolds and three-gear pump assembly is used, then the system provides robust fluid dispensing, but the system is oversized for producing smaller products and leaves unused factory space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple pump assemblies directly onto a single manifold structure, eliminating the need for separate manifolds and reducing overall system size. This merged design allows the system to be appropriately scaled for smaller product production while maintaining robust multi-fluid dispensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive arm is made rotatable between vertical and horizontal positions, allowing the system configuration to be dynamically adjusted based on available space and production requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables optimal space utilization for different product sizes and facility layouts.
3Temperature
If additional heater elements are provided in the filter block to maintain hot melt adhesive temperature, then the adhesive temperature is maintained effectively, but the filter block size must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates all heating elements within the single manifold structure, eliminating the need for separate heater elements in the filter block. The manifold's internal passageways and integrated heating system maintain adhesive temperature throughout the system without requiring additional space in the filter block.
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 system achieves a reduced footprint, efficient use of space, and ease of installation, while maintaining the ability to dispense multiple types of fluids with precise control, making it suitable for producing smaller products like feminine care items.
Implementation Method 1
Each pump assembly is formed as a rotary gear pump having a gear train having two gears, wherein one of the gears is disposed in meshed relationship with a respective drive gear
Implementation Method 2
To maintain the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material at desired temperatures, additional heater elements may be provided
Implementation Method 3
a filter block for filtering the fluid received in the system
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispensing system (10) for dispensing fluid onto a substrate includes a manifold (14) having internal passageways for fluid flow and one or more driving gears, a drive arm (12) mounted on the manifold, the drive arm movable between first and second positions, and having a drive motor (24) configured to drive the one or more drive gears. The system further includes one or more pump assemblies (16) mounted on a top surface of the manifold, each pump assembly formed as a rotary gear pump having a gear train including two gears. One of the gears is disposed in meshed relationship with a respective drive gear of the one or more drive gears. The system also includes a filter block for filtering the fluid, one or more nozzles for dispensing the fluid onto the substrate, an applicator or nozzle adapter, and one or more valve assemblies for controlling flow of the fluid to the one or more nozzles.