Diaphragm Pump Pulsed Liquid Dispensing for Volume Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to accurately convey a predetermined volume of liquid without distracting the operator, particularly in applications such as feeding farm animals.
Innovation Solution
A device with a diaphragm pump connected to an energy source, featuring a manually actuated release valve that controls the number of pump cycles to dispense liquid in pulsed bursts of equal volume, ensuring a precise and controlled delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a continuous liquid flow is used to convey a predetermined volume, then the operator can monitor the process continuously, but the operator must remain distracted to ensure accurate delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a diaphragm pump that delivers liquid in discrete pulsing cycles rather than continuous flow. Each pump cycle delivers a predetermined volume portion, and the operator can trigger a specified number of cycles to achieve the total desired volume. This periodic delivery mechanism allows the operator to initiate the process and then disengage, as the pump automatically completes the predetermined number of cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through the diaphragm pump's ability to automatically complete a predetermined number of pump cycles once triggered. The pump autonomously delivers the calculated volume through its mechanical cycling mechanism without requiring continuous operator intervention or monitoring, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and operator distraction.
2Ease of operation
If a diaphragm pump is used to deliver liquid in pulsed cycles, then the operator can be less distracted, but the liquid is delivered in bursts rather than continuous flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embraces periodic action by designing the dispensing system around the diaphragm pump's natural cyclic operation. The pump delivers liquid in controlled pulses corresponding to each mechanical cycle, and by programming a specific number of cycles, the system achieves both reduced operator distraction and accurate volume delivery, accepting the pulsed flow characteristic as inherent to the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow parameter from continuous to pulsed by utilizing the diaphragm pump's mechanical cycling nature. This parameter change allows the system to maintain volume accuracy through countable cycles while reducing operator involvement, transforming the flow continuity issue into a manageable characteristic of the dispensing mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If manual control of each pump cycle is required, then precise volume control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming the desired number of pump cycles into the system before operation begins. The operator specifies the total volume required, and the system automatically calculates and sets the corresponding number of pump cycles. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex real-time control mechanisms during operation, as the cycle count is predetermined and automatically executed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through a pulse counter that tracks the number of diaphragm pump cycles completed. This feedback mechanism automatically monitors the pump operation and triggers the release valve closure after the predetermined number of cycles, ensuring precise volume control without requiring complex manual intervention or sophisticated control algorithms.
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 the operator to convey a predetermined volume of liquid efficiently and accurately, minimizing operator distraction and ensuring consistent delivery, suitable for applications like feeding farm animals or removing liquid from animals.
Implementation Method 1
The conveying device is a diaphragm pump... The pumping of a liquid is effected by means of a diaphragm pump
Implementation Method 2
The dispensing unit comprises a gripping part and a manually actuated release valve... the release valve is manually or automatically blocked after a corresponding number of pulses
Data Source
AI summary
A device for pulsed liquid dispensing includes a feed line, a dispensing unit, and a conveying device. The dispensing unit has a rigid lance with a dispensing tube. The feed line is connected to an input side of the conveying device. An outlet connection of the conveying device is connected to the output unit. The dispensing unit includes a gripping part and a manually actuated release valve. The conveying device is a diaphragm pump, so that, once the release valve is open, the number of pump cycles correlates with the volume of dispensed liquid. This allows a predetermined amount of liquid to be conveyed without distracting the operator.