Viscous Fluid Dispenser with Electronic Flow Meter Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing viscous fluid dispensing systems face challenges in accurately controlling dot size, dispensed volume, and maintaining consistency in high-speed manufacturing processes, often requiring additional components and separate calibration procedures, which impact productivity and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled viscous fluid dispensing system that includes an electronic flow meter to monitor and adjust the flow rate of viscous fluids in real-time, using closed-loop control to ensure precise dispensing of small amounts of viscous fluids, such as dots, droplets, or lines, and detect issues like air bubbles or clogs, allowing for on-the-fly adjustments and minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional viscous fluid dispensing systems are used, then dispensing operation can be performed, but manufacturing precision and control of dot size are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system using a flow meter to monitor fluid flow rate in real-time and adjust dispensing parameters dynamically. The system continuously measures actual flow rate and compares it to target values, automatically adjusting valve timing and pressure to maintain precise dot size control despite variations in fluid viscosity or supply pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical weighing systems with an electronic flow meter-based control system. Instead of using physical scales to measure dispensed fluid weight, the system uses electronic flow sensing to monitor and control flow rate, eliminating the need for mechanical components and enabling faster, more precise control.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional components and calibration procedures are added to improve dispensing precision, then manufacturing precision improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous dispensing operations without interruption for calibration by implementing real-time flow monitoring and control. The system maintains continuous productive operation by dynamically adjusting parameters based on flow meter feedback, eliminating the need to stop production for separate calibration procedures while maintaining high dispensing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration and self-adjustment through the flow meter feedback mechanism. Instead of requiring external calibration equipment or manual adjustment procedures, the system automatically monitors its own performance and adjusts dispensing parameters to maintain precision, making the system self-regulating and eliminating productivity losses associated with external calibration.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate calibration procedures are implemented, then manufacturing precision improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary flow characterization and stores flow rate versus valve timing data for different fluid viscosities. When dispensing begins, the system has already prepared reference data and can immediately start precise dispensing operations without requiring calibration during production. The flow meter continuously references this pre-established data to maintain accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates interruptions for calibration by implementing continuous real-time flow monitoring and control throughout the dispensing process. The system maintains uninterrupted productive operation by dynamically adjusting parameters based on flow meter feedback, ensuring dispensing consistency without requiring separate calibration procedures that would stop production.
4Manufacturing precision
If flow rate monitoring and control are implemented, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical flow measurement and control systems with electronic flow meter sensing and digital control. Instead of using mechanical flow meters, orifices, or complex valve mechanisms, the system uses electronic flow rate monitoring combined with programmable valve control to achieve precise flow management, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow meter-based control system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors flow rate, detects fluid viscosity variations, identifies air bubbles or clogs, and provides feedback for automatic parameter adjustment. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated control mechanism, reducing overall device complexity.
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 precise and consistent dispensing of viscous fluids, enhancing productivity by reducing the need for additional components and separate calibration, while detecting and addressing issues quickly to maintain high-quality output.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic flow meter operatively coupled in the flow path to produce an output signal proportional to the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path when the valve member is in the open position
Implementation Method 2
a valve member movable between open and closed positions to deliver discrete volumes of the viscous fluid onto the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A non-contact jetting dispenser, viscous fluid dispensing system and method. The system includes a viscous fluid dispenser for dispensing the viscous fluid. The system further includes a viscous fluid supply container adapted to hold the viscous fluid. A flow path is provided for the viscous fluid between the viscous fluid supply container and an outlet of the viscous fluid dispenser. An electronic flow meter device is used to produce electrical output signals proportional to the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path. A control is operatively coupled to the electronic flow meter for continuously receiving and processing the electrical output signals and performing a responsive control function in a closed loop manner.