Liquid Dispenser Flow Reversal for Particle Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for dispensing liquid materials containing solid particles face challenges with particle deposition and clogging due to insufficient dispersion, requiring additional stirring mechanisms, which complicates the device structure and can lead to discharge failures.
Innovation Solution
A discharge device with a simple structure that includes a connection flow passage with a smaller cross-sectional area than the storage container, allowing continuous stirring by reversing the liquid flow, minimizing particle deposition and ensuring particles remain dispersed during discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a dispenser structure without stirring means is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the solid particles deposit at the bottom of the container and in flow passages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reverse flow by switching the flow direction between forward (discharge) and backward (stirring) using a switching valve. This inversion of flow direction prevents particle deposition without requiring additional stirring mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and particle dispersion reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic flow reversal where the liquid material flows forward for discharge and backward for stirring in alternating cycles. This periodic action maintains particle dispersion during storage and discharge operations, preventing deposition while keeping the device structure simple.
2Reliability
If stirring means is added to the dispenser, then particle deposition is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing flow passage serve dual functions: forward flow for discharge and backward flow for stirring. By enabling the same flow passage to perform both discharge and stirring functions through flow direction reversal, the patent avoids adding separate stirring mechanisms while maintaining particle dispersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid material itself performs the stirring function by flowing backward through the flow passage, eliminating the need for external stirring means. The system uses its own fluid flow to achieve particle dispersion, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If a reciprocating pump is connected to the discharge passage for stirring, then particle dispersion is improved, but the device complexity and structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stirring function from a separate reciprocating pump mechanism and integrates it into the existing flow passage system. By removing the need for additional pumping hardware and using the existing pump's flow direction control, the patent maintains particle dispersion while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the discharge and stirring functions into a single flow passage system controlled by a switching valve. Instead of having separate systems for discharge and stirring, the patent merges these functions by reversing the flow direction in the same passage, reducing device complexity.
4Productivity
If the connection flow passage has the same cross-sectional area as the storage container, then flow rate is maximized, but particle deposition occurs at the connection portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different cross-sectional areas to different portions of the flow passage: a smaller cross-sectional area at the connection portion to the storage container to prevent particle deposition, and an optimized area in the main discharge passage to maintain flow rate. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between flow rate and particle dispersion.
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 device effectively disperses solid particles within the liquid with minimal additional structure, preventing deposition and ensuring reliable discharge without the need for complex systems like multiple containers or pumps, maintaining particle dispersion throughout the process.
Implementation Method 1
a flowing step of flowing the liquid material backward from the discharge port into the storage container through the flow passage
Implementation Method 2
it may often occur that the solid particles deposit in a tubing connecting the container and a discharge mechanism, and that the liquid cannot be discharged in a state of the solid particles being dispersed in the liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To provide a device and a method of discharging a liquid in a state of solid particles being dispersed in the liquid with a minimum additional structure for dispersing the solid particles. [Solution] A discharge device and an application device each include a storage container in which the liquid material containing solid particles is stored; a measuring unit having a measuring hole; a plunger disposed in the measuring hole; a nozzle; a selector valve having a first position at which the storage container and the measuring unit are communicated with each other, and a second position at which the measuring unit and the nozzle are communicated with each other; a plunger drive device; a selector valve drive device; and a discharge control device, wherein a discharge control program includes a filling step of operating the selector valve to the first position and filling the liquid material into the measuring hole; an ejection step of operating the selector valve to the second position and discharging the liquid material in the measuring hole from a discharge port; an inflow step of operating the selector valve to the first position and causing the liquid material in the measuring hole to flow into the storage container; a discharge step of successively executing the filling step and the ejection step; and a stirring step of successively executing the filling step and the inflow step.