Liquid Dispenser With Overlapping Outlet and Return Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow through liquid drop dispensers face challenges in reliability and performance, particularly in achieving precise and efficient ejection of liquid drops, often resulting in clogging, latency, and satellite drop formation due to conventional nozzle designs and actuation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispenser design featuring a liquid supply channel, a dispensing channel with a diverter member, and a return channel, where the diverter member selectively diverts liquid through a larger outlet opening, reducing clogging risks and latency by eliminating the need for conventional nozzles and utilizing a continuous flow system with a porous member to manage pressure and flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nozzles are used in flow through liquid drop dispensers, then liquid can be ejected, but clogging and satellite drop formation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conventional nozzle component entirely from the system. Instead of having liquid pass through a nozzle opening that can clog or create satellite drops, the liquid flows through open channels and is diverted by an actuator directly at the outlet, eliminating the harmful nozzle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid delivery system is segmented into separate supply and return channels with a diverter member that selectively directs liquid. This segmentation allows precise control of liquid flow paths, enabling reliable drop ejection without the clogging issues of conventional nozzles.
2Productivity
If conventional actuation mechanisms are used, then drops can be ejected, but latency occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous flow system where liquid constantly moves through the supply channel and is ready for immediate ejection. The continuous circulation eliminates waiting time and latency by ensuring liquid is always available at the outlet without needing to be drawn through a nozzle.
Solution Approach 2:
Liquid is pre-positioned in the supply channel and continuously circulated so that when the diverter member activates, liquid is immediately available for ejection. This preliminary positioning and continuous circulation eliminates the latency that would otherwise occur in conventional systems.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If larger outlet openings are used, then clogging is reduced, but mechanical stability of dispenser walls is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-channel nozzle structure to a multi-dimensional channel system with supply and return paths. This dimensional change allows the outlet opening to be larger and more open while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed channel architecture and supporting walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser structure is segmented into multiple functional channels (supply, return, outlet) with distributed support walls. This segmentation allows the outlet region to have a larger effective opening for reduced clogging while the distributed wall structure maintains overall mechanical stability.
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 design enhances drop ejection reliability and performance by reducing clogging, latency, and satellite drop formation, allowing for precise and efficient liquid dispensing with improved mechanical stability and reduced stress on the dispenser walls.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid supply provides liquid that flows from the liquid supply passage through the liquid supply channel, through the liquid dispensing channel, and through the liquid return channel to the liquid return passage
Implementation Method 2
A diverter member selectively diverts a portion of the flowing liquid through the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid dispenser includes liquid supply, dispensing, and return channels. A portion of a first wall of the liquid dispensing channel defines an outlet opening. A second wall of the liquid dispensing channel, opposite the first wall, extends along portions of the liquid supply and return channels. A liquid supply passage, in communication with the supply channel, extends through the second wall. A liquid return passage, in communication with the return channel, is positioned through the second wall and overlaps the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel as viewed from a direction perpendicular to a surface of the first wall of the liquid dispensing channel. A liquid supply provides liquid that flows from the supply passage through the supply, dispensing, and return channels to the return passage. A diverter member selectively diverts a portion of the flowing liquid through the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel.