Dispensing Head Cup Humidification to Prevent Nozzle Dye Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing machines for dispensing dyes in paint preparation face issues with dye drops drying out at the nozzles, leading to discontinuous dispensing and potential hardening, which existing solutions like direct cooling systems do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A humidification system is integrated with the closing element of the dosing machine, using a Peltier cell and condensation to create a humid environment within a cup associated with the closing element, automatically controlling temperature and humidity to prevent drying, and featuring a condensate collection and supply system for continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a closing device is used to isolate the dispensing head from the external environment, then the drying of dye drops is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a humidified atmosphere within the cup of the closing element by condensing water vapor onto a cold surface (Peltier cell). This inert humid environment prevents the dye drops from drying out, while the cup structure itself serves as the containment space, avoiding the need for complex additional sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sponge as an intermediary element that absorbs and distributes the condensed water throughout the cup. This sponge mediator ensures uniform humidity distribution around the nozzles, effectively preventing dye drying without requiring direct contact between the liquid water source and the dye drops.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cooling system is applied directly to the dispensing head to maintain dew point state, then the dye drops remain humid, but the device complexity and functional effectiveness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the cooling function from the dispensing head by placing the Peltier cell in the cup of the closing element rather than directly on the dispensing head. This segmentation allows the cooling system to operate independently in a dedicated space, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective humidity control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the cooling system from the traditional direct-application dimension (on the dispensing head) to a new spatial dimension (in the cup of the closing element). This dimensional relocation allows the cooling surface to be positioned optimally for condensation while avoiding interference with the dispensing head structure and operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a sponge soaked in liquid is arranged inside the closing element to maintain humid environment, then the drying of dye drops is hindered, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service humidification system where the Peltier cell automatically condenses water vapor from the air onto its cold surface, and gravity causes the condensed water to drip onto the sponge. This eliminates the need for external water supply systems, pumps, or complex control mechanisms, while the sponge passively distributes the water through capillary action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from vapor to liquid on the cold surface of the Peltier cell. This natural condensation process provides a continuous source of humidification water without requiring external water supply, converting ambient humidity into a useful form for preventing dye drops from drying.
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
This system effectively maintains a humid environment around the nozzles, reducing the risk of dye drying and hardening, ensuring continuous and reliable operation of the dosing machine without the complexity of direct cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
generating a humid environment inside the cup of the closing element when it is in the proximal position, and comprising a cooling device consisting of a Peltier cell and a supply circuit of the condensed water from the Peltier cell into the cup of the closing element
Implementation Method 2
a cooling device consisting of a Peltier cell
Implementation Method 3
designed to automatically generate a humid environment inside the cup of the closing element... drastically reducing the possibility of drying of the metered product
Data Source
AI summary
A humidification system of a dispensing head of a dosing machine of fluid products, where the dispensing head includes a closing device having a cup, which can be moved between a distal inoperative position and an operative position where the dispensing head is isolated from the environment. The humidification system automatically generates a humid environment inside the cup, in the proximal position of the closing element, by means of a Peltier cell inserted in a forced flow duct of ambient air. The condensed and/or frosted water from the Peltier cell is fed from a collecting tank to the cup of the closing element automatically through a control unit.