Dispensing Module Piston Decoupling for Precise Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing modules for two liquid products face challenges in precise filling due to mechanical coupling of pistons, leading to air entry in one chamber when filling the other, necessitating air removal before filling can continue.
Innovation Solution
Decoupling the pistons during the filling process allows for independent filling of each chamber, with a pressure equalization opening to prevent vacuum formation and using removal means like two-way valves or pumps to manage outlet openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two pistons are mechanically coupled together to ensure synchronized displacement, then product delivery precision is improved, but filling complexity increases due to air entrapment in one chamber when filling the other
Solution Approach 1:
The filling process is segmented into two independent phases: first filling one chamber while pistons are decoupled, then filling the second chamber after coupling. This segmentation allows each chamber to be filled independently without air entrapment issues, while still achieving precise product delivery through the coupling mechanism during dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston coupling is established in advance before the second chamber is filled. This preliminary action ensures that when the second chamber is filled, the piston can be properly positioned and coupled without air entrapment, enabling synchronized piston displacement for precise product delivery.
2Productivity
If one chamber is filled first and then the other chamber is filled, then filling sequence is simplified, but air enters the second chamber causing filling interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The piston coupling state is dynamically changed during the filling process. Initially, the pistons are decoupled to allow independent filling of each chamber. After the first chamber is filled, the coupling is established, and then the second chamber is filled. This dynamic adjustment of coupling state ensures continuous filling without air entrapment while maintaining efficient sequencing.
3Measurement precision
If the second piston is coupled to the first piston during filling, then synchronized product dispensing is achieved, but vacuum formation occurs during filling
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization opening is prepared in advance in the coupling means before filling begins. This preliminary preparation allows air to escape from the second chamber during filling without creating vacuum, while the coupling mechanism remains in place to ensure synchronized piston displacement for accurate product ratio dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization opening acts as an intermediary pathway that allows air to escape during filling. This intermediary mechanism resolves the conflict between maintaining piston coupling for precision and preventing vacuum formation, by providing a dedicated escape route for air during the filling process.
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
Facilitates easier and more precise filling of both chambers without air interference, ensuring accurate product ratios and efficient filling processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure equalization opening is provided in the coupling means in order to bring the side of the piston head or heads which faces away from the outlet opening(s) of their respective chamber in use with the side of the other piston which opposes the outlet opening(s) of their respective chamber when in use
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a dispensing module (1) for two liquid products, comprising: a first wall (31); a first piston (64) which can slide along the first wall, and which is embodied as a first chamber (30) having at least one outlet; a second piston (61) which is designed such that it can slide along a second wall (21). Coupling means (62) are provided in order to couple together both pistons when the product is being dispensed and at least one of the pistons comprises a piston head (7) which is separated initially by the coupling means, and securing means (641, 722) are provided in order to join the piston head to the coupling means.