Dispensing Needle Calibration and Cleaning via Mechanical Probe and Air Knife
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glue dispensing devices face issues with needle clogging and calibration, where fiber optic sensors are costly, space-consuming, and require lengthy calibration times, and mechanical cleaning methods risk damaging the needle tip.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device with a calibration mechanism using a moving mechanism, dispensing mechanism, and detection unit that adjusts the needle position in three directions using a processor and microswitches, and a glue cleaning mechanism employing an annular air knife for efficient glue removal without direct contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fiber optic sensors are used for calibration, then calibration accuracy is improved, but device cost increases and calibration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical fiber sensor-based calibration system with a mechanical calibration system using a calibration block and probe. The probe physically contacts the calibration block's reference surface to establish coordinate systems, eliminating the need for complex optical sensing while achieving accurate calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the optical fiber sensors from the calibration system, replacing them with a simpler mechanical probing system. This extraction eliminates the time-consuming optical alignment and calibration processes while maintaining measurement accuracy through direct physical contact with reference features.
2Productivity
If mechanical pinch is used for glue cleaning, then glue removal effectiveness is improved, but needle tip damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a high-pressure air knife to blow away excess glue from the needle tip instead of mechanical contact. The pneumatic system directs a focused stream of high-velocity air to remove glue deposits, achieving effective cleaning without the impact and bending forces that cause needle damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces high-pressure air as an intermediary medium between the cleaning mechanism and the needle tip. This intermediary allows for effective glue removal while preventing direct mechanical contact that would transmit damaging forces to the fragile needle tip.
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 solution provides accurate, cost-effective, and time-efficient calibration and cleaning of the dispensing needle, reducing the risk of damage and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a high-pressure gas source is connected to the air knife base (441) through an air inlet connector (43)
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing device includes a dispensing mechanism and a calibration mechanism coupled to the dispensing mechanism. The calibration mechanism includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to detect a position difference between a dispensing needle and a reference coordinate in a direction. The dispensing mechanism is configured to adjust the dispensing needle in the direction according to the position difference.