Dispensing Nozzle Conditioning Zones for Fluid Drying Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing machines with multiple nozzles struggle to maintain optimal humidity and temperature conditions for different types of fluid products, leading to drying issues and quality problems when delivering various dyes with distinct characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A device with distinct conditioning zones underneath the nozzles creates specific atmospheres for each group of nozzles, using a combination of steam and micro-capillarity to maintain optimal humidity and temperature, managed by sensors and a control circuit to regulate conditions and prevent drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single humidification system is used for all nozzles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the humidity control precision for different fluid product groups deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery head is divided into multiple groups of nozzles, with each group serving a specific function (universal dyes, solvent-based dyes, water-based dyes). Each group has its own dedicated humidification system with separate conditioning fluid supply, allowing independent humidity control for each fluid type without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different humidification conditions are applied to different nozzle groups based on their specific fluid requirements. Solvent-based dye nozzles receive humidification from one fluid source, while water-based dye nozzles receive humidification from another source, ensuring optimal local conditions for each fluid type
2Reliability
If different conditioning fluids are used for different nozzle groups, then the reliability of fluid product preservation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The humidification system is segmented into independent subsystems, each dedicated to a specific nozzle group and fluid type. Each subsystem has its own conditioning fluid supply, ensuring that the reliability of fluid preservation is maintained for each dye type without requiring a single complex unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery head structure serves multiple functions: it houses different nozzle groups for various fluid types, provides separate humidification pathways for each group, and maintains universal compatibility with different fluid characteristics all within a single integrated device
3Productivity
If nozzles remain inactive for extended periods, then the productivity during active delivery is improved, but the fluid products in inactive nozzles dry out and quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary humidification action to nozzles before they become inactive and maintains this conditioning during inactivity. The humidification system continuously or periodically supplies conditioning fluid to maintain optimal humidity levels in inactive nozzles, preventing fluid drying and coagulation before delivery is needed
Solution Approach 2:
The humidification system maintains continuous or periodic useful action on the fluid products in inactive nozzles. By continuously supplying conditioning fluid or periodically re-humidifying inactive nozzles, the system ensures that fluid products maintain their quality throughout periods of inactivity, bridging the gap between delivery cycles
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
Ensures accurate dosing and quality of fluid products by maintaining optimal conditions for each type of dye, reducing production costs and simplifying operation while preventing drying and coagulation issues.
Implementation Method 1
a method, for conducting a humidification fluid to the nozzles by means of the micro-capillarity of a fabric (felt)
Implementation Method 2
for example steam for water dyes and universal dyes and organic solvents for solvent dyes
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for preventing the drying of fluid products in a delivery head of a machine for dispensing fluid products, wherein the delivery head is provided with a plurality of delivery nozzles. The device comprises first elements to generate a conditioning flow, second elements to convey the conditioning flow towards a space underneath the delivery nozzles and create in said space an atmosphere different from that of the environment in which the dispensing machine is to be found during use. The delivery nozzles are divided into at least two groups and the space is divided into at least two distinct conditioning zones, disposed in correspondence with the groups of delivery nozzles. Different atmospheres are created in the conditioning zones, according to the type of fluid product delivered by the corresponding group of delivery nozzles.