Dispensing Nozzle Positioning via Guided Seating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distribution devices for coloring products fail to ensure precise positioning of dispensing nozzles due to unguided flexible positioning tongues that can bend under axial thrust, leading to inaccurate placement.

Innovation Solution

A collector with a containing body featuring through cavities and internal notches that house snap-in positioning elements, guiding the flexible tongues laterally to prevent bending and ensure precise nozzle alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If flexible positioning tongues are used for nozzle insertion, then ease of assembly is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates due to unguided bending under axial thrust

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is segmented into two independent components: flexible tongues for assembly ease and rigid lateral walls for positioning precision. This separation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral guiding walls act as an intermediary structure between the flexible tongues and the nozzle. They constrain the tongues' movement laterally while allowing axial compression, preventing unwanted bending and ensuring precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If lateral guidance is added to positioning tongues, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral guiding walls are merged with the containing body structure itself rather than being separate components. This integration adds positioning functionality without increasing overall device complexity, as the guiding walls form part of the existing collector architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Lateral guidance is provided only in the specific regions where positioning is needed, rather than making the entire structure complex. The guiding walls are localized features within the containing body that provide precision only where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 a reliable and cost-effective method for precise positioning of dispensing nozzles, preventing bending and ensuring accurate axial alignment, thereby enhancing the reliability of dispensing machines for coloring products.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of flexible positioning tongues of the snap-in type... the corresponding tongues are guided laterally and cannot bend as a function of the axial thrust which is applied on the dispensing nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2906335B1Distribution device for coloring products
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 COROB SPA
  • EP2906335B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

Distribution device for coloring products, comprising a collector (10) for dispensing nozzles (11) and corresponding nozzles (11) mounted thereon. The collector (10) comprises a containing body (12) provided with one or more through cavities (13). In correspondence with one end (14) associated to an external surface (12a), the containing body (12) is provided with a positioning element (15). The containing body (12) is provided with a seating (16), inside the external surface (12a), disposed at the end of each of the through cavities (13), defining a wider portion with respect to the cross section of the corresponding through cavity (13).