Disposable Valve Body for Fluid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid dispensing systems face difficulties in cleaning the flow control valve and require more time and effort due to the need to disassemble and clean components, especially when dealing with high-viscosity fluids like sealants, which can cause the fluid to become unworkable if dispensing is halted for too long.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing system with a disposable valve body that can be easily removed and replaced, allowing access to the internal components for cleaning, and an actuation device that moves an elongate member between open and closed positions to control fluid flow, enabling precise dispensing and quick cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flow control valve is designed with a permanent housing for durability, then the valve structure is stable and reliable, but cleaning the internal components becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into a permanent housing and a removable disposable portion. The disposable portion can be detached and replaced easily, allowing access to internal components for cleaning while maintaining a stable permanent housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable valve body portion is designed to be discarded after use and replaced with a new one. This eliminates the need for complex disassembly and cleaning of the permanent housing, as the disposable portion is simply removed and replaced.
2Ease of manufacture
If the valve components are made permanent and reusable, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but cleaning and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body includes a disposable portion that is inexpensive to manufacture and can be quickly replaced. This trades the cost of replacing components against the time saved by eliminating complex cleaning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the valve into permanent and disposable portions, the system allows quick replacement of contaminated components without affecting the permanent housing, reducing overall maintenance time.
3Ease of repair
If the valve is designed for easy disassembly to facilitate cleaning, then cleaning accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into modular components with standardized interfaces. This allows easy disassembly for cleaning while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardized connection mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid through a valve. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises an elongate member, an actuation device, and a valve body. The actuation device is configured to move the elongate member, which may be associated with the actuation device, between an open position and a closed position. The valve body is configured for attachment to the actuation device such that the elongate member is positioned within the valve body. Fluid that flows into the valve body from a fluid source is allowed to flow out of the valve body when the elongate member is in the open position.