Dosing Connection Device with Thermal Empty-Container Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for dosing systems often fail to provide a reliable and timely indication of an empty container, leading to inefficiencies and potential health risks due to accidental leakage of hazardous substances.
Innovation Solution
A connection device equipped with a heating element and temperature sensor that determines medium presence and flow, allowing for precise detection of empty levels and preventing accidental leakage by automatically closing the fluid passage, and featuring a detachable design with a coupling section for secure attachment to the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is used to detect empty containers, then the dosing device can signal when the container is empty, but the detection is unreliable and often too late
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure sensor system with a thermal measurement system consisting of a heating element and temperature sensor. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues of pressure-based detection by using thermal properties of the medium to detect its presence or absence in the receiving section, providing more accurate and timely detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heating element as an intermediary component that actively heats the receiving section. The temperature sensor then measures the temperature change caused by this heating, which serves as an indirect but reliable indicator of medium presence. This intermediary thermal field measurement system provides more dependable detection than direct pressure sensing.
2Productivity
If the connection device remains open to allow fluid passage, then dosing operation is efficient, but accidental leakage of hazardous substances may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the temperature sensor continuously monitors the receiving section and signals the control unit. When the medium level drops below the receiving section or leakage is detected, the system automatically closes the valve, providing real-time feedback that prevents hazardous substance leakage while maintaining efficient dosing operation during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary protective action by automatically closing the valve before actual leakage can occur. The temperature-based detection system identifies potential leakage conditions or empty container states in advance, triggering the control unit to close the valve proactively, thus preventing the harmful effect of hazardous substance leakage before it happens.
3Ease of operation
If the container is opened with head section upwards for connection, then connection is easier, but complete emptying becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent solves the emptying problem by changing the spatial dimension of the receiving section. Instead of relying on gravitational drainage from an upward-oriented container, the receiving section extends vertically downwards from the connection point, creating a downward-facing collection area that captures residual medium through gravity, enabling complete emptying even when the container is connected head-up.
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 and timely detection of empty containers, preventing over-dispensing and ensuring safe handling of hazardous substances by providing reliable fluid-tight connections and automatic leakage prevention.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating element and at least one temperature sensor are arranged on the connecting device
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor has an application surface which is in direct contact with the medium when medium is present in the connection device
Implementation Method 3
a pump, the dosing device can suck a liquid medium out of the container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates, among other things, to a connection device (10) for achieving a detachable, mechanical, in particular fluid-tight connection of a metering device (16) with a head region (32) of a container (11) containing a medium (12) to be metered, which is in particular designed in the manner of an upside-down container (29), and which is in particular provided by a flexible bag (30), wherein the connection device (10) comprises a receiving section (13) for receiving the medium (12), which, in the connected state of container (11) and connection device (10), is arranged directly downstream of the head region (32) of the container (11) or directly adjacent to the head region (32) of the container (11).A special feature of the invention is, among other things, that at least one heating element (21) and at least one temperature sensor (22) that can be connected to or is connected to a measuring device (23) are arranged on the connection device (10), wherein, by means of the measuring device (23) and with the aid of a measured value output by the temperature sensor (22), i) information about the conveyance of the medium (12) through the connection device (10) can be determined and/or ii) information about the presence of medium (12) in the receiving section (32) can be determined.