Dosing Device Flow Profiles for Precise Liquid Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dosing devices face challenges in achieving precise dosing due to suboptimal flow characteristics at the transition between the metering channel and the inlet area, leading to inefficiencies in medium filling and dosing accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of flow profiles aligned in the longitudinal direction of the dosing stroke within the inlet area, specifically in the form of a profiled annular wall with longitudinal grooves, enhances the flow transition between the dosing channel and the inlet area, allowing for improved filling and precision in dosing. Additionally, a two-part design with separate components and gas flow capillaries ensures precise operation and ventilation without contaminating the medium.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a stepped transition is used between the metering channel and inlet area, then manufacturing is simplified, but flow characteristics deteriorate leading to imprecise dosing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddosing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing flow profiles (longitudinal grooves) specifically in the inlet area where flow characteristics need improvement, while keeping other parts of the device simple. This localized modification optimizes medium flow into the pump chamber without complicating the overall manufacturing process, thereby achieving both ease of manufacture and dosing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If the inlet area and dosing channel are integrated in one component, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidopening characteristic precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the inlet area and dosing channel into different components (inlet area in component 2, dosing channel in component 3). This allows each component to be manufactured and adjusted independently, enabling precise positioning of the slide valve relative to the dosing channel while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the pump chamber is larger, then filling speed increases, but device dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling speedVSAvoiddevice dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the flow characteristics through the introduction of flow profiles (longitudinal grooves) in the inlet area. This changes the flow dynamics to improve filling efficiency into the pump chamber, allowing for faster dosing cycles without necessarily increasing the pump chamber volume or overall device dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration results in improved flow characteristics and more precise dosing, enabling the production of dosing devices with small dimensions while maintaining precise opening characteristics and ensuring ventilation without medium contamination.

Implementation Method 1

the inlet area is provided with flow profiles, the flow profiles being aligned in the longitudinal direction of the dosing stroke. As a result, when the slide valve opens from the dosing channel to the inlet area, improved flow characteristics are achieved for the medium flowing in from the medium reservoir

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow profiles:

Implementation Method 2

the components are profiled on their mutually facing lateral surfaces such that there is at least one gas flow capillary between axially opposite end edges of the lateral surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow capillary: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

a filter unit is arranged at the end facing the medium reservoir. This makes it possible to ventilate the medium reservoir without causing the medium to be contaminated by the ambient air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP1986789B1Dosing device with a manually actuable pumping means
Publication Date: 2015.11.11 APTAR RADOLFZELL
  • EP1986789B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1986789B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1986789B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A dosing device with a manually actuated pumping means, which comprises a pumping chamber, (10) an inlet valve (7) and an outlet valve (13) in the region of a dosing opening (12), is known. According to the invention, an inlet region (9) in the region of the inlet valve (7, 8) and/or an outlet region (14) in the region of the outlet valve is/are provided with flow profiles. To be used for dispensing pharmaceutical liquids.