Droplet Forming Device Magnetic Biasing High Viscosity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing droplet forming devices using air springs struggle to maintain a strong biasing force as the spring extends, leading to incomplete separation of high viscosity liquids, and increasing the device size to address this issue is undesirable.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a magnetic field generating mechanism that provides an attraction force to the plunger rod when it approaches its most advanced position, combining with the spring's biasing force to ensure consistent and strong advancing force without increasing device size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a stronger spring is used to increase the biasing force on the valve body, then the force to close the valve seat is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiasing forceVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the spring biasing force with a magnetic attraction force to achieve the required closing force on the valve body. The magnetic component is activated when the valve body approaches the valve seat, supplementing the spring force without requiring a larger or stronger spring, thus avoiding device size increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field generation mechanism that replaces part of the mechanical spring system. The magnetic attraction force complements the spring force, providing an additional mechanism to close the valve seat without increasing the mechanical spring size or device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the spring repulsive force is increased to ensure complete separation of high viscosity liquids, then the separation completeness is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation completenessVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the spring repulsive force with a magnetic attraction force to ensure complete separation of high viscosity liquids. The magnetic component activates when the valve body is near the valve seat, providing additional force to separate the liquid completely without requiring a larger spring or increased device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a magnetic field generation mechanism to supplement the mechanical spring system. This magnetic attraction force ensures complete liquid separation from the valve body tip, improving reliability without increasing device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Force

If a magnetic field generating mechanism is added to provide attraction force, then the propulsion force is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion forceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic field generating mechanism that uses electromagnetic principles to provide additional attraction force. This magnetic component is integrated into the existing valve structure and activates only when needed, adding propulsion force while minimizing the increase in device complexity through controlled activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field generating mechanism is activated periodically or on-demand based on the valve body position, rather than continuously. This periodic activation pattern reduces the overall complexity and energy consumption while providing the necessary propulsion force at critical moments during valve operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 combination allows for precise control of droplet formation and discharge of high viscosity liquids without increasing device size, shortening the advance time and tact time, and enhancing the propulsion force effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field generating mechanism that generates an attraction force to act in an advancing direction when the plunger rod approaches a most advanced position thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a spring that applies a biasing force to the plunger rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

a pressurization chamber that is supplied with a pressurized gas acting to retreat the plunger rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2808093B1Droplet forming device and droplet forming method
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 MUSASHI ENG INC
  • EP2808093B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2808093B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2808093B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(c)

AI summary

A droplet forming device (1) for discharging a droplet in a flying fashion from a nozzle (32), the device includes a liquid chamber (29) that is communicated with the nozzle (32) and is supplied with a liquid material (37), a plunger rod (6) having a tip (34) that is moved to advance and retreat within the liquid chamber (29), a spring (8) that applies a biasing force to the plunger rod (6), a pressurization chamber (11) that is supplied with a pressurized gas (10) acting to retreat the plunger rod (6), a pressure source (15) that supplies the pressurized gas (10) to the pressurization chamber (11), and a controller (45). The droplet forming device (1) further includes a magnetic field generating mechanism (21, 22) that generates an attraction force to act in an advancing direction when the plunger rod (6) approaches a most advanced position thereof. A droplet forming method using the droplet forming device (1) is also provided.