Dual Fluid Cartridge Flange Structure for Piston Tube Detachment Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dual fluid cartridge assemblies face challenges in detecting piston tube detachment, which is difficult and often requires time-consuming air pressure tests or destructive analysis, and there is a need for a more efficient and non-invasive method to ensure the integrity of the assembly during fluid filling and dispensing.

Innovation Solution

The dual fluid cartridge assembly features a flange and cavity design that securely retains the piston tube, with a visible interface allowing for quick detection of detachment and a vent path to prevent air pockets, enhancing the assembly's integrity and ease of inspection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If conventional piston tube retention designs are used, then the assembly structure is simple, but detecting piston tube detachment is difficult and requires time-consuming air pressure tests or destructive analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection of piston tube detachmentVSAvoidtesting equipment and procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs visual indicators or color-changing mechanisms within the piston tube assembly that change appearance when detachment occurs. This allows simple visual detection without requiring complex air pressure tests or destructive analysis, directly addressing the difficulty of detecting piston tube detachment while avoiding complex testing equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism, such as a visual indicator or sensor system, that mediates between the piston tube detachment event and the detection process. This intermediary allows for easy detection without requiring direct complex testing procedures, resolving the contradiction between detection difficulty and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If air pressure tests are used to detect piston tube detachment, then detection accuracy is improved, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracy of piston tube detachmentVSAvoidtime for air pressure testing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs self-indicating mechanisms within the piston tube assembly that automatically reveal detachment conditions without requiring external testing equipment. The assembly essentially detects and displays its own integrity status, eliminating the need for time-consuming air pressure tests while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical air pressure testing systems with simpler visual or electronic indicators. This substitution maintains detection accuracy while dramatically reducing the time and complexity required for testing, as the simplified indicator system provides immediate results without requiring specialized equipment or procedures.

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

3Reliability

If destructive analysis is used to detect piston tube detachment, then detection reliability is improved, but the fluid cartridge becomes non-operational

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliability of piston tube detachmentVSAvoidoperational status of fluid cartridge
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs non-invasive self-indicating mechanisms that allow the piston tube assembly to reveal its own integrity status without requiring destructive disassembly or analysis. This maintains detection reliability while preserving the fluid cartridge for continued operation, as the visual or electronic indicators provide sufficient detection capability without compromising the product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection system that mediates between the need for reliable detection and the need to maintain product operability. The intermediary indicator system provides reliable detection of piston tube detachment without requiring destructive analysis, thus maintaining both detection reliability and product productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4722108A2Dual fluid cartridge assembly
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 NORDSON CORP
  • EP4722108A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4722108A2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4722108A2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dual fluid cartridge assembly includes a cartridge, a flange, and a piston tube. The cartridge defines a channel and includes an flange. The flange defines a cavity that extends from a cavity opening to a cavity base. The cavity opening is positioned within the channel of the cartridge, and the cavity base is positioned external to the cartridge. The piston tube has an extended end, and is positioned at least partially within the channel. The extended end is positioned within the cavity.