Dual-Fluid Dispensing Head for Simultaneous Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing machines for fluid products, such as paints and impregnants, face inefficiencies in dispensing times and mixing processes due to sequential dispensing of base color and pigment, leading to longer total dispensing times and inadequate initial mixing.
Innovation Solution
A method where both the base fluid and additional fluid are dispensed simultaneously through a dual-nozzle dispensing head, using gravimetric and volumetric techniques respectively, allowing for overlapping dispensing durations to optimize productivity and mixing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If base color and pigment are dispensed sequentially one after the other, then the dispensing process is simple to control, but the total dispensing time increases and mixing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sequential dispensing operations into a simultaneous process by integrating multiple nozzles into a single dispensing head. The control unit coordinates multiple pumps to dispense base color and pigment at the same time through different nozzles, reducing total dispensing time while maintaining precise control over each component's flow rate and quantity.
2Productivity
If base color and pigment are dispensed sequentially, then the dispensing equipment structure remains simple, but the mixing of components is inadequate and requires longer mixing time afterward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dispensing nozzles into an integrated dispensing head structure. This merged design allows base color and pigment to be dispensed simultaneously and mixed immediately at the point of application, significantly improving mixing efficiency without requiring separate mixing equipment or prolonged mixing time afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing head is segmented into multiple independent nozzles, each connected to its own pump system. This segmentation allows independent control of each fluid stream while maintaining physical proximity for immediate mixing, resolving the contradiction between structural complexity and mixing efficiency.
3Speed
If high-flow pumps are used for base color to reduce dispensing time, then the dispensing speed increases, but the accuracy of quantity control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different pump types and control strategies to different components based on their specific requirements. High-flow pumps are used for base color where speed is critical, while more precise volumetric or gravimetric measurement systems are applied to pigment dispensing where accuracy is paramount. The control unit coordinates these different systems to achieve both speed and precision in the overall process.
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 approach significantly reduces dispensing times and enhances the initial mixing of base color and pigment, resulting in faster preparation of the target formulation, with tests showing a reduction from 1 minute and 30 seconds to approximately 55 seconds for 10.5 kg of fluid product.
Implementation Method 1
the weight of the product dispensed is detected by means of gravimetric measuring devices for measuring the weight of the product, such as for example scales
Implementation Method 2
control the volume of the product dispensed by controlling the volumetric pump configured to dispense it
Data Source
AI summary
A method to dispense fluid products is implemented in a dispensing machine by combining gravimetric and volumetric dispensing techniques which comprises at least one containing unit to contain at least one fluid and equipped with a dispensing mean, a dispensing station comprising a dispensing head fluidically connected to the containing unit and equipped with at least one dispensing nozzle, a user interface to enter input data for the preparation of a fluid product, and a control unit connected to the user interface and to the dispensing mean of the containing unit so as to command the dispensing of the fluid.