Flexible Bag Dispensing With Rolling Squeeze for Precise Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing systems for flexible bags face challenges in accurately dispensing viscous liquids at a fast rate, are power inefficient, and require frequent cleaning due to complex designs and potential contamination risks, leading to liquid wastage and hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispensing apparatus that gradually squeezes liquid from a flexible bag through a controlled mechanism, allowing precise dosing at varying speeds, maintaining bag tension to empty the bag completely, and eliminating contact with unnecessary surfaces for improved hygiene and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a peristaltic pump is used to dispense liquid, then the liquid can be pumped out of the bag, but the pump cannot completely empty the bag and requires frequent tube replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the liquid directly from the bag through a spout without using a peristaltic pump. The bag is inverted and gravity causes the liquid to flow directly out through the spout, eliminating the pump tube that requires replacement and preventing liquid retention in the pump mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag is inverted during dispensing, with the spout positioned at the lowest point. This inversion allows gravity to naturally drive the liquid flow outward, completely emptying the bag without requiring a pump to suck out the liquid, thus eliminating liquid wastage in the pump.
2Productivity
If a peristaltic pump is used to dispense viscous liquid, then the liquid can be pumped out, but the pump speed is limited and accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical peristaltic pump system with a gravity-driven flow system. The bag is inverted and liquid flows out through the spout under gravity, allowing control of dispensing speed and accuracy without the limitations of pump tube elasticity and hydraulic pressure variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the driving parameter from mechanical pump pressure to gravity-driven flow. By controlling the orientation and position of the inverted bag, the dispensing speed and dosing accuracy can be precisely controlled regardless of liquid viscosity, eliminating the trade-off between speed and accuracy.
3Quantity of substance
If a pump system is used to dispense liquid, then liquid can be pumped out, but the system is complex and requires regular cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the liquid directly from the bag through a spout without using a pump system. The bag is inverted and gravity causes the liquid to flow directly out through the spout, eliminating the complex pump mechanism and associated cleaning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag itself serves as the dispensing container and is disposed of after use. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex pump systems that require regular cleaning and maintenance. The disposable bag approach simplifies the overall system while maintaining liquid throughput capability.
4Quantity of substance
If a peristaltic pump is used to dispense liquid, then the liquid can be pumped out, but the pump is power inefficient and costly to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the electrically-powered peristaltic pump with a passive gravity-driven system. The bag is inverted and liquid flows out through the spout under gravity, eliminating power consumption entirely while maintaining liquid throughput capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention positions the spout at the lowest point of the inverted bag, creating a gravity-driven flow path. This equipotential arrangement allows liquid to flow naturally from high to low potential without requiring external power input, eliminating the power inefficiency of pump systems.
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
Enables accurate and fast dispensing of liquids, minimizing wastage, reducing power consumption, and enhancing hygiene by avoiding contamination risks, while maintaining a compact and reliable design.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable mounting for gradually squeezing liquid from the flexible bag by rolling from the distal portion to the proximal portion of the bag
Implementation Method 2
The nozzle (14) has a one-way valve arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a liquid dispensing apparatus for dispensing a liquid from a flexible bag. The apparatus has a support for supporting the flexible bag in use and a mounting adapted for receiving a proximal portion of the flexible bag, for progressive movement relative to the support towards an outlet located at a distal portion of the flexible bag. As the flexible bag is progressively wound up, liquid is squeezed from the proximal portion to the distal portion to dispense liquid from the outlet in a controlled manner in use. This allows desired and precise dosage portions of liquid to be squeezed from the bag and direct dosing from the flexible bag amongst other advantages.