Flexible Bag Winding Dispenser for Precise Viscous Liquid 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, leading to inefficiencies, wastage, and hygiene issues due to complex construction and the need for frequent cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispensing apparatus that progressively winds up the flexible bag from the proximal to the distal portion, using a support and mounting system to squeeze out liquid through a nozzle, allowing for controlled and precise dosing, reducing wastage, and maintaining hygiene by minimizing contact with unnecessary surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss 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 leaves liquid residue
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the pump system from the dispensing mechanism and replaces it with a simple gravity-fed system where the bag itself performs the dispensing function through its flexible walls collapsing under gravity, eliminating the complex pump components that leave residue
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bag serves its own dispensing function through its inherent flexibility and gravity, without requiring external pump assistance. The bag's walls collapse naturally to push liquid out, enabling complete emptying without residue
2Productivity
If a peristaltic pump is used to increase dispensing speed, then liquid can be dispensed faster, but accuracy of dosing deteriorates due to hydraulic pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical peristaltic pump system with a gravity-based dispensing system where flow rate is controlled by the bag's position and flexibility rather than mechanical pumping action, eliminating pressure variations that affect dosing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from mechanical pump speed to bag position and orientation, allowing accurate dosing through gravitational control rather than hydraulic pressure control
3Productivity
If a pump system is used to dispense viscous liquid at fast rate, then productivity increases, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the pump system entirely and relies on gravity and the flexible bag's natural collapse to achieve fast dispensing of viscous liquids, eliminating complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bag performs the work of pushing viscous liquid out through its own flexibility and gravity, without requiring external mechanical assistance, achieving both simplicity and effectiveness
4Reliability
If a pump system is used to dispense liquid, then liquid can be pumped out, but the pump requires frequent cleaning to maintain hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the pump system that requires cleaning and replaces it with a simple gravity-fed setup where the flexible bag is the only component in contact with liquid, eliminating cleaning requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bag serves as a disposable or easily replaceable component that maintains hygiene by being replaced rather than cleaned, eliminating the need for complex cleaning 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 regardless of viscosity, reduces wastage, simplifies construction for lower costs and reliability, and enhances hygiene by eliminating the need for complex tubes and frequent cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a mounting adapted for receiving a proximal portion of the flexible bag, for progressive movement relative to the support towards an outlet of the flexible bag located at a distal portion of the flexible bag, such that the flexible bag is progressively wound up and thus the liquid is squeezed from the proximal portion to the distal portion
Data Source
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.