Fluid Dispenser Valve and Wireless Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid management systems face issues with inefficient authorization processes, cumbersome user interfaces, and mechanical failures such as leakage and pressure imbalances in fluid dispensing meters, leading to operational inefficiencies and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management system with a wireless fluid management controller that authorizes dispense events, collects data, and includes a fluid dispensing meter with a trigger control mechanism and data receiver, utilizing a processor and memory to manage user identities and control the dispensing process, along with an improved valve design and nozzle configuration to minimize leakage and enhance operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a PC-based software system is used to control fluid management, then centralized control and data aggregation capabilities are improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to dependency on operating system and hardware functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides control functionality into two independent segments: a standalone fluid management controller that ensures reliable operation, and a PC-based software system that provides centralized control and data aggregation. The controller operates independently with its own processor and memory, while the PC software communicates via wireless network, eliminating the harmful dependency where OS or hardware failures would prevent fluid management operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication network acts as an intermediary between the fluid management controller and the PC-based software system. This intermediary allows data transmission and centralized monitoring without creating a direct dependency relationship, enabling the controller to function autonomously while still providing data aggregation capabilities through the PC software when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If firewall security updates are implemented on the PC, then security is improved, but communication between fluid management software and hardware deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The critical fluid management control functionality is extracted from the PC-based software environment and relocated to a standalone controller. This extraction removes the system from the harmful influence of firewall security updates that block communication, while the PC software with enhanced security can still receive data wirelessly for aggregation and reporting purposes.
3Reliability
If operating system updates are applied to the PC, then system security and performance are improved, but integration with fluid management software deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates integration requirements into two parts: the standalone controller handles core fluid management operations with fixed, reliable functionality, while the PC software provides adaptable integration capabilities through wireless communication. This segmentation allows OS updates on the PC without affecting the controller's operation, maintaining both security updates and integration versatility.
4Ease of operation
If manual trigger mechanisms are used in fluid dispensing meters, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to cumbersome authorization processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authorization actions automatically before triggering the dispensing operation. The fluid management controller pre-authores dispensing events based on stored authorization data, so when the user pulls the manual trigger, the dispensing immediately occurs without requiring additional manual authorization steps. This preliminary automation of authorization maintains the simplicity of manual triggering while dramatically improving dispensing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid management controller automatically handles the authorization verification and dispensing activation process without requiring manual intervention beyond the trigger pull. The system serves itself by autonomously managing authorization data, validating dispensing requests, and controlling the solenoid activation, thereby improving productivity while keeping the user interface simple.
5Productivity
If solenoid activation is used to control the trigger mechanism, then productivity is improved through automated authorization, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical authorization mechanisms with an electronic solenoid control system managed by the fluid management controller. Instead of using mechanical key locks or manual switches, the controller uses electrical signals to activate the solenoid, which then mechanically releases the trigger. This substitution reduces device complexity by eliminating manual authorization components while maintaining automated productivity benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid management system includes a fluid management controller and a fluid dispenser. The controller authorizes control of the one or more fluid management components over a wireless interface. A dispensing meter can be activated by an authentication device. The fluid meter includes a cartridge valve with a valve cartridge and a valve stem. The cartridge valve guides the valve stem and provides the only sealing surface for the dynamic seals and control seal disposed on the valve stem. The handheld meter dispenses through a nozzle, which includes an overmolded stem tip that generates a laminar fluid flow as the fluid exits the nozzle. The handheld fluid meter includes circuitry configured to invert the orientation of a visual output provided by a display of the handheld fluid meter to facilitate installation of the handheld fluid meter for use in an oil bar application.