Automated Fluid Dispenser Using Weight Sensor and Mechanical Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing systems face challenges in consistently dispensing a fixed amount of fluid from prepackaged containers without manual inaccuracy, leading to inconsistent product quality and labor-intensive cleaning due to cross-contamination concerns.
Innovation Solution
An automated fluid dispenser system that uses sensors to determine the weight of the fluid in the container, adjusting the dispensing time of a mechanical nozzle to ensure a predetermined amount is dispensed, eliminating direct contact between the fluid and dispenser components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual dispensing is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but dispensing precision deteriorates leading to inconsistent fluid amounts
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows manual initiation of dispensing while automatically controlling the dispensing duration based on sensor-detected fluid weight, combining simple manual operation with automated precision control to resolve the contradiction between ease of operation and dispensing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides real-time feedback on fluid weight during dispensing, allowing the system to automatically adjust and control the dispensing amount precisely while maintaining simple manual activation, thus achieving both ease of operation and dispensing precision
2Manufacturing precision
If automated electronic dispensers are used, then dispensing precision is improved, but device complexity increases and cleaning requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and eliminates the need for complex electronic dispensing components that contact fluid, using instead a simple mechanical nozzle activated by basic actuators, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining precision through sensor feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical nozzle and fluid container can be easily replaced or disposed of, eliminating the need for complex cleaning procedures associated with permanent electronic dispensing components, thus reducing both device complexity and cleaning requirements while maintaining dispensing precision
3Productivity
If fluid contact with dispenser components occurs, then dispensing function is achieved, but cleaning frequency increases due to cross-contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the fluid containment within the original packaging with integrated mechanical nozzle, eliminating the need for fluid to contact external dispenser components, thereby maintaining high productivity while drastically reducing cleaning frequency and cross-contamination risks
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical nozzle integrated with the fluid container acts as an intermediary, allowing fluid to be dispensed without direct contact with the dispenser body components, thus enabling continuous operation without frequent cleaning while maintaining dispensing functionality
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
The system ensures consistent fluid dispensing and reduces cleaning frequency by maintaining fluid containment within the packaging, enhancing throughput and product quality without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor provides a signal that relates to a fluid in a fluid container
Implementation Method 2
the second actuator applies a force to the mechanical nozzle to open the mechanical nozzle
Implementation Method 3
the clamp applies a force to the mechanical nozzle in a direction opposite to the force applied by the second actuator
Implementation Method 4
the fluid dispenser can be gravity fed
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser may dispense a predetermined amount of fluid from a fluid container. The dispenser may include an actuator that applies a force to a nozzle of the fluid container to open the nozzle for a period of time based. The period of time may be based on the predetermined amount of fluid. The dispenser may include a weight sensor, wherein the weight sensor detects a weight of the fluid in a fluid container. The period of time may be based on the weight of the fluid in the fluid container.