Fluid Dispensing Device with Segmented Piston and Plunger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing systems for lubrication, such as grease lubrication systems in vehicles, require complex mechanisms to accurately dispense varying charges of fluid to multiple lubrication points, often using pressure pulses to manage piston movement and fluid proportioning, which can be inefficient and prone to fluid backflow.
Innovation Solution
A device with a simplified design featuring a housing with two inlets, a piston, and a plunger, utilizing multiple fluid communication means to alternately dispense charges of fluid from each inlet, allowing for robust and reliable operation with different fluid types and quantities, and incorporating non-return valves to prevent backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a piston moves to and fro using alternately applied pressure pulses to dispense fluid charges, then accurate proportioning of fluid to multiple lubrication points is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple inlets, chambers, and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate inlet systems (first inlet for fluid to be proportioned, second inlet for control fluid) with distinct chambers (first chamber with piston, second chamber with plunger). This segmentation allows independent control of fluid intake and dispensing operations, simplifying the overall control mechanism while maintaining accurate proportioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston alternately performs preliminary actions of drawing in fluid through the first inlet and preparing charges in the first chamber before the dispensing phase. This preliminary preparation ensures that fluid charges are ready for accurate dispensing to multiple lubrication points, maintaining precision while streamlining the operational sequence.
2Productivity
If pressure pulses are applied to control piston movement for fluid dispensing, then fluid can be delivered to multiple lubrication points, but fluid backflow occurs reducing system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
Non-return valves are introduced as intermediary components in the fluid pathways. These valves act as mediators that allow fluid to flow in the intended direction while blocking any backflow, thereby maintaining system reliability without interfering with the productivity of delivering fluid to multiple lubrication points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single system is used to dispense grease to various lubrication points, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but the risk of fluid backflow and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single system is segmented into separate fluid pathways with dedicated non-return valves for each inlet and chamber. This segmentation allows the system to maintain versatility in serving multiple lubrication points while preventing backflow and contamination in each independent pathway, thus protecting against harmful factors.
4Loss of substance
If thicker lubricating grease is used to reduce consumption and improve sealing, then grease consumption and environmental impact are reduced, but the viscosity and flow characteristics of the fluid change
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to accommodate changes in fluid parameters, specifically viscosity. The piston and plunger mechanism, along with the non-return valves, are configured to handle thicker lubricating grease effectively, maintaining proper dispensing performance while enabling the use of higher viscosity greases that reduce consumption and improve sealing characteristics.
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 device enhances efficiency by allowing alternate dispensing of different fluid charges with each pressure pulse, reducing complexity and improving reliability, while minimizing fluid consumption and environmental impact by using thicker, longer-lasting lubricants.
Implementation Method 1
a piston moves to and fro as a result of alternately applying pressure pulses to respectively a first and a second inlet of the device
Implementation Method 2
a plunger provided in a second chamber and arranged for establishing alternately a first charge out of the first flow and a second charge out of the second flow
Implementation Method 3
incorporating non-return valves to prevent backflow
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
A device (1) for dispensing charges of a fluid comprises a housing (2) provided with a first (3) and a second (4) inlet for a first and a second flow of fluid to flow into the device. First and second fluid communication means (9, 10) are arranged between the first (3) and second (4) inlets and a first chamber (6). A piston (11) in the first chamber (6) is arranged for keeping the first and the second flows separated. A plunger(13)in a second chamber (14) is arranged for establishing alternately a first charge out of the first flow and a second charge out of the second flow. Third (17), fourth (18) and fifth (19) fluid communication means arranged between the first and the second chambers and an outlet (20) in cooperation with the piston and the plunger enable alternately dispensing the first and second charges at the outlet.