Fluid Loading Device for Nozzles with Varying Viscosities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gravure printing technologies are limited in their ability to load nozzles with fluids of varying viscosities and larger volumes, as they rely on hydrostatic pressure which is insufficient for high viscosity fluids and larger volumes.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a first member with a first surface and a second member protruding from the first member, with a second surface and a third surface, is designed to load fluid into nozzles. The device forms a pocket with the nozzle-bearing body, allowing for the loading of fluids with a wide range of viscosities, including high viscosity fluids and larger volumes, by maintaining constant gaps between the device surfaces and the nozzle-bearing body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hydrostatic pressure is used to load nozzles with fluid, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but it cannot effectively load high viscosity fluids or larger volumes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to load fluids of varying viscositiesVSAvoidcomplexity of loading device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading device is segmented into multiple members (first member, second member, third member) that work together to create a controlled pocket environment. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function while achieving the overall goal of loading high viscosity fluids effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A pocket is introduced as an intermediary space between the fluid source and the nozzle. This pocket acts as a mediator that accumulates fluid and applies controlled pressure, enabling effective loading of high viscosity fluids without requiring complex external pressurization systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stress or pressure

If hydrostatic pressure is used to load nozzles, then the device structure is simple, but the fluid pressure achieved is insufficient for high viscosity fluids and larger volumes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid pressure in nozzleVSAvoidcomplexity of device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device creates a dynamic sealing arrangement where the third member conformably contacts the nozzle-bearing body surface, dynamically adapting to surface variations while maintaining effective pressure. This dynamic sealing enables high pressure generation without rigid, complex mechanical structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pocket serves as a pressure-amplifying intermediary that converts the simple motion of the nozzle-bearing body into effective fluid pressure. This intermediary mechanism enables high pressure generation without requiring complex external pressurization equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If a fixed-angle doctor blade is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot maintain constant gap for effective fluid loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap consistency between device and nozzle-bearing bodyVSAvoidcomplexity of device geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The third member is designed to conformably contact the nozzle-bearing body surface, creating a dynamic sealing interface that automatically adapts to surface variations. This dynamic adaptation maintains constant gap precision without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device geometry is designed with specific angle ranges (second surface at 20-160 degrees, third surface at 10-45 degrees) that optimize the pocket formation and fluid loading process. These parameter optimizations achieve precise gap control while maintaining relatively simple device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12285936B2Device, method, and assembly for loading nozzles with fluid

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 ARCHIPELAGO TECH GROUP

AI summary

A device (3000) for loading fluid into nozzle(s) of a nozzle-bearing body (3070) includes a first member (3010), having a first surface (3016), and a second member (3020) protruding from the first member (3010). The second member (3020) has second and third surfaces (3028, 3026), the second surface (3028) extending from the first surface (3016) at an angle. The first surface (3016) substantially complements the shape of the nozzle-bearing body's surface (3070). The device (3000) has a recess (3023) defined therein at least in part by the first and second surfaces (3016, 3028). When the device (3000) is placed into a working configuration with the nozzle-bearing body (3070), a tangent to the third surface (3026), in a region of the third surface (3026) proximate to where the second surface (3028) meets the third surface (3026), is substantially parallel to a tangent to the first surface (3016), in a region of the first surface (3016) where the first surface (3016) meets the second surface (3028), wherein, the recess (3023) forms a pocket for receiving the fluid.