Fluid Proportioning System with Independent Pressure Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid proportioners struggle to accurately mix multiple fluid components in ratios other than 1:1, as they require synchronization of pumps and equal volumetric displacement, which is not feasible for components like two-component epoxies and polyurethanes that have different concentration requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple positive displacement pumps, fluid regulators, flow meters, and a control system that individually regulates fluid pressure and flow rates to achieve a desired mix ratio, allowing for separate and independent operation of pumps and pressure regulation, even for non-equal ratio components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pumps are synchronized with equal volumetric displacement for 1:1 ratio mixing, then the system is simple and easy to design, but it cannot achieve accurate mixing for components requiring non-equal ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the proportioning control into separate segments for each pump, with individual flow meters and pressure regulators for each component. This allows each pump to operate independently with its own control parameters, enabling flexible mix ratios while maintaining simple pump design and synchronization through electronic control rather than mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts pump output ratios through independent pressure regulation and flow control for each component. Rather than fixed mechanical synchronization, the system allows real-time adjustment of each pump's delivery rate based on the desired mix ratio, enabling transition from 1:1 to any other ratio without changing the fundamental pump synchronization mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual pressure regulation and flow control are implemented for each pump, then accurate non-equal ratio mixing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates flow meters on each pump outlet that provide feedback signals to the control system. This feedback enables the controller to monitor actual flow rates and adjust pressure regulator settings accordingly, achieving accurate mix ratios through closed-loop control rather than relying solely on mechanical precision of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical synchronization and ratio control mechanisms with electronic control. Instead of using mechanically coupled pumps with precision gear ratios, the system uses independently controlled pumps with electronic pressure regulation and flow monitoring, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic control simplicity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple fluid regulators and flow meters are added to each pump line, then pressure variations are dampened and mix ratio is maintained, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces fluid regulators as intermediary components between the pumps and the mixing chamber. These regulators act as buffers that dampen pressure variations from the pumps before the fluids reach the mixing point. The flow meters serve as intermediary sensing elements that provide information about actual flow conditions, enabling indirect control of mix ratio through pressure adjustment rather than direct mechanical ratio control.
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
This system ensures accurate mixing of fluid components in various ratios, from 1:1 to 10:1 or more, by independently controlling fluid pressures and flow rates, effectively maintaining the desired mixture ratio and dampening pressure variations, thus enabling efficient dispensing of activated compounds like epoxies and polyurethanes.
Implementation Method 1
Each pump delivers a separate fluid component
Implementation Method 2
each fluid regulator is connected to one of the pumps for regulating fluid pressure of one of the fluid components
Implementation Method 3
Each flow meter is connected to one of the fluid regulators for sensing flow rate of one of the fluid components
Implementation Method 4
The control system controls the fluid regulators based on the measured flow rates to produce a desired mix ratio of the separate fluid components
Implementation Method 5
The receiving device receives the separate fluid components
Data Source
AI summary
A plural component dispensing system 10 receives separate fluid components, mixes the components in a predetermined ratio, and dispenses the components as mixture. Each fluid component is supplied by a separate pump 12A, 12B to an individual variably controllable fluid regulator 14A, 14B. Each fluid component is supplied from its individual fluid regulator 14A, 14B through a flow meter 18A, 18B to a mixing device 20. The ratio of the components delivered to the mixing device 20 is controlled by the individual fluid regulators 14A, 14B based upon the flow rates measured by the flow meters 18A, 18B.