Flying Object Nozzle Lid Prevents Liquid Dripping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Liquid dripping from discharge apparatuses mounted on flying objects, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, poses environmental and operational issues due to adhered material forming droplets, which can cause unwanted discharge and impact the surrounding environment.

Innovation Solution

A discharge apparatus with a lid that can open and close the nozzle, combined with a solidifying unit and receiving unit to absorb or solidify any dripped liquid, and a control method to manage the lid's operation during discharge and non-discharge states, preventing liquid from leaking or spilling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If liquid material is discharged from the nozzle, then the discharge function is improved, but liquid dripping occurs due to adhered material forming droplets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge functionVSAvoidliquid dripping
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is positioned in advance to cover the discharge port, and the opening/closing mechanism is pre-configured to automatically open the lid before discharge and close it after discharge, preventing liquid dripping before it can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lid acts as an intermediary component between the liquid material and the external environment, controlling the discharge process and preventing direct contact between adhered material and the outside, thereby eliminating liquid dripping

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the nozzle is closed to prevent liquid dripping, then liquid dripping is prevented, but the discharge function is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid dripping preventionVSAvoiddischarge function
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is designed to be dynamically movable between open and closed positions, allowing the system to adapt its state based on discharge requirements - open during discharge for full functionality, closed during non-discharge for dripping prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The opening/closing mechanism is configured to automatically control the lid's position based on discharge status, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring the lid is always in the correct state for the current operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a lid with opening and closing mechanism is added, then liquid dripping is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid dripping preventionVSAvoidopening and closing mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The opening/closing mechanism is designed to operate automatically based on discharge status, eliminating the need for complex control systems or manual operation, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective liquid dripping prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Effectively prevents liquid dripping by ensuring the nozzle is closed during non-discharge states and utilizing absorbent or solidifying mechanisms to handle any overflow, enhancing operational reliability and environmental safety.

Implementation Method 1

a lid that is capable of opening and closing a discharge port of the nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical closure:

Implementation Method 2

The lid is provided with an absorbent material that absorbs the liquid material at a position facing the discharge port when the lid is in a closed state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a solidifying unit that receives and fixes the liquid material that has dripped from a discharge port of the discharge apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolidification: Freezing

Implementation Method 4

The lid rotates via a hinge to open and close the discharge port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational movement:

Implementation Method 5

The lid is opened and closed by pressure generated when the liquid material is discharged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure generation: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11897687B2Discharge apparatus for flying object, liquid dripping prevention member, and control method of discharge apparatus for flying object
Publication Date: 2024.02.13 TOYO SEIKAN KAISHA LTD
  • US11897687B2 patent drawing
  • US11897687B2 patent drawing
  • US11897687B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A discharge apparatus for a flying object is provided, which discharges liquid material from a nozzle mounted on an airframe and includes a lid that is capable of opening and closing a discharge port of the nozzle.