Gas Cell Driven Fluid Delivery Device for Spill-Resistant Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid delivery systems are often orientation-sensitive, require excessive operating force, and are susceptible to debris and gas buildup, leading to potential spills and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered, orientation-independent fluid delivery device featuring a gas cell that expands a flexible barrier to compressively force a delivery material through a delivery aperture, with passive gas-relief valves and overflow chambers to prevent spills and maintain operational pressure, and a retention mechanism for easy cartridge replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pumps are used for fluid delivery, then fluid can be delivered, but the system becomes orientation-sensitive and requires precise alignment to function properly
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is segmented into modular components: a cartridge containing the fluid reservoir and a separate foundation housing the gas cell. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be easily replaced and oriented in any position, eliminating orientation sensitivity while maintaining reliable fluid delivery through the modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas cell automatically generates gas to pressurize the fluid delivery system without requiring external power or manual operation. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent fluid delivery regardless of device orientation, as the gas pressure adapts to gravity's direction rather than relying on fixed gravitational alignment.
2Productivity
If conventional pumps are used to move small amounts of material, then fluid delivery is achieved, but large amounts of operating force are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a gas cell that generates pneumatic pressure to drive fluid delivery. The gas cell expands to create controlled pressure within the cartridge, efficiently moving fluid through the delivery aperture without requiring large manual operating forces, thereby improving delivery efficiency while reducing force requirements.
3Reliability
If conventional delivery systems are used, then fluid can be delivered, but the system becomes susceptible to debris and particulate matter within the fluid stream
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs flexible barrier elements (membranes) that separate the gas cell from the fluid reservoir. These flexible barriers act as filters, preventing debris and particulate matter from passing through while allowing fluid to be delivered. The membrane's flexibility maintains pressure equilibrium while providing particulate protection, ensuring consistent delivery reliability.
4Productivity
If gas is introduced to the gas chamber, then the flexible barrier expands to deliver fluid, but gas pressure buildup can cause spills
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a passive gas-relief valve that provides feedback control on gas pressure. When gas pressure builds up to dangerous levels that could cause spills, the relief valve automatically vents excess gas. This feedback mechanism maintains pressure within safe operating limits while still enabling efficient fluid delivery through the compressed flexible barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive gas-relief valve converts the potentially harmful effect of gas pressure buildup into a beneficial safety feature. By allowing controlled venting of excess gas, the system prevents spills while maintaining optimal delivery pressure, transforming a harmful byproduct into a protective mechanism.
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 ensures reliable, orientation-independent fluid delivery with reduced risk of spills and efficient material distribution, maintaining operational pressure while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
A gas cell is associated with the gas-side rigid portion of the gas chamber, the gas cell to increase a gas pressure within the gas chamber to expand the gas-side flexible barrier element
Implementation Method 2
expand the gas-side flexible barrier element, wherein expansion of the gas-side flexible barrier element applies a compressive force to the delivery-side flexible barrier element
Implementation Method 3
Gas cells may be structured to include a passive gas-relief valve to vent passive gas
Data Source
AI summary
An orientation independent delivery device including a replaceable cartridge that may be installed on a foundation. A cartridge includes a gas chamber, a delivery chamber, a gas cell, and a delivery aperture. The gas chamber includes a gas-side rigid portion and a gas-side flexible barrier. The gas-side flexible barrier is sealed to the gas-side rigid portion. The delivery chamber includes a delivery-side rigid portion and a delivery-side flexible barrier. The delivery-side flexible barrier is sealed to the delivery-side rigid portion and is oriented adjacent to the gas-side flexible barrier. The gas cell is coupled to the gas-side rigid portion of the gas chamber. The gas cell increases a gas pressure within the gas chamber to expand the gas-side flexible barrier. Expansion of the gas-side flexible barrier applies a compressive force to the delivery-side flexible barrier allowing a delivery material to escape from the delivery chamber.