Internal Gear Pump Fluid Dose-Measuring Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dose-measuring devices are complex and laborious to fabricate, especially for high-viscosity fluids, and often require ferromagnetic materials, limiting material choice and increasing part count, which is not suitable for the food or pharmaceutical industry.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dose-measuring device utilizing an internal gear pump where the outer gear is integrated with the housing, allowing for reduced parts and material flexibility, and using an elastomer valve element for precise fluid control, enabling easier fabrication and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electromagnetic actuator with ferromagnetic piston is used, then the device can control fluid flow, but the fabrication becomes complex and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic actuator with ferromagnetic piston system with a purely mechanical gear pump system. The gear pump uses mechanical rotation to displace fluid through gear teeth engagement, eliminating the need for electromagnetic fields and ferromagnetic materials, thereby simplifying fabrication while maintaining fluid control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating principle from electromagnetic actuation to mechanical rotation. By using a rotating gear pump mechanism, the system achieves fluid dispensing through mechanical displacement rather than electromagnetic interaction, making the device easier to manufacture while preserving dosing accuracy
2Reliability
If multiple separate parts are used in the device, then the device can function properly, but the part count increases and fabrication becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated gear pump assembly. The gear pump housing combines the actuator housing, fluid path, and dispensing mechanism into one unified component, reducing part count while maintaining all necessary functions for reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The gear pump assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the actuator mechanism, defines the fluid path, provides the dispensing outlet, and ensures sealing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure
3Ease of operation
If a valve mechanism is used for fluid control, then the device can dispense fluid, but leakage occurs and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the valve mechanism with a positive displacement gear pump system. Instead of using a valve to control fluid flow, the gear pump uses the mechanical engagement of gear teeth to positively displace and control fluid volume, eliminating leakage paths and improving dispensing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from flow control (valve-based) to volume displacement (gear pump-based). By using the gear pump's fixed displacement mechanism, the system achieves precise fluid dispensing without the leakage issues inherent in valve mechanisms, improving both reliability and precision
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 internal gear pump design simplifies fabrication and operation, providing accurate and reliable fluid dispensing with reduced leakage and part complexity, suitable for high-viscosity fluids in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Implementation Method 1
The device comprises an internal gear pump (IGP) with an inner gear (IG) and an outer gear (OG), wherein the outer gear (OG) is integrated with the housing
Implementation Method 2
The moveable part (MP) is configured to engage with an actuator (A) of a dispensing device (DD), wherein the outer contour of the moveable part has a polygon shape
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid dose-measuring device for dispensing predetermined amounts of fluid from a fluid container, comprising a housing with a stationary and a moveable part, wherein the stationary part comprises a connector portion defining an inlet passage, which connector portion is connectable to the fluid container, wherein the moveable part is configured to engage with an actuator of a dispensing device, and wherein the housing comprises an outlet through which the fluid is to be dispensed, and an internal gear pump with an inner and an outer gear for transporting fluid from the inlet passage to the outlet upon actuation by the actuator of the dispensing device, wherein the moveable part is connected to the outer gear, so that actuation of the moveable part allows to rotate the inner and outer gear relative to the stationary part.