Golf Ball Dispensing Nozzle Heating Adaptors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing and dispensing technologies for castable polyurethanes and polyureas face challenges such as poor mixing homogeneity, quick gelation, clogging of mixers, and reduced dispensing time due to differences in viscosities and rapid polymerization, leading to striae formation and material buildup, which affects the quality and duration of the molding process.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid apparatus with a dynamic mixer element and temperature control chamber using a disposable plastic mixer and cooling jacket to control exothermic reactions, combined with a nozzle assembly employing pneumatic pressure and heating adaptors to prolong dispensing time and prevent material buildup, ensuring homogenous mixing and extended processing times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If static mixers are used for mixing polyurethane components, then mixing is performed, but the mixing length is too long causing polymerization to begin before discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static mixers to a dynamic mixer with a rotating mixing element that actively agitates the polyol and isocyanate components. This dynamic action intensifies mixing within a shorter residence time, preventing premature polymerization while achieving homogeneous mixing. The rotating element creates turbulent flow patterns that enhance mass transfer between the two components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the mixing intensity parameter by introducing a rotating mixing element that imparts mechanical energy to the system. This changes the mixing mechanism from passive laminar flow in static mixers to active turbulent mixing, reducing the time required to achieve homogeneous mixing before discharge.
2Manufacturing precision
If static mixers are used, then mixing occurs, but the mixer clogs after 15-30 minutes due to gelation
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic mixer with its rotating element maintains continuous motion that prevents the mixture from gelling and clogging the mixer. The constant agitation keeps the polyurethane components in a fluid state, allowing the mixer to operate continuously without the 15-30 minute limitations of static mixers.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating mixing element performs periodic mixing cycles, continuously disrupting any tendency toward gelation and maintaining flowability. This periodic mechanical action prevents the cementing and interlocking effects that cause static mixers to plug up after short periods.
3Manufacturing precision
If dynamic mixers are used to reduce mixing time, then mixing quality improves, but temperature increases due to frictional heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the rotational speed parameter of the mixing element to balance mixing intensity with heat generation. By optimizing the rotation speed, sufficient mixing action is achieved while limiting frictional heating that would otherwise increase the temperature and accelerate polymerization undesirably.
4Loss of time
If dynamic mixers are used, then mixing time is reduced, but air bubbles are introduced into the material
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing element design incorporates specific geometric features that create localized flow patterns. The mixing vanes or helical elements are configured to push material along the walls and create a shearing action that mixes effectively while minimizing air entrapment in pockets.
5Ease of repair
If solvent flushing is performed to clean dynamic mixers, then cleaning is achieved, but sludge material is generated requiring disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable mixing elements or liners that can be easily removed and discarded after use. This eliminates the need for solvent flushing and sludge disposal, as the disposable component is simply replaced with a fresh one, converting a cleaning problem into a simple replacement operation.
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 apparatus achieves improved mixing homogeneity, extended gel time, reduced downtime, and prolonged dispensing time up to 5 hours by controlling temperature and preventing material buildup, resulting in higher quality and more efficient polyurethane molding processes.
Implementation Method 1
controlling heat generated by the exothermic reaction that is created when the urethane components combine and mix
Implementation Method 2
temperature control chamber encompassing the mixer body for controlling heat generated by the exothermic reaction
Implementation Method 3
nozzle assembly employing pneumatic pressure and heating adaptors to prolong dispensing time and prevent gelation
Implementation Method 4
nozzle assembly employing pneumatic pressure and heating adaptors to prolong dispensing time
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an improved apparatus and system for mixing castable polyurethanes and polyureas and for prolonging the dispensing time for dispensing them into a golf ball mold for application to a golf ball sub-assembly. A nozzle framework includes support housing heaters and heater adaptors for each dispensing port to delay the onset of drool and improve cut off in the dispensing tubes. The combination of fluorinated dispensing ports, the heating of the polyureas or polyurethanes, and inclusion of a capillary orifice in each dispensing port significantly prolongs the time before the advent of drool is detected.