Keyed Dispensing Cartridge Coupling for Precise Piston Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensers lack a keying or lockout arrangement to limit the shape and size of replacement cartridges, allowing for a wide variety of physical shapes and sizes to be coupled, which complicates the replacement process and does not ensure proper alignment for efficient dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A keying arrangement using complementary key elements and keyways is implemented to align the piston pump with the actuator mechanism, ensuring rotational alignment and preventing coupling unless the piston is in a desired position, thereby limiting the shape and size of replaceable cartridges that can be used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex coupling mechanism is used to connect removable cartridges to the dispenser, then the cartridges can be securely coupled, but the mechanism becomes complicated and does not limit the shape and size of replacement cartridges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing a key element on the piston with a specific asymmetric shape and a corresponding keyway in the actuator assembly with a complementary asymmetric shape. This asymmetric keying arrangement ensures that only cartridges with the correct key shape can be coupled to the actuator, thereby limiting replacement cartridge options while maintaining secure coupling. The asymmetric geometry prevents incompatible cartridges from being installed.
2Ease of operation
If a simple coupling mechanism is used to allow easy replacement of cartridges, then the replacement process is quick and easy, but the mechanism does not provide proper alignment or limit cartridge shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the key element and keyway with complementary shapes and orientations before the cartridge replacement occurs. When the cartridge is inserted, the key and keyway automatically guide the piston into the correct rotational alignment with the actuator assembly. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures proper alignment is achieved automatically during the simple insertion operation, without requiring additional alignment steps or complex mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If no keying arrangement is provided, then any cartridge shape and size can be coupled to the dispenser, but proper rotational alignment of the piston with the actuator cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a key element as an intermediary component between the piston and the actuator assembly. This key element acts as a mediator that translates the simple insertion action into precise rotational alignment. The key's asymmetric geometry serves as the intermediary mechanism that ensures the piston achieves the correct angular orientation relative to the actuator, bridging the gap between simple cartridge replacement and precise alignment requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A piston of a piston pump adapted to be selectively coaxially slidably coupled to a complementary actuator mechanism by a keying arrangement utilizing one or more key elements engaging with one or more keyways, to place the piston and actuator mechanism in rotational alignment about the axis and with keying involving complementary circumferential location of keying elements and keyways, complementary radial extents of key members and keyways relative the axis, and/or complementary shapes for the key elements and keyways normal the axis.