Linear Motion Pump Dispensing System for Spray Polyurethane Foam

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for dispensing spray polyurethane foams suffer from time delays and inconsistent mixing ratios due to lag in the pumping system, leading to temperature fluctuations and potential clogging, which are costly and time-consuming to resolve.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features dual liquid component pumps driven by a single motor, with multiple temperature regulators and mixer units to ensure consistent temperature control and mixing ratios, utilizing direct or indirect temperature regulation and linear flow pumps to maintain precise fluid flow and prevent premature mixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If non-linear piston pumps or gear pumps are used to deliver polyol and isocyanate components, then the pumping system can transport the liquid components, but time delays and lag occur causing inconsistent mixing ratios and temperature fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing ratio consistencyVSAvoidtime delay in pumping system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces non-linear piston pumps or gear pumps with linear motion pumps that provide continuous, lag-free delivery of liquid components. This substitution eliminates the time delays and inconsistent flow rates associated with traditional mechanical pumping systems, thereby achieving consistent mixing ratios without time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If components are pumped through a system with lag, then the pumping system can operate, but temperature fluctuations occur and clogging may result requiring cleaning and repair

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operation continuityVSAvoidtemperature fluctuations and clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical pumps with linear motion pumps that eliminate lag, thereby preventing temperature fluctuations and clogging. This substitution maintains reliable continuous operation while eliminating the harmful effects of time delays in the pumping system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Temperature

If multiple temperature regulators are added to control temperature of liquid components, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid component temperature controlVSAvoidnumber of temperature regulators

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies temperature regulators at multiple locations in the fluid path (between the pump and dispenser unit, and between the source and pump) to pre-control the temperature of liquid components before they enter the mixing system. This preliminary temperature control ensures consistent mixing ratios and prevents premature reaction, justifying the additional complexity through improved process control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution provides consistent mixing ratios and improved temperature control, reducing the risk of clogging and enhancing the efficiency of the dispensing process for spray polyurethane foams, leading to more reliable and cost-effective operations.

Implementation Method 1

an A liquid component pump driven by a first motor... a B liquid component pump driven by the first motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear motion pumping:

Implementation Method 2

a first A liquid temperature regulator located between the A liquid component pump and the dispenser unit, a second A liquid temperature regulator located between the first A liquid component temperature regulator and the dispenser unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature regulation:

Data Source

PatentUS11261074B2Apparatus for dispensing a mixture of at least two liquid components

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 AT GRP LLC DBA U S FOAM SYST

AI summary

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for dispensing a mixture of at least two liquid components. The apparatus may comprise an A liquid component source fluidly connected with an A liquid component pump driven by a first motor; and a B liquid component source fluidly connected with a B liquid component pump driven by the first motor. Each of the A liquid component pump and the B liquid component pump may comprise at least two chambers. The A liquid component pump and the B liquid component pump may be fluidly connected with a dispenser unit. There may be one or more A liquid temperature regulators between the A liquid component pump and the dispenser unit. Similarly, there may be one or more B liquid temperature regulators between the B liquid component pump and the dispenser unit.