Liquid Dosing System with Overpressure Piston and Spike Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dosing systems for packaging chemically active substances in water-soluble films, such as dishwasher and laundry detergent capsules, require individual precision dosing for each nozzle, leading to high costs and operational limitations due to the need for multiple expensive pumps and valves, and are not suitable for liquid products as they can cause leaking and dripping.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dosing system with a common pressure feeding unit and exhaust unit, utilizing a dosing module with a cylinder and spike mechanism that operates under overpressure, allowing synchronized movement of pistons and spikes to deliver precise doses without physical contact, thus eliminating the need for individual pumps and valves per nozzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual pumps and valves are used for each dosing nozzle, then dosing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual dosing systems into a single common dosing unit that serves multiple nozzles. Instead of having separate pumps and valves for each nozzle, the invention uses one common pump and valve assembly that distributes liquid to multiple nozzles through a shared circuitry system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining dosing precision through controlled flow distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the dosing system into modular components where a single common pump and valve assembly can be divided into multiple independent dosing channels. Each nozzle receives liquid through separate channels from the common source, allowing independent dose control at the nozzle level while sharing the expensive pump and valve components.
2Measurement precision
If multiple expensive pumps and valves are used for each nozzle, then dosing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual dosing systems into a single common dosing unit that serves multiple nozzles. Instead of having separate pumps and valves for each nozzle, the invention uses one common pump and valve assembly that distributes liquid to multiple nozzles through a shared circuitry system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining dosing precision through controlled flow distribution.
3Productivity
If conventional dosing systems are used, then dosing capability is achieved, but liquid drops and dripping occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic and hydraulic principles to control liquid flow to the nozzles. By using pressurized gas or liquid to regulate flow rates and control the timing of liquid delivery, the system achieves precise dosing without the mechanical contact and dripping problems associated with conventional mechanical dosing systems. The hydraulic/pneumatic control allows for smooth, drop-free liquid delivery.
4Productivity
If high-speed dosing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but dosing precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous dosing operation where the common pump operates continuously to supply liquid to multiple nozzles in sequence. By maintaining continuous flow through the shared circuitry and using rapid valve actuation to distribute liquid to different nozzles, the system achieves both high-speed operation and precise dosing. The continuous operation eliminates idle time while the controlled distribution maintains 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
Enables high-speed, precise, and cost-effective delivery of individual doses to multiple nozzles, preventing liquid drops and ensuring efficient operation without the need for expensive individual pumping systems, making it suitable for liquid products.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one feeding channel is adapted to feed the liquid in a state of overpressure
Implementation Method 2
open position enabling a tight hydraulic communication of the feeding channel with the dosing module in which open position the over pressured liquid is pushing against the first piston within the cylinder
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2
AI summary
A liquid dosing system comprising at least one feeding channel (5) for feeding the liquid (4) to the system and at least one dosing nozzle (16), each dosing nozzle (16) communicating with the at least one feeding channel (5) via a corresponding valve (6), characterized in that the at least one feeding channel (5) is adapted to feed the liquid (4) in a state of overpressure, and in that a dosing module (9) is located between each dosing nozzle (16) and the corresponding valve (6), the dosing module (9) comprising (i) a cylinder (11) with a first piston (12) adapted to reciprocate within the cylinder (11) between an upper position and a lower position, (ii) a dosing nozzle channel (16a) in which a spike (17) is located, the spike being adapted to reciprocate within the dosing nozzle channel (16a) between an upper position in which the nozzle (16) is open and a lower position in which the nozzle (16) is closed, wherein each valve (6) may take a closed position in which the dosing module (9) is cut off from the feeding channel (5), or an open position enabling a tight hydraulic communication of the feeding channel (5) with the dosing module (9) in which open position the over pressured liquid is pushing against the first piston (12) within the cylinder (11), and wherein the system is further provided with a first driving means (24) adapted to cyclically move the first piston (12) downwards and a second driving means (23) adapted to cyclically move the spike (17) between its upper position and its lower position, the first and second driving means (23, 24) being synchronized with each other and with each valve (6) so that the first piston (12) is moved downwards so that the liquid (4) is pushed out of the system while the spike (17) is in its upper position and the valve (6) is in its closed position.