Liquid Supply Apparatus Phase-Shifted Drive Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid supply apparatuses require multiple piston rods to continuously supply liquid, leading to increased size and complexity, and precise timing synchronization for consistent coating, which is challenging to achieve.
Innovation Solution
A liquid supply apparatus with multiple pump chambers and drive rods that reciprocate at different timings, utilizing a cam mechanism with interlocking drive rollers and guide rollers to ensure continuous and consistent liquid flow without tilting, allowing for a compact design and accurate timing control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple piston rods are used to continuously supply liquid, then continuous liquid supply is achieved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump block is divided into multiple independent pump chambers (first pump chamber, second pump chamber, etc.), each with its own drive rod. This segmentation allows each chamber to operate independently with phase-shifted timing, enabling continuous liquid supply while keeping each individual chamber compact. The modular structure avoids the need for a single large pump mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive rods reciprocate with phase shifts relative to each other, creating periodic action patterns. The first drive rod and second drive rod operate at different timings, so that when one is in its discharge phase, another is in its suction or discharge phase. This periodic, phase-shifted operation ensures continuous liquid supply without requiring all components to be active simultaneously, reducing overall apparatus size.
2Productivity
If multiple pumps are arranged in parallel for continuous coating, then continuous liquid supply is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pump chambers and drive rods are merged into a single integrated pump block structure. The first drive rod, second drive rod, and their corresponding pump chambers are combined in one compact unit with shared support structures and timing mechanisms. This merging reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate pump units that would require independent mounting and synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The support blocks and guide structures act as intermediaries that coordinate the motion of multiple drive rods. The phase-shifted reciprocation of drive rods is mediated through their interaction with the pump chamber walls and discharge ports, providing automatic timing coordination without complex external synchronization mechanisms.
3Productivity
If multiple piston rods are used for continuous supply, then liquid can be supplied continuously, but the activation timings must be synchronized with high accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chambers and drive rods are designed with asymmetric phase relationships rather than symmetric simultaneous operation. The first drive rod and second drive rod are intentionally offset in their reciprocation timing, creating an asymmetric operation pattern where one chamber discharges while another is suctioning or discharging. This asymmetric design simplifies timing requirements compared to synchronized symmetric operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive rods perform periodic reciprocating motions with built-in phase shifts. The periodic nature of the motion, combined with the phase offset between first and second drive rods, creates a continuous discharge pattern where the discharge phases are staggered. This periodic action with phase shift reduces the need for high-precision timing synchronization.
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 continuous and consistent liquid supply to a coating target from start to end, maintaining a constant flow rate while reducing the apparatus size and improving accuracy in activation timing.
Implementation Method 1
a shaft in which a drive roller is attached to a center part in an axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
In a liquid supply apparatus, plungers which respectively expand and contract pump chambers are reciprocated linearly in an axial direction with their phases shifted to each other, thereby continuously discharging liquid. In a pump block, drive rods are mounted so as to be reciprocatable in an axial direction. At a center in an axial direction of shafts attached to the drive rods, drive rollers are mounted, and rollers are mounted at both ends of the shafts. Guide grooves which support the guide rollers are formed in guide blocks.