Magnetic Valve Unit for Precision Micro-Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispenser systems for viscous media face challenges in achieving high precision and reproducibility in dispensing small volumes, are prone to dripping due to pressure issues, and are costly and complex, especially when miniaturized or used in micro-dosing applications.
Innovation Solution
A valve unit using axially movable magnet units with a magnetic holding force and a mechanical stop, actuated by varying pressure forces, to control the flow through a hollow channel, allowing for precise and dynamic switching between open and closed states without external energy, suitable for both liquid and gaseous media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional dispenser systems are used for viscous media, then dispensing can be achieved, but high precision and reproducibility in dispensing small volumes cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical dosing mechanisms (pistons, pumps, peristaltic tubes) with a simple magnetic valve system. The magnetic valve uses magnetic field interaction between a first magnet unit on the needle and a second magnet unit in the cartridge to control flow, eliminating the need for complex mechanical dosing components while achieving high precision through electronic control of the magnetic field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the dosing function from complex mechanical systems and implements it through a separate, simple magnetic valve mechanism. The valve unit is detachably connectable to the needle arrangement, allowing the dosing precision to be achieved through the magnetic valve's controlled opening/closing rather than through complex mechanical displacement measurements.
2Productivity
If pressure is applied to drive medium through the needle, then dispensing is achieved, but dripping occurs due to pressure issues
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic valve provides dynamic control of the flow path by rapidly opening and closing based on magnetic field changes. The valve can be opened during dispensing to maintain flow and closed immediately after to stop flow, preventing dripping. The dynamic response of the magnetic valve allows precise timing of flow interruption without affecting the dispensing rate during active operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex dosing systems are used for high precision, then dosing accuracy is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical dosing systems with a magnetic valve system that achieves precision through electromagnetic control rather than mechanical measurement. The magnetic valve unit with its two magnet units and seal element provides accurate flow control through magnetic field interaction, eliminating the need for precision mechanical components while maintaining dosing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic valve acts as an intermediary between the pressure-driven flow system and the needle dispensing system. It provides precise control of the flow path without requiring the entire system to be complex, isolating the precision control function to a simple magnetic actuation mechanism that can be easily integrated into existing dispenser architectures.
4Quantity of substance
If valve systems are miniaturized for micro-dosing, then micro-dosing capability is achieved, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field interaction instead of mechanical components for the valve actuation mechanism. Magnetic fields can be precisely controlled and sensed at small scales without the manufacturing tolerances and friction issues that plague miniaturized mechanical systems. The magnetic valve units can be miniaturized while maintaining reliability because magnetic forces scale favorably and do not require precision mechanical clearances.
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-precision, flexible, and cost-effective metered dispensing with reduced dripping, suitable for micro-dosing and miniaturization, using only pressure variations to actuate the valve, eliminating the need for external energy and allowing for easy integration and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first magnet unit (9), which is mounted axially movably along the direction of flow (F) of the medium (5) through the hollow channel (3), is provided for generating a first magnetic field. In addition, a second magnet unit (8) is provided, the second magnetic field of which interacts with the first magnetic field in such a way that a magnetic force that attracts the magnet units axially against one another acts between the first and second magnet units (8, 9)
Implementation Method 2
a unit which generates a force that is able to counteract the holding force and thereby actuate the valve unit, in particular by varying the pressurization of the medium (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4c
AI summary
Disclosed is a valve unit for interrupting or releasing a flow of a pressurized medium along a hollow duct (3), a preferred use of said valve unit in a dosing system, and a method for the metered discharge of a medium from a cartridge-needle assembly. The cartridge of said cartridge-needle assembly is connected to the needle assembly via at least one hollow duct (3) and is provided with an open cartridge end to which a pressurizing means is applied that can cause the medium located inside the cartridge to be discharged in the direction of the needle assembly by applying pressure.