Giant Magnetostrictive Actuator Jet Dispenser for Viscous Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jet dispensing systems struggle to efficiently dispense highly viscous fluids at high frequency and in large quantities due to limitations in piston stroke and accuracy, particularly with prior art using magnetostrictive actuators and volumetric systems.
Innovation Solution
A jet dispenser utilizing a giant magnetostrictive actuator coupled with flexural elements to amplify piston strokes, allowing for higher efficiency and larger dispensing volumes, combined with a piston actuated by flexion to apply dispensing force through a nozzle, enabling the dispensing of highly viscous fluids with improved accuracy and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a magnetostrictive actuator is used to drive the piston, then the dispensing speed is improved, but the piston stroke is limited due to low strain of the material
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible beam acts as an intermediary mechanism between the magnetostrictive actuator and the piston. The beam amplifies the small displacement of the actuator into a larger piston stroke through its flexural deformation, resolving the contradiction between fast response and sufficient stroke length.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the magnetostrictive material by applying different current levels to achieve different strain states. By controlling the magnetic field strength, the actuator can provide both rapid response and adequate displacement when combined with the flexible beam amplification.
2Quantity of substance
If a two valves volumetric system is used, then the fluid supply is controlled, but the accuracy of dispensing volume and dispensing speed are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex two-valve volumetric control system from the dispenser, retaining only the essential piston-driven fluid ejection mechanism. This simplification eliminates the accuracy issues and speed limitations introduced by the valve system while maintaining adequate fluid volume control through direct piston displacement.
3Reliability
If jet dispensing is used, then stringing is eliminated and reliability is improved, but the ability to dispense highly viscous fluids at high frequency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pressurization of the fluid in the chamber before the actual dispensing event. This pre-compression of the fluid allows for faster ejection and higher dispensing frequency while maintaining the reliability benefits of jet dispensing, as the fluid is already pressurized and ready for immediate ejection.
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
The system achieves higher efficiency and larger piston strokes, enabling the continuous dispensing of highly viscous fluids like silver epoxy at high pressure and in larger amounts, with increased flexibility in nozzle-substrate distance and adjustable dispensing volume, enhancing the reliability and precision of fluid delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a giant magnetostrictive actuator which is responsive to electric currents to expand or contract
Implementation Method 2
a set of flexural elements coupled to first and second ends of the giant magnetostrictive actuator such that the expansion or contraction of the giant magnetostrictive actuator flexes the flexural elements
Implementation Method 3
the piston is actuable by flexion of the flexural elements to apply a dispensing force against the fluid to dispense fluid through the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A jet dispenser is provided with a giant magnetostrictive actuator which expands or contracts in response to electric currents. A set of flexural elements is coupled to first and second ends of the giant magnetostrictive actuator and flexes when the giant magnetostrictive actuator expands or contracts. The jet dispenser further comprises a chamber containing fluid and the fluid is dispensable through a nozzle which is in communication with the chamber. A piston coupled to the set of flexural elements is slidably located in the chamber and is actuable by flexion of the flexural elements to apply a force against the fluid for dispensing fluid through the nozzle.