Manifold Closure System Prevents Nozzle Dripping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing systems face issues with precision due to dripping and clogging caused by leftover fluid drips and the drying of viscous liquids on nozzles, particularly in multiple nozzle manifold designs, where traditional scraper and wiper designs are impractical and lead to cross-contamination and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A manual manifold/nozzle closure system with a pivotally connected arm, bracket, and biasing elements that moves to seal the manifold, preventing drips and clogs by using a spring-biased cup and seal to collect fluid and protect nozzles from air exposure, allowing for easy manual operation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a scraper or wiper design is used to prevent dripping, then the precision of dispensing is improved, but the device complexity increases and cross-contamination occurs in multiple nozzle manifold designs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful leftover fluid from the nozzle by introducing a closure element that seals the nozzle after dispensing. This removes the source of dripping and cross-contamination without requiring complex scraper or wiper mechanisms that would contaminate multiple nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element acts as an intermediary between the nozzle and the environment, sealing the nozzle to prevent dripping and cross-contamination. This simple intermediary component achieves the precision improvement without the complexity of mechanical scrapers or wipers.
2Quantity of substance
If viscous liquids are dispensed through nozzles, then the desired fluid material is delivered, but the nozzles become clogged due to drying and caking
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element performs preliminary action by sealing the nozzle immediately after dispensing, preventing the viscous liquid from drying and caking on the nozzle. This preliminary sealing action maintains nozzle reliability and prevents future clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of leftover fluid on the nozzle into a benefit by using the closure element to seal the nozzle. This prevents the harmful drying and caking effect while maintaining the beneficial fluid delivery function.
3Ease of operation
If the closure system is manually operated, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity decreases compared to automated systems
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is designed to be manually operated and returns to its sealed position automatically through spring biasing. This self-service mechanism maintains ease of operation while the simple manual interaction requires minimal time, preserving productivity.
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 closure system enhances precision and reduces clogging by ensuring accurate dispensing and maintaining nozzle functionality by preventing fluid loss and drying, while being adaptable to both single and multiple nozzle configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element disposed between the bracket and the cup for biasing the cup and seal against the manifold
Implementation Method 2
the closure element is disposed beneath and biased against the manifold or nozzle where it collects fluid drippings between dispensing operations and provides a sealing effect
Data Source
AI summary
A manually operated seal/closure system for a fluid dispenser manifold is disclosed. The manifold includes at least one nozzle and, more typically, a plurality of nozzles ranging from more than one to twelve or more. The manifold housing includes a sidewall or other stationary structure. The stationary sidewall is pivotally connected to an arm. The sidewall further includes a lateral slot and a curved slot. The arm includes a proximal end pivotally coupled to the sidewall and a distal end coupled to a push plate. The closure system also includes a bracket for supporting a cup and a spring-biased seal. The bracket is coupled to the arm and slidably coupled the sidewall by a pin that extends from the bracket through the lateral slot in the sidewall.