Material Dispensing System with Adjustable Piezoelectric Needle Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for materials like solder paste and adhesives face issues with ineffective heating throughout the flow path, inaccessibility of wetted parts for cleaning, and difficulty in accurately adjusting the needle stroke length for jetting operations.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system incorporating a piezoelectric actuator assembly with a movable needle and a heater design featuring helical grooves for uniform heat distribution, along with a plate assembly for directing fluid flow and a cap mechanism for secure material containment, allows for adjustable needle stroke length and efficient heating of materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a needle valve mechanism is used for dispensing, then precise material jetting is achieved, but the stroke length adjustment becomes difficult and inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is separated from the dispenser body, allowing independent adjustment of the needle stroke length. The actuator can be detached and repositioned along the needle to change the effective stroke length without affecting the dispensing mechanism itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed stroke length design to a dynamically adjustable stroke length. The actuator assembly can be repositioned along the needle to different locations, changing the stroke length dynamically based on the specific jetting operation requirements.
2Temperature
If heating is applied to the material, then material temperature is maintained, but heat transfer to unintended parts of the applicator occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is designed to provide localized heating only to the material reservoir and flow path where needed. The heater is positioned to contact only the material-containing components, creating a localized thermal zone that prevents heat transfer to unintended parts of the applicator.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is segmented into discrete heating zones along the material flow path. Each heating zone is independently controlled and positioned to heat only the specific section where material temperature maintenance is required, preventing unnecessary heat transfer to other components.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the heater is integrated into the applicator, then continuous heating is achieved, but wetted parts become inaccessible for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is designed as a separate, removable component that can be detached from the applicator body. This segmentation allows the heater to be easily removed for cleaning or replacement without disassembling the entire applicator, maintaining continuous heating capability while improving cleaning accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system transitions from a permanently integrated design to a dynamically removable design. The heater can be easily attached and detached from the applicator, allowing for simple cleaning and maintenance while maintaining continuous heating operation during normal use.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the actuator is fixed to the plate, then structural stability is maintained, but stroke length adjustment is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is designed with a dynamic mounting system that allows it to be securely fixed at different positions along the needle. The adjustable mounting mechanism provides structural stability when fixed, while enabling stroke length adjustment by changing the actuator's position along the needle.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into multiple discrete attachment points along the needle. The actuator can be fixed at any of these points to achieve different stroke lengths, providing both structural stability when mounted and adaptability for different jetting operations.
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 ensures consistent and accurate dispensing of materials by maintaining optimal temperature and allowing for precise adjustment of the needle stroke length, reducing material waste and extending operational intervals between cleanings.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric element, upon receiving a charge, is configured to move the actuator assembly relative to the needle when the fastener is in the disengaged configuration such that a stroke length of the needle is adjusted
Implementation Method 2
a heater design featuring helical grooves for uniform heat distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing system for jetting a material onto a substrate is disclosed. The dispensing system includes a plate defining a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface in a first direction, and at least one slot that extends through the plate from the first surface to the second surface, and an actuator assembly that contains a piezoelectric element and is operatively coupled to the needle. The dispensing system also includes at least one fastener that extends through the actuator assembly and the at least one slot, where the at least one fastener is configured to selectively engage the plate such that 1) in a disengaged configuration, the at least one fastener is movable within the slot and the actuator assembly is movable relative to the plate, and 2) in an engaged configuration, the at least one fastener is not movable within the slot and the actuator assembly is not movable relative to the plate such that a stroke length of the needle is adjusted.