Membrane Fluid Dispenser for Uniform Flow and Drip Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing devices for agricultural applications face challenges such as manufacturing complexity, non-uniform fluid distribution, sensitivity to dirt and encrustations, pressure drop issues, and high maintenance requirements due to individual valves, leading to inconsistent and laborious operation.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device with a cylindrical base and cover forming an expansion chamber, utilizing a central supply duct and multiple dispensing ducts, where a membrane is controlled by a spring-loaded mechanism to ensure uniform fluid distribution and adjustable pressure, eliminating the need for individual valves and reducing maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual valves are installed on each delivery duct to prevent dripping, then dripping is prevented, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual valves are merged into a single central valve mechanism. The patent employs one valve body with multiple valve elements (first valve element for central duct, second valve element for peripheral ducts) that are integrated into a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate valves on each delivery duct while maintaining dripping prevention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls fluid flow to the central delivery duct, controls fluid flow to multiple peripheral delivery ducts, and prevents dripping across all ducts. The valve elements can be independently actuated to provide selective flow control to different duct groups.
2Ease of operation
If elastic membranes are used for valve operation, then automatic opening/closing is achieved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inconsistent membrane behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from elastic membrane-based valve operation to a pressure-driven valve element design. The valve elements are actuated by pressure differential across them, with opening pressure controlled by adjustable spring preloads rather than membrane elasticity. This allows precise control of opening pressure parameters while ensuring uniform behavior across all valve elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system incorporates adjustable spring mechanisms that allow dynamic tuning of the opening pressure for each valve element. The spring preloads can be adjusted to ensure all valve elements open at the same pressure, providing uniform and controllable operation across all delivery ducts.
3Reliability
If multiple valves are used for each delivery duct, then fluid control is improved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve components are merged into a single integrated valve body assembly. Instead of having separate valves on each delivery duct that require individual maintenance, the patent combines all valve elements into one unified structure that can be serviced as a single unit, significantly reducing maintenance frequency and complexity.
4Ease of operation
If pressure-driven valve opening is used, then automatic operation is achieved, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic pressure differential mechanism to actuate the valve elements. The valve elements open in response to pressure differential across them, with the higher pressure side being the inlet and the lower pressure side being the outlet. This hydraulic actuation method achieves automatic valve opening while minimizing pressure drop compared to elastic membrane yielding.
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 device achieves uniform fluid delivery through multiple ducts, simplifies manufacturing and operation, reduces maintenance, and prevents dripping, ensuring consistent performance even on rough terrain.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane (46) closing said holes (16), said membrane (46) being pushed towards said base (8) by a spring (36)
Implementation Method 2
the opening of each valve is caused by the pressure, with which the liquid to be dispensed is fed to the distribution chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Device for dispensing fluid products, comprising a dispensing unit (2), to which a first duct (4) for the supply of said fluid to be dispensed leads, said dispensing unit (2) comprising a base (8), which includes a plurality of second ducts (6) for dispensing said fluid, and a cover (10), which defines with said base an expansion chamber (12) and a distribution chamber (13), in the which also opens said first duct (4) for the adduction of said fluid, characterized in that it comprises: - an elastic membrane (46) interposed between said base (8) and said cover (10) and having a first surface and a second surface, the latter facing all the outlet openings (16) of said second ducts (6) in said distribution chamber (13), - a plate (34) arranged within said expansion chamber (12) and adhering to said first surface of said membrane (46), and - elastic means (36) as associated with said plate (34) and configured to keep said membrane (46) elastically pressed against said openings (16) of said second ducts (6).