Metering Device with Integrated Storage Tank for Continuous Additive Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle treatment systems face challenges in completely emptying and replacing cartridges containing highly concentrated additives without shutting down the system, leading to inefficient and inconvenient cartridge exchanges, especially when multiple cartridges need to be replaced at unfavorable times.
Innovation Solution
A dosing device with an integrated storage tank and a dosing pump that allows for complete emptying of exchangeable cartridges without system shutdown, featuring a control unit that monitors filling levels and flow rates to optimize additive usage and schedule replacements based on remaining service life, enabling simultaneous or sequential dosing of multiple additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If cartridges are completely emptied before replacement, then additive usage efficiency is improved, but system shutdown is required causing loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the additive storage into two separate components: an exchangeable cartridge for bulk storage and a dosing unit with integrated storage tank for active dosing. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be completely emptied and replaced without shutting down the system, as the dosing unit continues to supply additive from its internal tank during the exchange process.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing unit's storage tank is pre-filled with additive before the cartridge exchange occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the dosing process continues uninterrupted during the cartridge replacement, eliminating the need for system shutdown and maintaining continuous additive supply to the treatment liquid.
2Productivity
If multiple cartridges are replaced simultaneously, then operational disruptions are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing unit is designed as a universal module that can handle multiple cartridges sequentially or simultaneously. Each dosing unit can be assigned to monitor and dose from multiple cartridges, allowing the system to replace multiple cartridges at once while maintaining a consistent dosing structure and control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the filling levels of multiple cartridges and coordinates their replacement timing. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize cartridge exchanges, replacing multiple cartridges simultaneously when appropriate, while maintaining operational continuity and managing system complexity through intelligent control.
3Reliability
If filling level measurement is implemented, then cartridge emptying status is detected, but measurement precision requirements increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic field serves as an intermediary for filling level measurement. Magnetic markers are placed on the float, and a magnetic field sensor detects their position without mechanical contact. This intermediary approach provides reliable filling level detection while avoiding complex mechanical measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical filling level measurement systems with a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnetic float and magnetic field sensor provide accurate filling level information through non-contact measurement, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining high measurement precision and reliability.
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 complete emptying of cartridges without system shutdown, allowing for efficient and timely replacement of multiple cartridges, reducing operational disruptions and minimizing waste, while optimizing additive usage and extending system service life.
Implementation Method 1
a dosing pump (2) which is connected to the storage container (1) and which doses an additive (3) contained in the storage container (1) into the treatment liquid of the vehicle treatment system
Implementation Method 2
a filling level measuring device (9) which is arranged in the storage tank (5)
Implementation Method 3
a flow measuring device (9') which is arranged in the inlet opening (7) of the storage tank (5)
Implementation Method 4
The inlet opening (7) is preferably located in the upper area of the storage tank (5) in order to ensure that the additive coming from the exchangeable storage container (1) can be transferred into the integrated storage tank (5)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a metering device for metering additives into treatment liquids of a vehicle treatment installation, comprising an exchangeable storage container (1) and a metering pump (2) connected to the storage container, said metering pump metering an additive (3) contained in the storage container (1) into the treatment liquid. The metering device according to the invention comprises an integrated storage tank (5) which communicates with the metering pump (2) and with the storage container (1), thereby removing the need for a complete evacuation of the storage container and allowing the timely and easy exchange of a completely evacuated storage container without having to shut the vehicle treatment installation down to replace an evacuated storage container for a filled storage container.