Metering Device Plunger with Integrated Separation Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combinatorial chemistry faces challenges in automating the dispersing, mixing, and grinding processes due to the need for frequent screen changes and additional rinsing steps, especially when handling heavy grinding balls, which complicates the handling and separation of formulations.
Innovation Solution
A metering device with a storage reservoir, axially movable plunger, and integrated separation means like a screen or annular gap allows for automated separation of grinding means from the dispersion without cleaning, along with a piston skirt and exchangeable metering needle for precise metering, preventing contamination and enabling synchronous shaking of multiple elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screen is used for separating grinding balls from dispersion, then separation is achieved, but frequent screen changes and cleaning are required, increasing device complexity and loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a storage reservoir for dispersion, a separate screening chamber with a screen, and a grinding ball collection chamber. This segmentation allows the screen to be isolated and easily replaced without affecting other components, reducing the complexity of screen changes and cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen is extracted as a separate, removable component from the main device structure. It can be independently removed, cleaned, or replaced without disassembling the entire device or handling the heavy grinding balls, thereby simplifying maintenance operations and reducing time loss.
2Productivity
If heavy grinding balls are used for dispersing, then effective mixing is achieved, but handling and feeding to screen becomes difficult, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the grinding ball handling function from the dispersion function. Grinding balls are contained in a dedicated chamber and fed automatically through a controlled opening into the storage reservoir, eliminating the need for manual handling and feeding of heavy balls.
Solution Approach 2:
An automated feeding mechanism acts as an intermediary between the grinding ball storage and the dispersion chamber. This intermediary system handles the heavy balls automatically, reducing manual intervention and improving ease of operation while maintaining effective dispersing.
3Reliability
If additional rinsing process is implemented, then contamination is prevented, but device complexity and operational time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device creates separate zones for different operations: dispersion, screening, and collection. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination between different formulations by isolating each process stage, eliminating the need for additional rinsing steps between operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The screening function is extracted to a separate chamber with its own collection area for grinding balls. This extraction allows the screened dispersion to be directly transferred to the next processing stage without requiring rinsing of the screen or device components, reducing operational time and complexity.
4Reliability
If screen cleaning is required between formulations, then contamination is prevented, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is extracted as a separate, easily removable component that can be quickly cleaned or replaced without stopping the entire device or affecting other chambers. This extraction minimizes the time required for cleaning operations and maintains high throughput capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The screening chamber is designed with local features that facilitate quick cleaning, such as a smooth interior surface and accessible screen mounting. These local quality improvements enable rapid cleaning operations without compromising formulation purity, thereby maintaining 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
Enables efficient, automated, and contamination-free dispersing and mixing processes, allowing for the simultaneous production of multiple dispersions without the need for frequent screen changes or additional rinsing, enhancing throughput and reducing operational complexity in combinatorial chemistry.
Implementation Method 1
a plunger (14), which is axially movable and reversibly seals the opening (18) of the storage container (12)
Implementation Method 2
a separating device for coarse particles, grinding means, and mixing means in the form of a screen, a magnet, or an annular gap positioned in front of the metering opening
Implementation Method 3
a separating device for coarse particles, grinding means, and mixing means in the form of a screen, a magnet, or an annular gap positioned in front of the metering opening
Implementation Method 4
a separating device for coarse particles, grinding means, and mixing means in the form of a screen, a magnet, or an annular gap positioned in front of the metering opening
Implementation Method 5
The metering element advantageously has a plunger, which is axially movable and reversibly seals the opening of the storage reservoir, and which includes a separating device for coarse particles, grinding means, and mixing means in the form of a screen, a magnet, or an annular gap positioned in front of the metering opening
Data Source
AI summary
A metering device, a metering element, and a method for operating same, the metering element having a storage container open on one side for receiving the substances to be metered and a plunger which is axially movable and reversibly seals the opening of the storage container and which preferably has at least one centrally located metering opening for metering the substances provided in the storage container, the plunger including a separation device for particles.