Metering Valve Chamber Insert for Higher Dosing Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metering valves face challenges in increasing the volume of the dosing chamber beyond 75 µl without modifying the valve body, which requires costly changes to manufacturing and assembly machinery.
Innovation Solution
A metering valve design featuring a chamber insert with a cylindrical wall and annular seals, where the cylindrical wall has openings connecting the dosing chamber to an external volume, allowing volume adjustment between 25 and 100 µl without altering the valve body, and maintaining consistent seal contact areas regardless of the cylindrical wall width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the volume of the dosing chamber is increased beyond 75 µl by modifying the valve body dimensions, then the dosing volume is improved, but the manufacturing and assembly costs increase significantly due to changes in machinery requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing chamber is segmented into two parts: an internal chamber defined by the chamber insert and an external volume between the valve body and the chamber insert. The chamber insert acts as a separate component that can be configured with different wall thicknesses to create various internal volumes, while the external volume provides additional dosing space. This segmentation allows volume adjustment without modifying the overall valve body dimensions, thereby avoiding costly machinery changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber insert is nested within the valve body, creating a compact structure where the internal dosing chamber is contained within the larger valve assembly. The external volume is utilized by allowing the metering chamber to extend into the annular space between the chamber insert and valve body. This nesting approach maximizes the dosing volume within the existing valve body footprint without requiring external modifications.
2Volume of moving object
If the cylindrical wall of the chamber insert is made thinner to increase dosing chamber volume, then the volume is improved, but the structural strength and seal reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves from a single-chamber design to a two-volume design by utilizing the radial dimension between the chamber insert and valve body. The external volume is created in the annular space surrounding the chamber insert, effectively adding dosing volume in the radial direction rather than requiring thinner walls. This dimensional approach maintains wall thickness for reliability while achieving volume increase through spatial utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If openings are added to the cylindrical wall to connect the dosing chamber to the external volume, then the volume flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical wall of the chamber insert is made locally permeable by incorporating openings at specific locations rather than making the entire wall thin or permeable. The openings are strategically positioned to connect the internal dosing chamber to the external volume when needed. This localized modification provides volume flexibility without requiring complex overall chamber insert designs, maintaining simplicity while achieving adaptability.
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 volume expansion up to 100 µl without modifying the valve body, ensuring reliable operation and cost-effective manufacturing, while eliminating pressure differences that could deform the chamber.
Implementation Method 1
a valve sliding axially in said valve body between a rest position and a dispensing position, to selectively dispense the contents of said metering chamber, said valve being forced towards its rest position by a spring cooperating on the one hand with said valve body and on the other hand with said valve
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a metering valve for dispensing a fluid product, comprising a valve body (10) containing a metering chamber (20), said metering chamber (20) being defined by a chamber insert (40) and two O-rings, a valve seal (21) and a chamber seal (22), said chamber insert (40) comprising a cylindrical wall (49), an upper edge (41) that cooperates with said valve seal (21) and a lower edge (43) that cooperates with said chamber seal (22), a valve (30) sliding axially in said valve body (10) between a rest position and a dispensing position, so as to selectively dispense the contents of said metering chamber (20), said valve (30) being urged towards its rest position by a spring (8) that cooperates on one hand with said valve body (10) and on the other hand with said valve (30), the cylindrical wall (49) of the chamber insert (40) containing at least one opening (48) that connects the metering chamber (20) to an external volume on the outside of the chamber insert (40), between the valve body (10) and the cylindrical wall (49).