Micro-Dispensing Gate Valve for Powder Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for powdery or granular materials are not suitable for precise dispensing of small amounts, often leading to contamination, waste, and logistical challenges, particularly when handling materials with different physical characteristics or in low quantities like 1 mg or less.
Innovation Solution
A pipette with a simple, compact design featuring a cartridge holding device and a dispensing device with a gate valve, agitator, and conveyor, driven by a control unit for precise and accurate dispensing, minimizing contact with the material and reducing waste, and equipped with scaling means for accurate measurement and sealing to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional dispensers are used for powdery materials, then they can handle bulk materials, but they cannot precisely dispense small amounts (milligrams or less)
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into separate functional modules: a dosing chamber for precise material handling, a dispensing mechanism with controlled opening, and a weighing system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling precise dispensing of small amounts while maintaining bulk material handling capability
Solution Approach 2:
A weighing system acts as an intermediary between the material storage and dispensing mechanisms, providing real-time feedback on the amount of material dispensed. This intermediary measurement system enables precise control of small quantities by continuously monitoring and adjusting the dispensing process
2Reliability
If conventional dispensers are used for limited starting amounts, then they can handle bulk materials, but they cause contamination and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing chamber is extracted as a separate, removable component that can be precisely filled with the required amount of material before insertion into the dispenser. This extraction allows for minimal material handling in the main chamber, reducing contamination risk and waste from unnecessary material exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing chamber utilizes a flexible membrane or seal system that maintains material containment while allowing precise dispensing. This flexible sealing mechanism prevents contamination during storage and handling, and enables controlled release without material loss
3Measurement precision
If complex dispensing mechanisms are used, then dispensing precision can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing system and dispensing control are merged into an integrated unit that automatically monitors material dispensing and adjusts the mechanism accordingly. This combination eliminates the need for separate complex control systems while maintaining high dispensing precision through real-time feedback
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 precise dispensing of small amounts with high accuracy, reducing waste and contamination, and accommodating materials with varying physical characteristics, while being easy to clean and maintain, suitable for laboratory use.
Implementation Method 1
a scale determining the amount of material which has left the dispensing device
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5a~5e
AI summary
The invention is directed to a dispensing unit suitable to precise! dispense material in powder and/or granular form. The dispensing device comprises a gate valve opening sealingl closed b a blend. A control unit, which is interconnected to a scaling device, controls the opening of the gate valve opening b the position of the blend. The precise amount of the material is adjusted in relation to the signal of the scaling device.