Modular Fluid Dispensing Actuator for Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing apparatuses for multiple fluids face challenges in assembly and maintenance, requiring complex integration of actuators and drive mechanisms, which complicates replacement and increases the risk of faulty operations.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a swappable module containing common actuators for pumps and valves, along with a drive mechanism, allows for easy replacement and includes sensors and a controller on a single substrate for efficient operation, with optional battery and external power connectivity to prevent miss-tints and data transfer interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If actuators and drive mechanisms are integrated into a single complex assembly, then the apparatus can perform multiple functions, but assembly and maintenance become complicated and replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dispensing apparatus into modular units: a stationary module containing the actuator and drive mechanism, and a movable module containing the container, pump, and valve. This segmentation allows the movable module to be easily replaced without affecting the stationary module, simplifying maintenance while maintaining functional integration through the coupling mechanism between modules.
2Ease of operation
If actuators are located on a service door alongside the turntable, then they can operate the pumps and valves, but the structure becomes complex and replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuator, drive mechanism, and control electronics into a single stationary module that remains fixed in the apparatus. This consolidation reduces structural complexity compared to distributing actuators across multiple locations like service doors, while maintaining ease of operation through the module's integrated design and standardized coupling interfaces.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single plate is used to form both the carousel base and gearwheels, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the stationary module (containing drive mechanisms) from the movable module (containing containers and pumps), allowing each to be manufactured and assembled independently. This segmentation enables cost-effective manufacturing of simple components while reducing overall assembly complexity through modular construction, compared to integrating all components into a single complex structure.
4Reliability
If expensive UPS systems are used to prevent power interruptions, then data transfer reliability improves, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service features including sensors that detect container levels and pump statuses, and controllers that automatically manage dispensing operations. This automation reduces the need for expensive backup power systems by enabling the apparatus to autonomously handle routine monitoring and control functions, improving reliability while reducing costs.
Data Source
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Figure 5~7B
AI summary
An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of fluids, comprising a support, such as a turntable (2) or a linear table, a plurality of containers (3) for holding a fluid and mounted on the support, pumps (4) and valves (5) connected to respective containers, at least a common actuator (24) for sequentially operating the pumps and a common actuator (25) for sequentially operating the valves to dispense fluid and a drive mechanism for moving the support, and thus the containers, pumps, and valves on the one hand and the actuator on the other relative to each other. The common actuators (24, 25) for sequentially operating the pumps (4) and valves (5) and optionally the drive mechanism for relative motion of the support are integrated in a module (22), which module (22) is releasably mounted in the apparatus.