Modular Gear Pump Sealant Dispenser for Collaborative Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealant application systems face challenges in accurately and reliably dispensing sealants due to the variability of sealant viscosity and rheological properties, as well as issues with contamination, high-pressure requirements, and limited adaptability for collaborative robot usage.
Innovation Solution
A modular sealant application system incorporating a gear pump module that is detachably connectable to an interface and nozzle structure, allowing for controlled volume dispensing without high-pressure air, and featuring a stepper motor for automated operation, along with a pressure application device to prevent cavitation and damage to low-density sealants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pneumatic or electro-pneumatic systems are used to regulate sealant flow, then the system is simple in structure, but the sealant flow is not fixed and cannot be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a flow sensor detects the actual sealant flow rate and compares it with the target flow rate. The controller adjusts the pump motor speed based on this feedback to maintain precise flow control, resolving the contradiction between flow precision and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical flow control mechanisms (like needle valves or orifices) with an electronically controlled pump system that uses motor speed modulation to regulate flow, achieving more precise control with better adaptability to varying sealant properties.
2Productivity
If high pressure is used to dispense sealant, then the dispensing speed increases, but low-density sealants are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a variable speed pump motor that dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time flow feedback, enabling high-speed dispensing when appropriate while automatically reducing pressure to protect low-density sealants, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and sealant protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (pressure and flow rate) dynamically based on the detected sealant properties and requirements, allowing optimal dispensing speed while preventing damage to sensitive sealant formulations through automated parameter adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If screw-type feeder units are used, then sealant can be dispensed, but the units are large in size and difficult to adapt for collaborative robot usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dispensing system into modular components (pump unit, controller, nozzle) that can be independently configured and mounted, allowing compact integration on collaborative robots while maintaining full dispensing functionality, thus resolving the contradiction between compactness and operational capability.
4Measurement precision
If progressive-cavity pumps with accurately machined dispenser elements are used, then well-controlled volumetric dispensing is achieved, but the dispenser rotor and stator are expensive and difficult to repair or replace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gear pump design with standardized, easily replaceable components that can be quickly swapped without specialized tooling or machining, making the system more cost-effective and easier to maintain compared to precision-machined progressive cavity pumps, while still achieving accurate volumetric control.
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
The system enables precise, reliable, and versatile sealant application, improving operational flexibility and reducing contamination risks, while being suitable for various sealant types and adaptable for use with collaborative robots.
Implementation Method 1
a gear pump module comprising a gear pump, the gear pump module configured to be detachably connectable to each of the interface structure and the nozzle structure such sealant provided at the interface is pumpable by the gear pump from the interface to the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a device operable to apply pressure to the source of sealant such that sealant is provided to the interface under pressure. Applying pressure to the sealant can prevent cavitation of the pump
Data Source
AI summary
A sealant application includes an interface structure having an interface for interfacing with a source of sealant and a nozzle structure including a nozzle for dispensing sealant. A gear pump module including a gear pump is configured to be detachably connectable to each of the interface structure and the nozzle structure such that sealant provided at the interface is pumpable by the gear pump from the interface to the nozzle.