Modular Jetting Assembly With Quick-Release Fluid Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional jetting devices face challenges with high maintenance downtime due to complex disassembly and reassembly processes, wear from fluid seals, and limited flexibility for various applications, necessitating improved designs that reduce downtime and enhance adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A modular jetting device with segregated wetted and mechanical paths, allowing interchangeable fluid and drive modules, including piezoelectric, pneumatic, and electromagnetic options, and a quick-release coupling mechanism for easy maintenance and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional jetting devices use sealed needle mechanisms with fluid isolation, then fluid material can be jetted through contact with valve seat, but seals promote wear and friction reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the seal components from the needle mechanism by using a sealless valve design where the needle directly contacts the valve seat without requiring fluid isolation seals, eliminating the harmful friction and wear generated by seals
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into separate functional modules including the fluid module with valve seat and the drive module with needle, allowing the needle to operate in a dry environment while the valve seat handles fluid contact, thus separating the wear-prone sealing interface from the jetting function
2Reliability
If conventional jetting devices have integrated designs, then jetting function is achieved, but disassembly and reassembly are lengthy procedures increasing maintenance downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The jetting device is divided into modular components including a fluid module, drive module, and nozzle assembly that can be independently disassembled and reassembled, transforming the complex integrated disassembly process into simple module attachment/detachment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates quick-release coupling mechanisms and movable components that enable dynamic reconfiguration and rapid maintenance access, allowing technicians to quickly disassemble and reassemble the device without lengthy procedures
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional jetting devices use fixed configurations, then specific applications are served, but flexibility for various jetting applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal interface standards and interchangeable components that allow the same base device to serve multiple jetting applications by simply changing the fluid module or nozzle assembly, enabling one device to perform multiple functions without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device features dynamically reconfigurable components including interchangeable valves, adjustable needle positions, and replaceable nozzles that allow the jetting parameters to be adapted to different applications while maintaining a consistent base structure
4Power
If needle requires significant travel to develop velocity, then droplet jetting energy is achieved, but friction from seals increases during needle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The seal components are removed from the needle path, allowing the needle to travel its full stroke distance without frictional losses, thereby converting more of the input energy into droplet jetting power rather than overcoming seal friction
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical seal system is replaced with a direct-contact valve seat design where the needle forms a seal through precise mechanical fit rather than through friction-based seal rings, reducing energy loss during needle reciprocation
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 modular design reduces maintenance downtime, simplifies assembly and cleaning, and enhances flexibility by enabling easy interchangeability of components, reducing friction and wear, and optimizing droplet size and separation.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric actuator coupled with a strike plate
Implementation Method 2
a pneumatic actuator in the drive module
Implementation Method 3
an electromagnetic actuator in the drive module
Implementation Method 4
A second fluid supply module, which is alternatively connectable to the fluid connection interface, can include a positive displacement pump configured to pump the fluid material to the fluid inlet of the fluid module
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
Modular devices for jetting a fluid material and components for modular jetting devices. The devices may include a pressurized air or positive displacement pump (102) fluid supply module to supply a fluid module inlet (42). A syringe (22) may feed material through a check valve (104) to a positive displacement pump (102), which feeds material through another check valve to the fluid module. Inside the fluid module is a valve element (14) moved to contact a valve seat and jet a droplet of material by contact between an external drive pin and a movable element of the fluid module. Either a piezoelectric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or another actuator may move the drive pin. A controller may coordinate the supply of fluid from the positive displacement pump with the rate at which material is jetted. The fluid module and positive displacement pump are easily removable from the jetting device.