Modular Metering Unit with Replaceable Media Store
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metering units for liquid media, such as adhesives and coatings, lack flexibility and modularity, making them difficult to adapt for different applications and maintenance, especially when viscosity changes or when used with varying liquid properties.
Innovation Solution
A modular metering unit design featuring a replaceable module carrier with interchangeable fastening elements, valve modules, and media stores, including a heatable cartridge holder and integrated sensors, allowing for easy adaptation to different robots, applications, and liquid types, with a single plug-in connection for electrical supply and data bus, and optional expansion modules for increased functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional non-modular metering unit design is used, then the structure is simpler, but the adaptability and ease of maintenance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The metering unit is divided into separate replaceable modules including a valve module with valve insert, a media store module, and a module carrier. Each module can be independently replaced or serviced without affecting the entire system, enabling easy maintenance and adaptation to different applications while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate connections are provided for electrical supply and data bus, then the reliability of connections is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical supply connection and data bus connection are merged into a single plug-in connector that provides both power and communication interfaces simultaneously. This reduces the number of separate connections required, simplifying the operation of connecting and disconnecting modules while maintaining reliable electrical and data transmission through the integrated connector design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the media store is fixed and non-heatable, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different liquid viscosities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The media store module incorporates a heating element that can be selectively activated to adjust the viscosity of the liquid medium. This localized heating capability allows the system to adapt to different liquid viscosities without requiring complete redesign of the media store structure. The heating function is integrated into the replaceable media store module, maintaining relative structural simplicity while providing viscosity adaptability.
4Ease of repair
If a non-modular valve design is used, then the manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the ease of repair and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into a valve module containing the valve insert, which can be independently replaced. The valve insert is designed with precise manufacturing tolerances to ensure accurate metering, while the modular construction allows the entire valve module to be quickly replaced if defective or if a different valve type is needed for another application, significantly improving ease of repair and adaptability without compromising the precision of the valve itself.
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 enables flexible and precise metering, minimizes connections with the robot, allows for easy maintenance and modification, and ensures consistent performance across varying liquid viscosities and applications, enhancing operational efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
the media store (16) is configured as a heatable cartridge holder since in this case the viscosity of the medium can be influenced by the heating provided at the media store
Implementation Method 2
The liquid to be metered can hereby be pressurized to increase the metering precision
Implementation Method 3
a dry pack is integrated into the closure since compressed air is frequently moist and some media react with moisture
Data Source
AI summary
A metering unit has a module carrier having a fastening element, a valve module and a media store which is replaceably fastened to the module carrier.