Motor-Driven Fluid Dispensing Apparatus with Programmable Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid dispensing systems face challenges in accurately controlling the amount of fluid dispensed, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistencies, and often require direct coupling to a pressurized air source, limiting portability and prone to wear and breakdowns.
Innovation Solution
A portable and programmable cartridge-based fluid dispensing apparatus equipped with a stepper motor, drive rods, and a controller that generates positive and negative pressure to accurately dispense a specific volume of fluid, allowing for programmable operation and reduced leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a manually-operated mechanical mechanism with a ratchet-actuatable plunger is used, then the system is simple and portable, but the precision and consistency of fluid dispensing is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical ratchet-actuatable plunger system with an automated motor-driven piston system. The motor receives control signals from a controller to actuate the piston, which in turn actuates the plunger to dispense fluid. This substitution of mechanical operation with motorized control enables precise programming of dispensing parameters while maintaining the portable cartridge-based design.
2Productivity
If an air-driven mechanism coupled to a pressurized air source is used, then the fluid dispensing speed and volume control is improved, but the portability is reduced and mechanical wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air source requirement from the dispensing mechanism by implementing a self-contained motor-driven system. The motor is integrated into the housing with the fluid cartridge, eliminating the need for external pressurized air sources. This extraction enables the system to maintain high dispensing rates while preserving portability, as the entire unit is self-sufficient without requiring external air supply infrastructure.
3Loss of substance
If conventional fluid dispensing systems are used, then the basic fluid dispensing function is achieved, but fluid leakage occurs and waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a controller that receives control signals and processes them to precisely control the motor actuation of the piston and plunger. The system includes feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors and adjusts the dispensing process to ensure accurate fluid delivery. This feedback control minimizes fluid leakage and waste by maintaining consistent dispensing parameters, while the controller can also compensate for variations to ensure reliable and repeatable fluid dispensing performance.
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 apparatus ensures consistent and accurate fluid dispensing, minimizing waste and enhancing portability by allowing programmable control of fluid volume and motion, reducing the need for direct air source coupling and minimizing mechanical wear.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to be operatively connected to a power supply... configured to generate a positive pressure within the fluid cartridge by adjusting, via the motor, the drive rod and piston
Implementation Method 2
the one or more drive rods may be configured to engage a fixed lead screw with a triangular nut
Data Source
AI summary
A method for dispensing fluid from a fluid dispensing apparatus. The apparatus may include a housing, wherein the housing may include a motor, and wherein the motor may be configured to be operatively connected to a power supply, wherein the motor may be further configured to be operatively connected to one or more drive rods, wherein the one or more drive rods may be configured to engage a fixed lead screw with a triangular nut, and wherein the drive rod may be further configured to engage at least two pistons of a fluid cartridge. The housing may include a controller configured to be operatively connected to the power supply, the controller may be configured to generate a pressure within the fluid cartridge by adjusting, via the motor, the drive rod and piston in a first direction relative to the fluid cartridge to dispense fluid in the fluid cartridge.