Multi-nozzle Dosing System for High-Frequency Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing systems for small volumes (less than 10 ml) face issues with inconsistent and unreliable dosing due to fluid stretching and surface tension interactions, leading to delayed or missed doses, contamination, and challenges in quality control at high frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle assembly with multiple dosing channels of constant internal diameter, oriented at different angles to converge at specific points, reducing fluid stretching and ensuring precise dosing, combined with a deformable dosing chamber and Eddy current sensor for accurate volume measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single nozzle is used for dosing, then the device complexity is low, but the dosing reliability deteriorates due to fluid stretching and surface tension interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The single nozzle is divided into multiple parallel dosing channels (e.g., 3-5 channels). Each channel independently dispenses a portion of the total dose, eliminating fluid stretching and surface tension interactions that occur in single-nozzle systems. This segmentation maintains dosing reliability while keeping the overall nozzle structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple dosing channels are merged into a single nozzle assembly that delivers the complete dose simultaneously. The combined output of all channels provides the full required volume while each individual channel operates under optimal flow conditions without stretching effects.
2Productivity
If the dosing frequency is increased to improve productivity, then the output per unit time increases, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient time for quality control
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing chamber is pre-filled with the exact required volume before dosing begins. This preliminary volumetric preparation eliminates the need for measurement during the high-speed dosing process, allowing accurate dosing to be maintained even at frequencies exceeding 5 Hz.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical measurement and verification methods are replaced with a pre-filled dosing chamber system that provides inherent volumetric accuracy. The fixed volume chamber ensures precise dosing through its design rather than through active measurement during operation.
3Speed
If a larger internal diameter nozzle is used, then the fluid flow rate increases for high-frequency dosing, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to increased fluid stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The total flow requirement is segmented across multiple parallel channels with smaller individual diameters. Each channel maintains laminar flow conditions that prevent stretching, while the collective output of all channels achieves the required total flow rate for high-frequency dosing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the diameter of a single channel to achieve higher flow rates, the system transitions to a multi-dimensional approach with multiple channels arranged in parallel. This distributes the flow demand across several smaller channels, maintaining precision while achieving the required speed.
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 solution enables reliable, high-frequency dosing with reduced fluid stretching, improved accuracy, and effective quality control, ensuring precise and consistent dosing volumes even at high frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor in the form of an Eddy current sensor for detecting a position of the deformable wall
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an improved nozzle assembly for the high-frequency dispensing of (small) volumes of a dosing fluid in a container, as well as a dosing system according to the nozzle assembly of the invention. The invention also relates to an improved volumetric device for a dosing system.