Needle Valve with Adjustable Stop for Adhesive Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for applying adhesive or sealant products with robotic systems face challenges in quickly modifying application rates due to the compressibility of products and high pressures, leading to inefficiencies, costly waste, and wear on moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A product application device with a needle that moves between closed and open positions, featuring a stop mechanism with an adjustable cam system to create variable restrictions without the need for expensive actuators or specialized seals, allowing for rapid flow adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical systems with moving parts are used to create adjustable restrictions, then flow rate can be modified, but the system becomes complex and expensive with special seals and powerful actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of flow control by removing the complex moving parts and replacing them with a simple needle that can be positioned at different depths in the conduit. This eliminates the need for complex actuators, seals, and moving mechanisms while maintaining the ability to adjust flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using moving parts to create restrictions, the invention inverts the approach by using a stationary needle whose position (inserted or retracted) controls the flow. The restriction is created by the needle's position in the conduit rather than by moving mechanical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical restriction systems are used, then flow control is possible, but product waste increases due to inability to stop application quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is pre-positioned in a retracted state, ready to be quickly inserted into the conduit to stop flow. This preliminary positioning allows for immediate flow cessation without the decompression delays inherent in mechanical restriction systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical restriction systems with moving parts are used, then flow adjustment is possible, but wear and leakage increase due to abrasive products
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes all moving parts from the flow control mechanism, eliminating the surfaces that would experience wear from abrasive adhesive or sealant products. The needle moves within the conduit but does not create sliding friction against restriction surfaces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electrical dosing systems are used, then flow control is possible, but reaction time is slow due to compressibility and hose elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the electrical dosing system with a direct mechanical needle insertion mechanism. This substitution eliminates the compressibility and elasticity issues inherent in hose-based systems, providing immediate flow control response.
Data Source
AI summary
Device for applying a product, including a frame in which a product conduit is provided, the frame defining a longitudinal bore, the device including a needle mounted in the longitudinal bore, the device including a product application valve formed by a nozzle provided on the frame and a shutter provided at an end of the needle in the product conduit. The needle is configured to be moved along a longitudinal axis between a closed position and an open position of the dispensing valve. The device includes a stop fixed in relation to the needle, and a stop fixed in relation to the frame, configured to limit the return of the needle towards its closed position to an intermediate position between the closed and the open position, by interaction with the stop fixed in relation to the needle, and the stop fixed in relation to the frame has an adjustable position.