Automated Nozzle Tip Exchange Using RFID Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of exchanging nozzles and tips in fluid dispensing systems is time-consuming and expensive, requiring human intervention or machinery, and involves re-pressurization, re-purging, and recalibration, making it inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An automated system with a tip and nozzle retaining structure and identifier elements, where a robotic device selects and attaches the appropriate nozzle and tip using radio frequency identification tags, reducing the need for human intervention and streamlining the exchange process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual exchange of nozzles and tips is performed, then flexibility in selection is maintained, but time consumption and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated system that uses RFID identifier elements and a robotic device. The system automatically identifies, selects, and attaches nozzles and tips based on identifier readings, eliminating the need for human operators to manually handle each component while maintaining precise selection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the robotic device independently performs the entire nozzle and tip exchange process. The system reads identifier elements, determines compatibility, positions components, and executes attachment without human intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in the exchange operation.
2Productivity
If automated robotic device is used for exchange, then time and labor costs are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various nozzle and tip types through a single automated system. The system can read different identifier elements, recognize multiple component types, and perform attachment operations universally, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID identifier elements as intermediaries that facilitate communication between the robotic device and the nozzle/tip components. These identifier elements encode compatibility information that the system reads to determine proper matching, simplifying the control logic while enabling automated decision-making for component selection and attachment.
3Reliability
If nozzle re-pressurization and re-purging is performed after exchange, then system reliability is maintained, but process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-pressurizing and pre-purging nozzles and tips before the exchange occurs. The robotic device retrieves pre-prepared components that are already in the correct pressure state and fluid condition, eliminating the need for post-exchange re-pressurization and re-purging operations, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing process time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for attaching a nozzle to a fluid dispensing system and a tip to the nozzle. In one illustrative example, the fluid dispensing system may be moved by a robotic device towards a nozzle retaining structure having nozzle retaining areas holding nozzles. A nozzle may be selected for use based on a nozzle identifier element corresponding to each of the nozzles. The robotic device may move the fluid dispensing system to the nozzle selected to attach the fluid dispensing system to the nozzle selected. Further, the fluid dispensing system may be moved by a robotic device towards a tip retaining structure having tip retaining areas holding tips. A tip may be selected for use based on a tip identifier element corresponding to each of the tips. The robotic device may move the fluid dispensing system to the tip selected to attach the nozzle to the tip selected.