Nozzle-Proximate Optical Sensing for Drip-Free Liquid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid-dispensing systems face challenges in accurately controlling the dispensing of liquids, leading to errors such as dripping and deviations from planned amounts, which can cause contamination and production issues in chemical and chemo-mechanical processes.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-dispensing system equipped with a sensor module positioned near the nozzle to detect liquid dispensing through electromagnetic or acoustic signals, providing real-time feedback for a control module to correct erroneous dispensing and ensure accurate liquid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suck-back valves are used to prevent dripping, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical suck-back valve system with an optical sensing system that uses a light source and sensor to detect liquid presence. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical moving parts while achieving reliable detection and control of liquid dispensing, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an optical feedback mechanism where a light source emits light through the liquid stream and a sensor detects the light transmission. When liquid is present, the optical properties change, providing feedback about the dispensing state. This feedback enables precise control of liquid dispensing without requiring complex mechanical valves.
2Measurement precision
If sensor modules are placed in proximity of nozzles, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and sensor into an integrated sensor module that is positioned close to the nozzle. This merging of components into a compact unit achieves precise measurement of liquid dispensing while minimizing the space and complexity required for sensor integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the liquid stream itself as an optical intermediary. The light from the source passes through the liquid stream, and the sensor detects changes in light transmission caused by the liquid's presence and properties. This intermediary approach enables precise measurement without requiring complex direct contact sensors.
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 system effectively reduces errors by detecting and correcting liquid dispensing issues in real-time, preventing contamination and ensuring precise liquid delivery, thereby enhancing process reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor module configured to provide a sensor signal comprising information related to whether liquid is dispensed by the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid-dispensing system includes at least one nozzle configured to dispense a liquid. The liquid-dispensing system includes at least one sensor module, configured to provide a sensor signal comprising information related to whether liquid is dispensed by the at least one nozzle. At least a part of the at least one sensor is located in proximity of the nozzle.