Optical Sensor in Dispensing Nozzle for Aerosol Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for coating objects with aerosolized substances face challenges in reliably detecting substance presence and concentration, especially under harsh conditions, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity in processes like siliconization of syringes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a sensor arrangement with two optical waveguides, one for emitting and one for receiving electromagnetic radiation, within the substance feed line allows for reliable detection of substance particles, even in harsh environments, and can be retrofitted into existing devices without significant structural changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor arrangement with optical waveguides is integrated into the substance feed line, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguides are inserted into and integrated within the existing substance feed line structure. The sensor arrangement is nested inside the feed line, allowing the detection function to be added without creating a separate external sensing system, thus improving reliability while limiting complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide system serves multiple functions: it detects substance presence, monitors aerosol formation, and can identify coating quality. This multi-functionality consolidates several detection needs into a single integrated system, improving overall detection reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor arrangement is integrated into the substance feed line, then design freedom is improved, but the cross-section for material flow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguides are positioned to occupy only specific localized regions within the feed line cross-section, allowing material to flow through the remaining open areas. This localized integration provides design flexibility while preserving sufficient flow capacity for the substance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses gas or air flow to generate the aerosol, and the optical sensing is integrated into this fluid dynamics system. The waveguides are positioned to sense the aerosol formation process without significantly impeding the gas-substance mixing and ejection flow patterns.
3Measurement precision
If optical waveguides are used for detection, then measurement precision is improved, but the device becomes more sensitive to environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguides act as intermediaries that conduct light from external sources through the feed line to the detection zone and back to detectors. This intermediary optical path allows precise substance detection while isolating the sensitive detection electronics from the harsh environmental conditions inside the feed line.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical or electrical sensing systems with optical sensing. Light-based detection is used instead of electrical fields or mechanical contact, providing precise substance detection while being less susceptible to electromagnetic interference and corrosion from harsh environments.
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
This solution enhances detection reliability and design flexibility, ensuring accurate coating by detecting substance presence and concentration, reducing process complexity and time, and allowing for operation under harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
one optical waveguide serving to emit electromagnetic radiation, preferably light or infrared radiation, in the region of the substance delivery opening to the outside
Implementation Method 2
the other optical waveguide to receive and forward reflected electromagnetic radiation to an associated detection unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dispensing device, in particular a nozzle device (10), for dispensing a substance (60) in aerosol or liquid form, particularly for coating objects with the substance, comprising an elongated substance feed line (16) and a substance dispensing opening (52) which is arranged in the region of a free end of the substance feed line (16) and from which the substance (62) to be dispensed exits the dispensing device (10). According to the invention, it is proposed that the dispensing device (10) has an optical sensor arrangement (34, 48, 50, 70, 72) which is arranged such that the substance (62) contained in the aerosol is detectable. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for treating containers with at least one dispensing device according to the invention.