Paint Dosing Control Using Measured Injection Quantity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for dosing an injection product into a base product in paint production face challenges in precision control due to the short injection duration and variability in base product flow rate, making it difficult to achieve the desired proportion between the two.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a device for mixing injection and base products, where the injection product is injected for a specific time, and the quantity of base product is calculated based on the injected amount, with continuous measurement and control using a computer-controlled injection valve, ensuring precise dosing by repeating the injection process until the desired quantity is achieved.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the injection duration is adjusted based on the quantity of base product flowed and the flow rate of injection product, then the desired proportion between base product and injection product can be obtained, but the control of injected product amount becomes difficult due to the short injection duration compared to the operating mode of the injection valve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing accuracyVSAvoidinjection quantity control
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual quantity of injected product is measured and used to calculate a desired quantity of base product. This closed-loop control allows the system to compensate for variations in injection duration and flow rate, ensuring accurate dosing proportions even when injection time is short compared to valve response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary measurement of the injected product quantity before calculating the required base product amount. By measuring the injection quantity first and then determining the corresponding base product quantity, the system ensures accurate proportioning without being constrained by the short injection duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If a very precise theoretical adjustment of the injection duration is implemented, then the desired proportion can be achieved, but the short injection duration makes accurate implementation at the injection valve difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing proportionVSAvoidinjection duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adjusting the injection duration to achieve the desired proportion, the patent inverts the approach by measuring the actual injection quantity and calculating the required base product quantity accordingly. This reversal eliminates the need for precise duration control at the valve, as the proportion is determined after injection based on actual quantities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical timing control system with a measurement and calculation system. Rather than relying on precise mechanical valve timing, the system uses measurement devices to quantify the injected product and computational methods to determine the appropriate base product quantity, substituting mechanical precision requirements with measurement and information processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3812871A1Dispensing method and associated installation
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 EXEL INDUSTRIES
  • EP3812871A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3812871A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3812871A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for dosing an injection product into a base product, in particular for the production of a finishing and/or protective paint product, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a mixing device (12), (b) establishing a continuous flow of base product, (c) injecting injection product into the continuous flow for a given time, (d) measuring the quantity of injection product injected, (e) calculating a desired quantity of base product as a function of the quantity of injection product injected, steps (c), (d) and (e) being repeated when the quantity of base product that has flowed from the beginning of step (c) is equal to the desired quantity of base product, the injection product being injected into the base product only during step (c).