An automatic humidification system for a dispensing head of a dosing machine of fluid products
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing machines for dispensing dyes in paint preparation face issues with dye drops drying out at the nozzles due to exposure to air, with existing solutions like direct cooling systems being complex and not entirely effective.
Innovation Solution
A humidification system associated with the closing element of the dosing machine, utilizing a Peltier cell and automatic water supply to create a humid environment, reducing the risk of drying by condensing ambient humidity and maintaining a dew point state within the nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a closing device is used to isolate the dispensing head from the external environment, then the drying of dye drops is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cup-shaped element is introduced as an intermediary component between the dispensing head and the external environment. This cup receives condensed water from the Peltier cell and delivers it to the lower ends of the nozzles, creating a humid microenvironment that protects dye drops from drying without requiring a complex closing device
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical closing device is replaced by a thermal field approach using a Peltier cell. Instead of physically isolating the dispensing head with mechanical components, the system uses controlled cooling to condense ambient humidity and deliver it to the nozzles, substituting a mechanical isolation system with a thermal-humidification system
2Reliability
If a cooling system is applied directly to the dispensing head to maintain dew point state, then the dye drops remain in humid state, but the device complexity and functional effectiveness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is segmented and relocated from the dispensing head to a separate Peltier cell unit. The Peltier cell is positioned remotely and connected via ducts, dividing the system into independent functional modules: cooling generation, condensation, and humidification delivery. This reduces the complexity of the dispensing head itself while maintaining the required cooling effect
Solution Approach 2:
A cup-shaped intermediary element is introduced to transfer condensed water from the Peltier cell to the nozzles. This cup acts as a mediator that receives cooling-generated condensate and distributes it to the lower ends of the nozzles, ensuring the dye drops remain in a humid state without requiring direct cooling of the dispensing head
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a Peltier cell with automatic water supply is used to create humid environment, then the drying risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Peltier cell system is designed to be self-regulating through automatic control. Sensors detect the humidity level and water reservoir level, automatically activating or deactivating the Peltier cell and water pump as needed. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual intervention and complex control systems, making the increased functionality manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on environmental conditions. The Peltier cell activates only when ambient temperature and humidity conditions warrant condensation, and the water pump operates based on reservoir level sensors. This parameter-based control optimizes the humidification process while minimizing unnecessary system activation
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 prevents drying of the dye drops at the nozzles, ensuring continuous fluidity and reducing the risk of clogging, while being simpler and more reliable than direct cooling methods.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device consisting of a Peltier cell (32) and a supply circuit of the condensed water from the Peltier cell (32) into the cup (27) of the closing element (25)
Implementation Method 2
designed to automatically generate a humid environment inside the cup of the closing element... by condensing ambient humidity
Data Source
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AI summary
A humidification system of the dispensing head (14) of a dosing machine (10) of fluid products, wherein the dispensing head (14) comprises a closing device (20) including a cup (27), which can be moved between a distal inoperative position and an operative position wherein the dispensing head (14) is isolated from the environment. The humidification system automatically generates a humid environment inside the cup (27), in the proximal position of the closing element (20), by means of a Peltier cell (32) inserted in a forced flow duct (29) of ambient air. The condensed/ hoarfrosted water from the Peltier cell (32) is fed from a collecting tank (33) to the cup (27) of the closing element (20) automatically through a control unit (41).