Piezoelectric Dosing System with Counteracting Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing systems for viscous materials, such as adhesives and paints, face challenges in delivering precise amounts with high precision and minimizing mechanical stress and vibrations, which can lead to damage and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dosing system utilizing two piezoelectric actuators coupled in opposite directions to move a closure element within the nozzle, allowing for precise control and reduced mechanical stress, with the actuators arranged coaxially to minimize power losses and increase resonance frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single piezoelectric actuator is used to move the closure element rapidly, then high speed and precision dosing is achieved, but mechanical stress and vibrations increase causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a second piezoelectric actuator that generates counteracting forces to compensate for the mechanical stress and vibrations produced by the first actuator during closure element movement. This counterbalancing approach reduces harmful vibrations while maintaining the high-speed performance needed for precise dosing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple piezoelectric actuators working in coordination rather than relying on a single actuator. This composite actuation system distributes mechanical stress across multiple components and enables vibration compensation through differential operation, achieving both high speed and reduced mechanical harm.
2Measurement precision
If piezoelectric actuators operate at high frequency with steep movement flanks, then dosing precision is improved, but internal stresses may damage the piezoelectric elements
Solution Approach 1:
The second piezoelectric actuator applies preliminary counter-pressure to compensate for internal stresses before they become damaging. By operating in opposition to the first actuator, it pre-loading the system in a way that prevents excessive stress accumulation during high-frequency operation, thereby protecting the piezoelectric elements while maintaining dosing precision.
3Power
If the actuators are arranged coaxially, then power losses are minimized and resonance frequencies are increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two piezoelectric actuators into a coaxial arrangement where they share a common axis of operation. This spatial merging allows the actuators to work in unison with minimal power loss while their coordinated operation naturally increases the system's resonance frequency. The complexity is managed through the regularity of the coaxial geometry.
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 achieves high precision and speed in delivering viscous substances with reduced mechanical stress and vibrations, enabling precise dosing and increased performance by compensating for each actuator's movement, thus minimizing damage and enhancing overall system effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a first piezoelectric actuator (23a) operable to move the closure element (21) in a retraction direction (R) and a second piezoelectric actuator (23b) operable to move the closure element (21) in an ejection direction (E)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dosing system (3) with a nozzle (1) having an outlet opening (19), in the region of which a closure element (21) is movably arranged, which, during operation, is moved in an ejection (E) and/or retracting direction (R), wherein the closure element (21) is thus coupled to at least two piezoelectric actuators (23a, 23b) which are connected in opposite direction such that a first piezoelectric actuator (23a), when it is expanded in operation, moves the closure element (21) in the retracting direction (R) and a second piezoelectric actuator (23b), when it is expanded in operation, moves the closure element (21) in the ejection direction (E). The invention also relates to a dosing method that can be carried out using such a dosing system (3) and to a method for producing such a dosing system (3).