Piezo Valve Actuation With Adjustable Stroke for Precise Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piezo actuator devices for dispensing application agents, such as sealants, are complex, prone to faults, and lack flexibility in stroke adjustment, making them inefficient and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A piezo actuator device with a single piezo actuator controlling multiple valve bodies, allowing adjustable stroke positions and independent actuation of valve seats, facilitated by a mechanical preload mechanism and electronic control for precise application control, including pulsating and continuous dispensing modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple functional units (closing body, electromagnet, spring mechanism) are used to achieve reliable opening and closing, then the valve can be reliably actuated, but the device complexity increases and susceptibility to faults increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional units (closing body, electromagnet, spring mechanism) into a single integrated valve body structure. The closing body is directly integrated with the electromagnet coil and the spring mechanism, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing the number of interfaces that could fail. This merging approach maintains reliable actuation while reducing device complexity and fault susceptibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the closing body, houses the electromagnet, contains the spring mechanism, and provides the valve seat interface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining all necessary actuation functions, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Device complexity
If the closing body stroke is fixed by constructional reasons, then the valve structure is simplified, but the adaptability for different application variables is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable stroke mechanism where the closing body can be positioned at different distances from the valve seat through adjustable spacing elements. This allows the stroke length to be varied depending on the application requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall valve structure. The spacing elements can be adjusted to change the initial position of the closing body, thereby controlling the stroke distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve design allows changing the stroke parameter by adjusting the spacing between the closing body and valve seat. This parameter adjustment can be achieved through adjustable mounting positions or interchangeable spacing elements, enabling the same valve structure to adapt to different application requirements without fundamental structural changes.
3Reliability
If three functional units are precisely matched for opening and closing, then the valve operation is reliable, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to precise matching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed with modular segments that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. The closing body, electromagnet, and spring mechanism are divided into distinct manufacturable segments with standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, reducing the need for precise matching during assembly while maintaining reliable operation through the standardized interface design.
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
Enables precise control over application agent dispensing with adjustable stroke and frequency, reducing wear and noise, and allowing flexible operation for various application scenarios, including sealing overlaps and protecting edges.
Implementation Method 1
a piezo actuator, e.g. a single piezo actuator, which is preferably configured to move (in particular by means of the at least one actuating arm) the at least one valve body to close and/or to open the at least one valve seat
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a piezo actuator device, preferably for controlling a dispensing of an application agent onto a component, including: at least one movable valve body for opening and closing at least one valve seat, at least one preferably pivotable actuating arm for actuating the at least one valve body, and a piezo actuator configured to move the at least one valve body to close and/or open the at least one valve seat.