Pinch Valve Fluid Application Device for High Viscosity Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for applying fluids to substrates, such as nozzle-jets, face issues with clogging and distorted droplet jets when dealing with high viscosity fluids like pureed vegetables and meats due to separation effects and solid particle accumulation, particularly when these materials have been frozen.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a reservoir, pressure-controlled outlet channels with pinch valves made of flexible materials, allowing for precise control of fluid flow and pressure to prevent clogging, suitable for handling high viscosity fluids like unsieved tomato sauce, potato mash, and chocolate compounds, with a movable design for enhanced flexibility and application precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nozzle-jets are used to apply fluid to substrate, then droplets can be applied with precision, but the nozzles tend to block and give distorted droplet jets when handling high viscosity fluids with solid particles
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the fluid application into multiple independent outlet channels, each with its own pinch valve. This segmentation allows individual channels to be controlled separately, preventing clogging from affecting the entire system and enabling reliable operation with high viscosity fluids containing solid particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses flexible pinch valves made of elastic material that can be compressed to control fluid flow. The flexible membrane in the pinch valve prevents solid particles from blocking the outlet by allowing the valve to conform and seal around particles, maintaining both precision and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frozen materials are processed, then storage and transport are improved, but separation effects occur between liquid and solid parts causing nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The pinch valve provides dynamic control over the outlet channel, allowing the system to adapt to varying fluid properties from frozen materials. By dynamically adjusting the valve compression, the system maintains reliable flow even when separation effects occur between liquid and solid parts during thawing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state parameters of the fluid by controlling temperature during processing. The ability to handle frozen materials that have been stored and transported implies temperature parameter changes, and the pinch valve maintains reliability throughout these parameter transitions.
3Ease of operation
If conventional valves are used in outlet channels, then fluid flow can be controlled, but clogging occurs with high viscosity fluids containing solid particles
Solution Approach 1:
The pinch valve uses a flexible elastic membrane instead of conventional rigid valve components. This flexible shell design allows the valve to control fluid flow effectively while accommodating solid particles without clogging, as the membrane can deform to seal around particles rather than having fixed crevices where particles can become trapped.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical valve mechanisms with a pneumatic or hydraulic actuation system that compresses the flexible membrane. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical moving parts that could clog, providing both ease of operation and reliability with high viscosity fluids containing solid particles.
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 effective and precise application of high viscosity fluids without clogging, allowing for the creation of matrix-like patterns with improved resolution and versatility in industrial applications, from pharmacy to construction, and miniaturized for use in FoodJet printheads.
Implementation Method 1
a part of the transport channel is made out of a flexible material. When this flexible part of the channel is pressurized from the outside, it will collapse and stop the internal flow of material.
Implementation Method 2
When during a very short time the pressure in the chamber air pressure drops to zero, the mass pressure lifts the membrane from the spray nozzle.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for applying a fluid or suspension, in particular a food fluid or suspension onto a substrate, comprising a reservoir for the fluid or suspension means for bringing the fluid or suspension under pressure above atmosphere pressure, a plurality of outlet channels, extending from the reservoir to a delivery-position for the fluid above the substrate, a plurality of controllable valves, each incorporated in one of the outlet channels, a controller for controlling the valves, wherein the valves are pinch valves (1); and the controller is configured for controlling the valves individually.