Piston Valve Dispenser Prevents Sedimentation in Hopper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing product dispensing systems for fluid-particulate mixtures face issues with maintaining homogeneity when the system is not in use, as sediment or particulate can collect in the outlet, leading to non-homogenous mixtures upon restart.

Innovation Solution

A product dispensing system with a hopper, agitator, housing, valve, and piston that allows the piston to move between use and storage positions, ensuring that any mixture in the outlet is returned to the hopper during idle periods, maintaining homogeneity through continuous agitation by the agitator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the outlet remains open during non-use periods, then the system is ready for immediate dispensing, but sediment or particulate collects in the outlet resulting in non-homogenous mixture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehomogeneity of product mixtureVSAvoidtime to clear sediment before dispensing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The piston is positioned in advance to close off the outlet lumen during non-use periods, preventing sediment collection before it occurs. This preliminary protective action eliminates the need for later clearing operations and ensures homogeneity is maintained from the start of idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful element (sediment-collecting outlet lumen) is effectively removed from the system during non-use by closing the valve and positioning the piston to seal the outlet, isolating the potential problem area from the product mixture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the outlet is closed during non-use to prevent sedimentation, then homogeneity is maintained, but the system cannot dispense until the outlet is cleared

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehomogeneity of product mixtureVSAvoiddispensing readiness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The piston and valve are positioned in advance to enable immediate dispensing when needed. The piston can be quickly moved to open the outlet and the valve opened simultaneously, eliminating any delay between deciding to dispense and actual dispensing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions dynamically between closed (non-use) and open (dispensing) states. The piston and valve work together to create a dynamic sealing system that can rapidly switch between maintaining homogeneity and enabling dispensing flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a piston is added to return mixture to the hopper, then homogeneity is maintained during non-use, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehomogeneity of product mixtureVSAvoidnumber of moving parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piston serves multiple functions: it closes off the outlet lumen to prevent sedimentation, returns product mixture to the hopper during non-use periods, and can be quickly repositioned to enable dispensing. The valve also performs multiple roles by controlling both the outlet and coordinating with the piston movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 sedimentation and maintains homogeneity of the product mixture during non-use periods by returning the mixture to the hopper, allowing for seamless re-homogenization upon restart without the need for dumping collected mixture, ensuring consistent dispensing.

Implementation Method 1

The piston is movable from the first use position to the storage position to urge any product mixture in the outlet lumen back into the hopper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

an agitator disposed within the hopper and configured to facilitate mixing of a product mixture disposed within the hopper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Agitation: Stirring

Implementation Method 3

the valve is configured such that, in the closed position, the valve seals off the exit opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Sealing: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS9409663B2Product dispensing system to maintain product homogeneity or produce a homogenous fluid-particulate mixture

Publication Date: 2016.08.09 MODERN PACKAGING II LLC

AI summary

A product dispensing system includes a hopper, a housing defining an outlet lumen in communication with the hopper, an exit port, a valve, and a piston. The valve is transitionable between a closed position, wherein the exit port is closed off from the outlet lumen, and an open position, establishing communication between the outlet lumen and the exit port. The piston is movable from a first use position, wherein the piston partially occupies the outlet lumen, to a storage position, wherein the piston fully occupies the outlet lumen to urge any product mixture in the outlet lumen back into the hopper. The piston may further be movable between the first use position and a second use position to draw the product mixture from the hopper into the outlet lumen and to urge the product mixture out of the exit port.