Automated Plural Component Ratio Control via Flow Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual calibration of plural component dispensing systems for achieving a target mixing ratio is inaccurate, time-consuming, and wasteful, especially due to temperature-dependent viscosity changes of the component materials.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes pressure vessels, flow meters, and a controller to automatically regulate the pressure of fluid components based on measured volumetric flow rates, ensuring a target mixing ratio is maintained without the need for manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual calibration is used to adjust mixing ratio, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and manufacturing precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration with an automated electronic control system that uses flow meters to measure component flow rates and a controller to adjust pressure regulator settings, thereby improving measurement precision while managing system complexity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where flow meters continuously monitor the flow rates of individual components, the controller processes this data to determine mixing ratios, and pressure regulators automatically adjust settings to maintain the target mixing ratio, significantly improving precision over manual methods
2Device complexity
If manual calibration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to perform self-calibration through automated feedback control, where the controller continuously monitors flow rates and automatically adjusts pressure regulators to maintain the target mixing ratio, eliminating the need for repeated manual calibration operations and significantly reducing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous monitoring and adjustment of mixing ratios through automated flow measurement and pressure regulation, replacing discrete manual calibration steps with continuous automated control, thereby eliminating idle calibration time and maintaining consistent precision throughout operation
3Device complexity
If manual calibration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flow meters to provide real-time feedback on component flow rates, enabling the controller to precisely regulate the mixing ratio through automated pressure adjustment, thereby minimizing material waste by avoiding the excess component discharge that occurs during manual calibration trial-and-error processes
4Device complexity
If manual pressure adjustment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pressure adjustment with an automated electronic pressure control system that uses flow meter data and controller algorithms to regulate pressure regulators, thereby maintaining mixing ratio accuracy despite temperature-dependent viscosity changes that affect manual calibration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback control where flow meters monitor actual flow rates and the controller automatically adjusts pressure regulator settings to compensate for viscosity changes caused by temperature variations, maintaining precise mixing ratios without requiring repeated manual recalibration
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 ensures accurate and efficient delivery of the target mix ratio, reducing material waste and time associated with manual calibration while maintaining accuracy across varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The first flow meter is configured to sense a first volumetric flow rate of the first fluid component discharged from the first pressure vessel. The second flow meter is configured to sense a second volumetric flow rate of the second fluid component discharged from the second pressure vessel.
Implementation Method 2
The first pressure regulator is pneumatically connected between the first pressure vessel and the at least one compressed gas source to regulate the first pressure of the first pressure vessel.
Implementation Method 3
The first pressure vessel is pneumatically connected to the at least one compressed gas source and is configured to discharge a first fluid component based on a first pressure of the first pressure vessel.
Data Source
AI summary
A plural component dispensing system includes at least one compressed gas pneumatically connected to supply pressurized gas to each of a first pressure vessel that discharges a first fluid component and a second pressure vessel that discharges a second fluid component. Each of the first fluid component and the second fluid component is supplied from the respective pressure vessel through individual flow meters to a device. A first pressure regulator is pneumatically connected between the first pressure vessel and the at least one compressed gas source to regulate pressure of the first pressure vessel. A controller receives sensed first and second volumetric flow rates from the individual flow meters and controls the first pressure regulator based on the sensed volumetric flow rates to produce a target ratio of the first fluid component and the second fluid component at the device.