Pneumatic Bolt Air Manifold for Modular Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air manifolds in material applicators require detaching all dispensing modules to replace one, which is time-consuming and risks damaging components due to the need for significant force and tools.

Innovation Solution

A removably connected air manifold system that allows individual dispensing modules to be detached without disconnecting the others, using pneumatic bolts that provide pressurized air and can be easily engaged and disengaged without tools, enabling modular replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If known air manifolds are used to provide pressurized air to dispensing modules, then pressurized air can be delivered to all modules, but all dispensing modules must be detached to replace one module

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of module replacementVSAvoidair manifold connection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air manifold is segmented into multiple individual connections, one for each dispensing module. Each connection includes a pneumatic bolt that can be independently engaged or disengaged, allowing individual module replacement without affecting other modules. This segmentation enables selective detachment of single modules while maintaining connections to remaining modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If known air manifolds are used, then pressurized air can be provided to dispensing modules, but significant force and tools are required for detachment risking component damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of module detachmentVSAvoidrisk of component damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical fastening system requiring tools and significant force is replaced with a pneumatic system. Pneumatic bolts use pressurized air to engage and disengage connections, eliminating the need for manual tools and excessive force. This substitution reduces the risk of damaging expensive applicator components during module replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If known air manifolds are used, then pressurized air can be delivered to dispensing modules, but the replacement process is time-intensive causing prolonged stoppages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing operation continuityVSAvoidmodule replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The air manifold connection system is segmented into independent pneumatic bolt connections for each module, enabling parallel operation where one module can be replaced while others remain connected and operational. This segmentation minimizes downtime by allowing selective maintenance of individual modules without shutting down the entire dispensing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If known air manifolds are used, then pressurized air can be provided to all dispensing modules, but detaching the entire air manifold is required to replace one module

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular replacement capabilityVSAvoidair manifold detachment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air manifold system is divided into independent connection points with individual pneumatic bolts for each dispensing module. This segmentation allows selective detachment of single modules while maintaining the connection structure for remaining modules, providing modular replacement capability without requiring complete system disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates efficient servicing and replacement of dispensing modules without disrupting the operation of other modules, reducing the risk of damage and operator injury, and minimizing downtime.

Implementation Method 1

a pneumatic bolt configured to provide pressurized air from the air manifold to the dispensing module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressurized air: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

Each of the plurality of passages is in fluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of dispensing modules to direct the pressurized air from the channel to the respective one of the plurality of dispensing modules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid communication: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12138653B2Applicator air manifold

Publication Date: 2024.11.12 NORDSON CORP

AI summary

An air manifold for a material dispensing applicator is described. The air manifold has an inlet to receive pressurized air from a pressurized air source, a channel extending therethrough from the inlet, and a plurality of passages in fluid communication with the channel. The air manifold also includes a plurality of pneumatic bolts, where each of the plurality of pneumatic bolts is disposed in a respective one of the plurality of passages and attached to a respective one of the plurality of dispensing modules of the applicator. Each of the plurality of pneumatic bolts directs the pressurized air from the channel of the air manifold to the respective one of the plurality of dispensing modules.