Pneumatic Dispenser Spray Nozzle Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pneumatic dispensers for viscous materials face challenges in conveniently switching between bead and spray modes, with risks of material ingress when transitioning from spray to bead mode due to the location of control valves and the need for separate nozzles.

Innovation Solution

A dispenser design featuring a fluid supply arrangement with moveable members that allow ergonomically controlled opening and closing of fluid supply ports around the dispensing nozzle, enabling convenient switching between bead and spray modes without material ingress, using a rotatable and linearly moveable mechanism to manage pressurized fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a spray nozzle is provided around the dispensing nozzle with a pressurised fluid circuit to atomize viscous material, then spray mode is enabled, but material ingress occurs between the spray nozzle and dispensing nozzle when switching to bead mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray and bead dispensing capabilityVSAvoidmaterial ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spray nozzle is made movable relative to the dispensing nozzle through a rotatable and linearly moveable mechanism. This dynamic positioning allows the spray nozzle to be retracted from the dispensing nozzle when in bead mode, preventing material ingress, while positioned around the dispensing nozzle when in spray mode for proper atomization function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If control valves are located on the body portion or stock portion for switching spray action, then valve control is provided, but convenient switching between spray and bead modes is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching convenienceVSAvoidvalve and control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the pressurized fluid itself to actuate the mechanism that positions the spray nozzle. The pressurized fluid flows through a passage and acts on a diaphragm or piston, which automatically moves the spray nozzle into or out of position around the dispensing nozzle based on whether the spray mode is activated, eliminating the need for separate control valves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the spray nozzle is removed when dispensing bead mode, then material ingress is prevented, but operational convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial ingress preventionVSAvoidoperational convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring manual removal of the spray nozzle, the invention makes the spray nozzle dynamically positionable. The operator can simply activate or deactivate spray mode, and the mechanism automatically positions the spray nozzle away from the dispensing nozzle in bead mode, preventing material ingress while maintaining operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If a rotatable and linearly moveable mechanism is provided to control spray nozzle positioning, then ergonomic control is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic controlVSAvoidmechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism for positioning the spray nozzle is actuated by the pressurized fluid circuit itself. The pressurized fluid acts on a diaphragm or piston within the mechanism, providing the force needed for both rotational and linear movement. This eliminates the need for separate motors, actuators, or complex mechanical drive systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ergonomic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 seamless switching between bead and spray modes while minimizing material ingress, providing ergonomic control over fluid supply and reducing the risk of material leakage during bead dispensing.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid supply arrangement for accepting a dispensing nozzle through a nozzle receiving space and for supplying pressurised fluid to the nozzle receiving space through one or more fluid supply ports

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressurized fluid flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

pressurised fluid flows along the dispensing nozzle and past its dispensing end inside the spray nozzle, thereby atomising the dispensed viscous material into a spray

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAtomization: Aerosol

Data Source

PatentEP2468414B1Pneumatic dispenser
Publication Date: 2015.12.23 P C COX LIMITED
  • EP2468414B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2468414B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2468414B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A pneumatic dispenser for dispensing viscous material, for example, mastic caulk, from a container is described. The dispenser comprises a fluid supply arrangement for accepting a dispensing nozzle (76) of the container and providing a flow of pressurised fluid to the dispensing nozzle to enable the material to be dispensed as a spray. A moveable member (18) can be used to control the flow of pressurised fluid, for example a member disposed on a cap (14) for closing a container containing compartment of the dispenser and/or a moveable member (18) disposed around the dispensing nozzle (76). The arrangement of the fluid supply arrangement allows for convenient control of the pressurised fluid flow for spraying the material. Also disclosed is a dispenser with a readily exchangeable pressure application interface for applying a dispensing pressure to the container, enabling the dispenser to be used with both cartridge and foil pack containers.