Powder Dispensing Fixture with Force Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dispensing sticky powders are inefficient due to clumping, leading to inaccurate and labor-intensive processes as the dispensed quantities often need to be discarded or recycled, resulting in reduced precision and repeatability.
Innovation Solution
A powder dispensing module and method that includes a channel with a hopper and a reciprocating piston, along with a fixture featuring a beam and force sensor, allowing for controlled compression and precise extrusion of powder, enabling accurate and repeatable dispensing by separating a portion of the compressed powder from the remaining amount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a known volume is filled with sticky powder then emptied into a transfer package, then the powder can be dispensed, but the sticky powder tends to clump and transfer in lumps that are larger and heavier than the desired precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the powder from a free-flowing state to a compressed solidified state by applying compression force through a piston. This parameter change (from loose powder to compressed cake) prevents the sticky powder from clumping during transfer and enables precise dispensing of the required amount.
2Manufacturing precision
If too much sticky powder is dispensed, then the entire dispensed quantity must be discarded or recycled or laboriously removed, but this leads to reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary compression of the sticky powder into a solidified cake form before dispensing. This preliminary action prevents over-dispensing by allowing precise control of the powder amount during compression, thereby eliminating the need to discard or laboriously remove excess powder and improving dispensing efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If the dispensed weight is the actual parameter of interest, then the filled transfer package can be weighed to verify proper weight, but this requires additional verification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for post-dispensing weight verification with a mechanical compression system that ensures precise powder amount during the compression process. The piston-based compression mechanism provides inherent measurement and control, substituting the need for separate weighing and verification steps.
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 solution achieves high accuracy and repeatability in dispensing sticky powders by ensuring the powder is compressed and extruded in controlled portions, minimizing waste and improving efficiency in the dispensing process.
Implementation Method 1
compressing the powder within the channel
Implementation Method 2
a force sensor coupled to the beam at the second end
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture for dispensing a powder is disclosed. The fixture has a base and a beam with a first end, a second end, and a fulcrum disposed between the first and second ends and coupled to the base. The fixture also has a load transfer beam having a first end and a second end that is fixedly coupled to the base. A force sensor is coupled to the load transfer beam. The beam can rotate about the fulcrum with respect to the base and the second end of the beam makes a point contact with the first end of the load transfer beam.