Pressure-Sensed Liquid Dosing for Precise Volume Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for dosing liquids lack reliability and accuracy in determining the volume of liquid dispensed, particularly in automated environments.

Innovation Solution

A dosing apparatus with a fluid channel divided into sections, a valve with a movable member, and pressure sensors, along with a processor that uses outlet and inlet pressure courses to determine the volume of liquid dispensed by integrating viscosity and geometry parameters, eliminating the need for additional measuring means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If pressure sensors and processor are used to determine liquid volume through pressure courses, then dosing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosing precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical volume measurement methods (such as displacement sensors or flow meters) with a pressure-based measurement system. Pressure sensors monitor pressure changes in the fluid channel, and a processor calculates the dosed liquid volume by integrating these pressure courses over time, thereby achieving precise dosing through a less mechanically complex approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in pressure parameters as the liquid flows through the channel. By monitoring the pressure course (pressure over time) and integrating it, the system determines the volume of liquid dosed. This parameter-based approach allows for precise measurement without adding complex mechanical measuring components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If integrated pressure-based volume determination is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume measurement precisionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensors serve multiple functions: they monitor pressure during liquid dosing, enable volume determination through integration of pressure courses, and can potentially detect other fluid dynamics parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated measurement components for volume, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing the total component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If valve member is moved frequently to control liquid flow, then dosing reliability is improved, but mechanical wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosing reliabilityVSAvoidvalve durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from pressure sensors to monitor the dosing process in real-time. The processor analyzes pressure courses to determine when dosing is complete, allowing for precise control of the valve member's operation. This feedback mechanism ensures the valve opens and closes only when necessary, improving dosing reliability while minimizing unnecessary mechanical cycles that would cause wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 precise and reliable dosing of liquids without the need for additional measurement tools, suitable for high-automation environments.

Implementation Method 1

pressurizing the liquid reservoir with compressed air by means of the compressed air source so that the liquid is moved by pressurization in the first channel section and the second channel section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressurization: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

determining an outlet pressure course during the dosing time and/or after the dosing time with the outlet pressure sensor and/or determining an inlet pressure course during the dosing time and/or after the dosing time with the inlet pressure sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20260036457A1Method for dosing a liquid portion and dosing device

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 FESTO AG & CO KG

AI summary

Method for dosing a liquid portion using a dosing apparatus including the steps of pressurizing the liquid reservoir with compressed air by means of the compressed air source so that the liquid is moved by pressurization in the first channel section and the second channel section, moving the valve member from the closed position to the open position at the beginning of a dosing time, such that the liquid is moved into the third channel section and the fourth channel section and dosed from the dosing tip, moving the valve member from the open position to the closed position at the end of the dosing time, determining an outlet pressure course during the dosing time and/or after the dosing time with the outlet pressure sensor and/or determining an inlet pressure course during the dosing time and/or after the dosing time with the inlet pressure sensor.