Pulsed Liquid Dispensing Air Flow Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing syringe-type dispensers face challenges in maintaining consistent dot size or liquid output volume due to increasing air volume and decreasing liquid volume, leading to longer actuation air pressure times and reduced dispense cycle efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an actuation air input flow rate controller that increases air flow rate in response to decreasing liquid volume in the syringe, using a needle valve or proportional valve to maintain consistent dispense volumes by adjusting the cross-sectional area of the air input passage, such as through a cone-shaped elongate member within the syringe body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the liquid volume in the syringe decreases during successive pulsed dispensing operations, then the air volume in the syringe increases, but the time to reach actuation air pressure increases and dispense cycle time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The air input passage cross-sectional area is made variable rather than fixed. The flow rate controller dynamically adjusts the air flow rate based on the remaining liquid volume in the syringe, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain consistent dispense cycle times throughout the syringe's usage life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of air flow rate based on liquid volume. As liquid volume decreases and air volume increases, the system increases the air flow rate to compensate for the larger air space that needs to be pressurized, thereby maintaining consistent pressurization time and dispense cycle time.
2Quantity of substance
If the air volume in the syringe increases due to decreasing liquid volume, then the time to reach actuation air pressure increases, but the dot size or liquid output volume must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback by monitoring the liquid volume in the syringe and using this information to adjust the air flow rate. This closed-loop control ensures that the air pressure reaches the required level consistently regardless of the air volume, thereby maintaining precise and consistent dot sizes throughout the dispensing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow rate parameter is dynamically changed based on the air volume in the syringe. When air volume increases (liquid volume decreases), the air flow rate is increased to compensate, ensuring that the time to reach actuation pressure remains constant and dot size consistency is maintained.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed air flow rate is used throughout dispensing, then the system is simple to operate, but the dispense cycle time varies as liquid volume decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying the air flow rate based on the liquid volume in the syringe. The flow rate controller senses the changing conditions and adjusts the air flow accordingly, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex external control systems while maintaining consistent productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow rate is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically adapts the air flow rate to match the changing liquid volume conditions, ensuring consistent dispense cycle times without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures, thus balancing ease of operation with productivity consistency.
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
This solution ensures consistent dispense volumes and maintains the same dispense cycle time as the liquid volume decreases, preventing a reduction in dot size or liquid output volume by increasing air flow rate to maintain proper actuation pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a timed pressure pulse... forces the small amount of liquid from the syringe... pressurized actuation air into the syringe
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for pulsed dispensing of liquid. The apparatus includes a syringe body structure communicating with an input passage for pressurized actuation air, and communicating with an exit passage for allowing discharge of the liquid. An air input passage flow air controller is operative to increase the flow rate of the input air in accordance with a relationship that depends at least partially on a reduction of liquid volume in the syringe body structure resulting from a previous pulsed dispensing operation.