Rotary Nozzle Recirculation for Low-VOC Slurry Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paint dispensing systems face inaccuracies due to non-uniformity of colorant slurries caused by settling of heavier pigments, exacerbated by the reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are effective solvents for maintaining uniformity, leading to clogging and maintenance issues in multiple fluid dispensing machines.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser system with a rotating table that moves valve assemblies between dispense and recirculation positions, allowing for selective activation of pumps and sensors to ensure precise fluid dispensing and periodic or continuous recirculation of fluids back to canisters, maintaining slurry uniformity and preventing clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If VOCs are eliminated or restricted to meet environmental regulations, then environmental compliance is improved, but slurry uniformity deteriorates causing pigment settling
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary recirculation of the colorant slurry before dispensing to prevent pigment settling. The recirculation pump actively circulates the slurry through the dispensing system and back to the canister, maintaining uniformity in advance of the dispensing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation system operates continuously or periodically to maintain constant slurry uniformity. The pump keeps the slurry in continuous motion, preventing the harmful settling effect from occurring during storage between dispenses.
2Manufacturing precision
If recirculation is implemented to maintain slurry uniformity, then dispensing accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation system serves multiple functions: it maintains slurry uniformity, prevents pigment settling, and enables accurate dispensing of low-VOC formulations. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by addressing multiple problems with a single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically recirculates the slurry without requiring manual intervention. The controller activates the recirculation pump based on predetermined conditions, and the system self-regulates to maintain uniformity throughout the dispensing process.
3Quantity of substance
If heavier pigments are used in colorant formulations, then color strength is improved, but settling tendency increases causing non-uniform dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation system counteracts the gravitational settling of heavy pigments by providing continuous upward and circulating motion. The pump creates a flow that opposes the downward settling force, keeping heavy pigment particles suspended in the slurry.
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 system improves dispensing accuracy, reduces maintenance, and maintains uniformity of paint formulations by ensuring continuous recirculation of fluids, addressing the challenges posed by low-VOC or no-VOC paint pigments and preventing settling of heavier materials.
Implementation Method 1
A recirculation system is disclosed for multiple fluid dispensing and formulation machines wherein the fluids being dispensed have limited amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and therefore have the propensity to become non-homogeneous and clog the dispense valves. The recirculation system prevents the settling out of heavier materials such as pigments of a colorant or tint.
Implementation Method 2
a table coupled to a table motor for rotating the table between at least two positions including a dispense position and a recirculation position
Implementation Method 3
Each pump is in communication with an inlet of its assigned valve assembly. Each pump is also linked to its assigned pump motor.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispenser is disclosed for dispensing multiple fluids and that includes valve assemblies with rotary recirculation and dispense valves. A table controlled by a motor and a controller moves all of the valve assemblies to either a dispense position or a recirculation position together. The controller selectively operates the pump motors associated with individual canisters of fluid so that the system can dispense a single fluid or multiple fluids at a time. When in the recirculation position, the fluids can be continuously, intermittently or periodically recirculated to maintain the fluids in a homogenous state.