Self-Cleaning Delivery Head Scraper Mechanism for Paint Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dispensing machines for delivering dyes used in paint preparation often require manual cleaning of nozzles to remove solid residues that form when the dyes are exposed, leading to operational issues and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A delivery head with an integrated automatic cleaning device that includes a movable scraper system and actuator to remove solid residues from nozzles, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual cleaning of nozzles is performed to remove solid residues, then nozzle clogging is prevented, but operational efficiency is reduced due to required operator intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle operation reliabilityVSAvoiddispensing machine productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system performs automatic self-cleaning of the nozzles through a scraper mechanism that removes solid residues without requiring external manual intervention. The system serves itself by integrating the cleaning function directly into the dispensing head, allowing continuous operation without operator involvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The scraper mechanism is positioned to contact and clean the nozzle surfaces before solid residues can cause clogging or operational failures. By performing preliminary cleaning action, the system prevents nozzle blockages before they affect productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If nozzles are left exposed to atmosphere for extended periods, then continuous operation is maintained, but solid residues form and cause malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidnozzle functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning mechanism operates continuously or periodically to maintain nozzle cleanliness throughout the dispensing operation. The scraper remains in contact with or periodically contacts the nozzle surfaces, ensuring continuous removal of solid residues that form during extended exposure to atmosphere.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system accepts that solid residues will form during continuous operation but converts this potentially harmful effect into a manageable condition by continuously scraping the residues off the nozzle surfaces, transforming the problem of residue formation into a routine cleaning function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual cleaning interventions are implemented, then accurate dosing is maintained, but operator intervention is required increasing operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosing accuracyVSAvoidcleaning operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning function is automated through an integrated scraper mechanism that operates without external manual intervention. The system monitors and maintains its own nozzle cleanliness, eliminating the need for operators to perform cleaning tasks while preserving dosing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The scraper mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the nozzle and the solid residues, providing a mechanical interface that removes contaminants without requiring direct human contact or complex cleaning procedures. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by handling the cleaning function automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 automatic cleaning system ensures continuous operation by preventing nozzle clogging, reducing the risk of malfunctions, and maintaining accurate dosing without operator intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a scraper (22) arranged to be in contact with the inner surface of the nozzle (24) and configured to remove solid residues of dyes adhering to the inner surface or to the edges of the outlet opening of the nozzle (24)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11554888B2Self-cleaning delivery head for a dispensing machine for delivering fluid products such as dyes for paints or the like

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 DROMONT

AI summary

A delivery head for a dispensing machine for delivering fluid products, including: a tubular casing having a vertical longitudinal axis, a plurality of nozzles carried by the tubular casing and having respective outlet openings with axes parallel to the vertical longitudinal axis, and a cleaning device for automatically cleaning the nozzles, having a plurality of scraper tubes associated with respective nozzles, movable in a direction of the vertical longitudinal axis between a raised position and a lowered position, and vice versa, and having respective lower ends that clean the nozzles during a stroke from the raised position to the lowered position.