Separate Ventilation Channels for Liquid Dispenser Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensers face challenges in precisely controlling the opening behavior of the outlet valve, which opens at low overpressure, leading to potential interference from pressure conditions in the liquid reservoir and valve chamber, affecting the accuracy of dosed liquid dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispenser design featuring a discharge head with separate storage and valve ventilation channels, a deformable valve body, and a return spring mechanism to control the valve opening, preventing pressure interference between the liquid reservoir and valve chamber, and incorporating a protective cap to isolate inlets and maintain pressure equilibrium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single ventilation channel is used for both liquid reservoir and valve chamber, then device complexity is reduced, but pressure interference occurs affecting valve opening precision
Solution Approach 1:
The single ventilation channel is divided into two separate channels: a first ventilation channel for the liquid reservoir and a second ventilation channel for the valve chamber. This segmentation prevents pressure interference between the two systems while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation function for the valve chamber is extracted from the common ventilation channel and implemented through a separate second ventilation channel. This ensures that pressure conditions in the valve chamber do not interfere with valve opening precision.
2Ease of operation
If pressure equalization is implemented in the liquid reservoir, then liquid flow is facilitated, but unintended valve opening may occur due to pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is segmented into separate channels for the liquid reservoir and valve chamber, allowing independent pressure control. The first ventilation channel enables pressure equalization in the liquid reservoir to facilitate liquid flow, while the second channel maintains stable pressure in the valve chamber to prevent unintended valve opening.
3Measurement precision
If the valve body is made deformable to enable opening at low overpressure, then dosing precision is improved, but sensitivity to pressure interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is divided into separate channels that isolate the deformable valve body from pressure fluctuations in the liquid reservoir. This allows the valve to remain sensitive enough for precise dosing while being protected from harmful pressure interference through the separate second ventilation channel.
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 design enhances the precision of liquid dispensing by isolating pressure conditions in the liquid reservoir and valve chamber, ensuring accurate dosing and preventing unintended valve opening due to residual pressures or negative pressures, thus improving the reliability and accuracy of the dispenser.
Implementation Method 1
The valve body (24) is deformable in an outer region and/or in the area of this pressure application surface and deforms elastically under the effect of the fluid pressure
Implementation Method 2
If the excess pressure is removed, the valve body returns to its basic position closing the discharge opening, preferably as a result of elastic recovery of the valve body or under the action of a force from a separate return spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
Liquid dispensers (100) are known, comprising a liquid reservoir (90) and a dispensing head (10) attached thereto, which has an outlet valve (20) with a pressure chamber (22) and an opposing valve chamber (26). It is proposed to connect the liquid reservoir (90) and the valve chamber (26) at least intermittently to the surrounding atmosphere by means of a ventilation channel (28, 92), wherein the two channels provided for this purpose, the reservoir ventilation channel and the valve ventilation channel, are designed as separate channels with separate inlets on an outer surface of the dispensing head.