Variable Volume Metering System for Hot Melt Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid metering systems for hot melt adhesives struggle to rapidly change volumetric outputs to achieve desired deposition patterns and volumes on substrates, especially when processing different products at varying speeds, as altering pump motor speed is insufficient to meet the required changes.
Innovation Solution
The system employs two independent rotary gear-type metering pumps that can output precisely metered amounts of hot melt adhesive, allowing for independent control and combination of volumes, with electrically controlled solenoid-actuated valves to manage flow and achieve different operational states, including partial and full volume modes, enabling flexible and precise deposition patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the speed of the pump motor drive is altered to change volumetric output, then the output volume can be adjusted, but the response time is too slow to meet rapid volume changes required during substrate processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the single pump function into two separate pumps (first pump and second pump), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to rapidly switch between different volume outputs by controlling which pump operates, rather than slowly adjusting a single pump's speed. The first pump can deliver full volume while the second pump delivers partial volume, enabling quick transitions between deposition volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different pump configurations (first pump only, second pump only, both pumps together) based on real-time processing requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows immediate adaptation to changing substrate processing speeds and adhesive volume requirements, overcoming the slow response time of motor speed adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single pump system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot achieve multiple deposition patterns and volume variations required for different substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two independent pumps instead of one, allowing each pump to be controlled separately to create different deposition patterns. The first pump can handle full-volume deposition while the second pump handles partial-volume deposition, enabling versatile pattern creation. This segmentation provides the adaptability needed for different substrates while keeping each pump unit relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-pump system serves multiple functions: it can operate with only the first pump for full volume, only the second pump for partial volume, or both pumps together for combined volume. This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle various deposition requirements (different volumes, patterns, and speeds) without needing entirely different pump configurations for each case.
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 approach allows for rapid adjustment of adhesive volumes and patterns on substrates, ensuring accurate and efficient application by enabling independent control of adhesive output from each pump and combination of outputs, thereby addressing the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
electrically controlled solenoid-actuated valves to manage flow
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of making an article having a substrate and a material applied thereto includes providing a metered fluid dispensing system having a supply of fluid to be dispensed, an output device having at least one dispensing nozzle, at least two pumps (104, 106) for pumping fluid from the supply to the at least one dispensing nozzle (188). The pumps (104, 106) are in close proximity to the dispensing nozzle (188). Output supply passageways interconnect the pumps (104, 106) and the dispensing nozzle (188), and flow control elements selectively control the passage of the fluid from the pumps (104, 106) to the nozzle (188).