High Viscosity Fluid Dispensing System with Heating and Nozzle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for dispensing high viscosity sealants are time-consuming, inaccurate, and require frequent cartridge replacements, with difficulty increasing at greater distances and viscosities above 10,000 centiPoise, leading to inefficiencies and cleanup challenges.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing system featuring a housing with a friction-reducing inner surface and heating system to decrease viscosity, combined with a nozzle system controlling exit pressure through a nozzle screen with tapered holes, allowing precise dispensing over desired distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sealant is manually dispensed from a cartridge, then application is possible, but the process is time-consuming and requires frequent cartridge replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable sealant cartridges that are inexpensive and designed for single-use or limited-use cycles. These cartridges can be quickly replaced without requiring complex cleanup or maintenance procedures, thereby maintaining high dispensing productivity while minimizing time loss during cartridge replacements. The disposable nature eliminates contamination risks and simplifies the replacement process.
2Measurement precision
If sealant is dispensed from current methods, then application is possible, but accuracy decreases as distance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical dispensing mechanisms with a pneumatic or electronic control system that can precisely regulate sealant flow and droplet formation. This substitution enables accurate pattern formation even at greater distances from the substrate, as the controlled ejection mechanism maintains consistent droplet size, velocity, and placement accuracy regardless of dispensing distance variations.
3Reliability
If high viscosity sealant (above 10,000 cP) is used, then desired sealing properties are achieved, but dispensing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a heating system integrated into the dispensing apparatus to dynamically adjust the temperature of high-viscosity sealant during storage and dispensing. By controlling temperature parameters, the system reduces sealant viscosity to facilitate easy pumping and precise dispensing, then allows it to return to higher viscosity for effective sealing. This parameter change enables the use of high-viscosity sealants with superior sealing properties while maintaining ease of operation.
4Reliability
If high viscosity sealant is dispensed, then desired sealing properties are achieved, but pattern accuracy and dispensing control become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact dispensing with a controlled ejection system that uses pneumatic pressure and electronic control to dispense high-viscosity sealant. This substitution enables precise control over droplet formation, size, and placement, achieving accurate patterns even with high-viscosity materials that would otherwise be difficult to control. The system maintains manufacturing precision while ensuring the sealant retains its high-viscosity sealing properties.
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 enables efficient, accurate dispensing of high viscosity sealants over long distances with reduced viscosity and controlled pressure, enhancing mobility and precision while minimizing waste and cartridge replacements.
Implementation Method 1
The heating system may be configured to heat the fluid within the chamber to reduce a viscosity of the fluid in the chamber such that the tendency of the fluid to flow through the chamber is increased
Implementation Method 2
The friction-reducing material may be configured to reduce friction generated between the fluid and the inner surface such that a tendency of the fluid to flow through the chamber is increased
Implementation Method 3
The nozzle screen may comprise a plurality of holes having a plurality of sizes selected to control an exit pressure of the fluid across the nozzle screen as the fluid exits the nozzle screen such that the fluid is dispensed towards a surface in a desired spray pattern with a desired velocity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for dispensing a fluid. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a housing comprising a chamber, a dispensing device, and a nozzle system. The housing may be configured to receive the fluid. The housing may be configured to increase a tendency of the fluid to flow within the chamber. The dispensing device may be configured to move the fluid in the chamber towards an exit of the chamber such that the fluid is dispensed through the exit of the chamber. The nozzle system may be configured to control an exit pressure of the fluid that is dispensed through the nozzle system.