High Viscosity Fluid Dispensing Nozzle with Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for dispensing high viscosity fluids, such as sealants, are inefficient and inaccurate, particularly at distances, and fail to adapt to different interface types, leading to increased cartridge replacements and cleanup issues.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing system with a housing, heating system, and nozzle configuration that reduces fluid viscosity through heating and uses a nozzle with specific channel arrangements to control fluid flow for precise deposition over various interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sealant is manually dispensed from a sealant cartridge, then the sealant can be applied to various locations, but the process is more time-consuming and requires more frequent cartridge replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by heating the sealant to reduce its viscosity, transforming it from a high viscosity state (difficult to dispense) to a lower viscosity state (easier to flow and dispense). This parameter change enables more efficient dispensing through the nozzle and reduces the frequency of cartridge replacements.
2Manufacturing precision
If sealant is dispensed from currently available methods, then it can be applied to surfaces, but the accuracy of the pattern decreases as the distance from the surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by controlling the viscosity of the sealant through temperature adjustment. By optimizing the viscosity parameter, the sealant maintains a consistent flow pattern and trajectory over longer distances, preserving pattern accuracy even when the nozzle is positioned farther from the surface.
3Reliability
If sealant with viscosity above 10,000 cP is dispensed, then it provides desired sealing properties, but it is more difficult to dispense in a desired pattern with desired accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the temperature of the sealant during dispensing. The heating system reduces the viscosity of high viscosity sealant (above 10,000 cP) to improve flow characteristics and ease of dispensing, while maintaining the chemical composition and sealing effectiveness of the original material.
4Adaptability or versatility
If currently available dispensing systems are used, then they can dispense sealant, but they are unable to adapt to different interface types (seam, cross-seam, fastener head interfaces)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a nozzle system with adjustable parameters that can accommodate multiple interface types (seam, cross-seam, fastener head interfaces). The heating and viscosity control mechanisms enable the same dispensing system to adapt to different sealing requirements without requiring separate specialized equipment for each interface type.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for depositing a fluid over an interface. A nozzle may comprise a body having a first end and a second end, an input located at the first end of the body, an output located at the second end of the body, and a plurality of channels located within the body. The input may be configured to receive a fluid. The plurality of channels may have a configuration that causes the fluid received through the input to flow through the plurality of channels and exit the output to form a deposition having a desired shape over an interface.