Volumetric Doser Locking Structure for Precise Mixing Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proportional volumetric dosers face issues with imprecise regulation of auxiliary fluid due to clamping variations and accidental loosening of locking systems, leading to inconsistent mixing ratios in industrial and agricultural applications.
Innovation Solution
A proportional volumetric doser with a locking system that uses a threaded cylinder and ring nut mechanism, combined with a lever and spring system, to create a stable shape constraint for precise volume regulation, along with a safety device to prevent accidental unlocking and a one-way valve system for controlled fluid supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a nut/counternut locking system is used to fix the cylinder position, then the device structure is simple, but the locking precision deteriorates due to clamping variations and accidental loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional nut/counternut mechanical locking system with a shape constraint mechanism. The locking system comprises a locking element with a shape constraint portion that engages with a corresponding portion on the cylinder, creating a geometric interlock that prevents relative movement without requiring clamping forces. This substitution eliminates the precision losses associated with thread play and clamping variations while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a locking element as an intermediary component between the cylinder and the pump body. This locking element contains both a shape constraint portion that engages with the cylinder and a locking portion that secures the assembly. The intermediary component translates the simple rotational motion of the locking mechanism into precise axial positioning of the cylinder, thereby achieving high locking precision without complex structures.
2Ease of manufacture
If a nut/counternut locking system is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental loosening from vibrations and improper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the nut/counternut system with a shape constraint locking mechanism that uses geometric interlocking instead of friction-based clamping. The shape constraint portion and locking portion create a deterministic mechanical interlock that cannot loosen under vibration or improper operation, as long as the geometric features remain engaged. This substitution maintains ease of manufacture through simple machining operations while dramatically improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is designed to prevent accidental loosening before it can occur. The shape constraint portion geometrically prevents the cylinder from moving axially relative to the pump body, and the locking portion secures this configuration. The design inherently resists the forces that would cause loosening (vibration, thermal expansion, improper operation) rather than relying on friction or complex multi-component assemblies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cylinder axial position is regulated manually, then the dosing chamber volume can be adjusted, but the regulation precision deteriorates due to locking system movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the nut/counternut positioning system with a shape constraint mechanism that provides deterministic axial positioning. The shape constraint portion engages with a corresponding feature on the pump body at a specific axial location, creating a precise and repeatable position. This eliminates the position variations caused by clamping forces in traditional systems, allowing manual regulation of the dosing chamber volume with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is designed to establish the precise axial position of the cylinder before any dosing operation begins. The shape constraint and locking mechanism pre-set the cylinder position, ensuring that the dosing chamber volume is accurately determined before the dosing process starts. This preliminary precise positioning eliminates errors that would otherwise occur during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a proportional volumetric doser (10) comprising a motor (20) to which a pump (30) is connected, which pump (30) comprises a tubular sleeve (80) inside which a cylinder (85) is housed in which a small doser piston (62) slides, mechanically connected to an output shaft of the motor (20), wherein an inner surface of the cylinder (85) and the small piston (62) partially define a dosing chamber (48) of an auxiliary fluid to be mixed in the motor (20) in a prefixed amount with the main fluid, where said cylinder (85) has a threaded outer portion that meshes with a threaded portion of a ring nut (70) so that a rotation of the ring nut (70) causes an axial translation of the cylinder (85) and the variation of the volume of the dosing chamber (48), said proportional volumetric doser (30) being characterized in that the sleeve (80) comprises a locking system (100) configured to mechanically lock the cylinder (85) with respect to the tubular sleeve (80) by creating a shape constraint.