Zero Displacement Diaphragm Sealing for Adhesive Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current precision fluid dispensing systems face issues with adhesive curing due to contact with sliding/dynamic seals, leading to system failure, and existing ceramic positive displacement pumps are complex and expensive with high maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser design featuring a diaphragm assembly with a displacement chamber and dispensing luer, utilizing a zero displacement sealing mechanism to ensure precise and consistent fluid dispensing without adhesive bonding, employing a diaphragm assembly connected by a rod for controlled fluid movement and dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a sliding/dynamic seal is used in a positive displacement pump, then the pump can deliver adhesive, but the adhesive will cure and bond to the seal causing system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a diaphragm assembly as an intermediary component that separates the adhesive from direct contact with the pump's moving parts. The diaphragm moves back and forth to displace fluid while the adhesive never contacts the diaphragm's moving surface, eliminating curing bonding issues while maintaining positive displacement pumping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional sliding/dynamic seal mechanical contact system with a diaphragm-based displacement system. Instead of relying on rotating seals that require direct mechanical contact, the diaphragm assembly uses flexible membrane movement to achieve fluid displacement without contact, eliminating the curing problem
2Reliability
If a ceramic positive displacement pump is used to prevent adhesive bonding, then reliability improves, but the device becomes complicated and expensive with high maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible diaphragm membrane as the core sealing and displacement component. This thin film structure replaces complex ceramic assemblies with a simple, flexible element that can be easily replaced if needed, reducing both complexity and cost while maintaining reliability against adhesive bonding
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm assembly is designed as a relatively simple, potentially replaceable component that is much less expensive than ceramic pump systems. If the diaphragm does fail, it can be replaced quickly and cheaply, making the overall system more economical despite the adhesive's aggressive chemical nature
3Reliability
If a ceramic positive displacement pump is used, then adhesive bonding is prevented, but regular maintenance during shutdown is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the adhesive from contact with all moving pump components by using a diaphragm barrier. This eliminates the need for maintenance shutdowns to clean or replace sealed surfaces, as the adhesive never contacts the diaphragm's moving surface, allowing continuous operation without maintenance interruptions
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 design enables precise and consistent dispensing of small fluid doses, enhancing the longevity and reliability of the dispenser while avoiding adhesive curing issues, with improved operational simplicity and reduced maintenance costs compared to ceramic pumps.
Implementation Method 1
The diaphragm assembly is movable between a first position wherein the first diaphragm moves the fluid from the receiving chamber to the dispensing chamber along the fluid flow path and a second position wherein the second diaphragm moves the fluid from the dispensing chamber to the displacement chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid dispenser for dispensing small doses of fluid includes a dispenser housing, a diaphragm assembly, a displacement chamber, and a dispensing luer. The dispenser housing has a first end for receiving the fluid and a second end for dispensing the fluid. The dispenser housing defines a fluid flow path from a receiving chamber adjacent the first end to a dispensing chamber adjacent the second end. The diaphragm assembly includes a first diaphragm within the receiving chamber and a second diaphragm within the dispensing chamber wherein the first diaphragm is operably connected to the second diaphragm. The diaphragm assembly is movable between a first position wherein the first diaphragm moves the fluid from the receiving chamber to the dispensing chamber along the fluid flow path and a second position wherein the second diaphragm moves the fluid from the dispensing chamber to the displacement chamber.