The Background
Foam in Place packaging machines have many elements within them. A key element and perhaps the backbone of the Machine is the Nozzle that dispenses the foam. The Urethane foams used by this process is a 2-part mixture that when combined produces the foaming action that makes the process possible. Additionally, when these two parts are brought together not only do, they foam but they adhere to practically anything that they come into contact with. The mixing nozzle on the competitors’ machine was protected via US and foreign patents. A nozzle and associated mechanism needed to be engineered that was superior to the existing nozzle and did not violate the existing patents.
The Engineering
- Study and decipher all claims of existing patents
- Implement an Engineering direction capable of patent avoidance
- Engineer the new nozzle with dispenser assembly for testing and implementation
- Dispenser Sub assembly included nozzle activation via servo motor, with integral gear driven cleaning mechanism, heating elements, controls feedback and filter system.
- Implement Nozzle into new subassembly while improving other shortcoming of Foam dispensing subassembly
- Prepare full Engineering database and drawing release for production implementation
The Results
A new nozzle and dispenser assembly was Engineer with increased performance, avoided existing patents and provided the Client with additional patent protection for their machine. The machine was brought to market and gave the client the increase in market share they expected.
