초록 ▼

A fluid dispensing control for controlling the dispensing of a fluid by a metering valve through a nozzle onto a workpiece. An initial value of a flow characteristic of the fluid is determined that is correlated to the relationship between the flow rate of the fluid and nozzle pressure. Desired nozz

A fluid dispensing control for controlling the dispensing of a fluid by a metering valve through a nozzle onto a workpiece. An initial value of a flow characteristic of the fluid is determined that is correlated to the relationship between the flow rate of the fluid and nozzle pressure. Desired nozzle pressure values are periodically determined by evaluating a model of flow rate of the fluid through nozzle in response to the initial value of the flow characteristic and a desired flow rate value. Thereafter, the control provides command signals to the metering valve as a function of the desired nozzle pressures. A new value of the flow characteristic is determined as a function of the measured volume of fluid dispensed during the dispensing cycle to the measured nozzle pressure. During a subsequent dispensing cycle, the control determines the desired nozzle pressures by evaluating the model of flow rate of the fluid through the nozzle as a function of the new value of the flow characteristic. The process of reevaluating the flow characteristic over successive dispensing cycles as a function of measured volumes of fluid dispensed and measured nozzle pressures, and using those updated values to reevaluate the model of flow rate of fluid through the nozzle, is repeated.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of compensating for variations in flow characteristics over successive periods during which a fluid is being dispensed by a metering valve through a nozzle and onto a workpiece comprising the steps of: (a) providing an initial value of a flow characteristic of the fluid correlated to a flow

A method of compensating for variations in flow characteristics over successive periods during which a fluid is being dispensed by a metering valve through a nozzle and onto a workpiece comprising the steps of: (a) providing an initial value of a flow characteristic of the fluid correlated to a flow rate of the fluid and nozzle pressure; (b) periodically determining desired nozzle pressure values by evaluating a model of flow rate of the fluid through the nozzle in response to the initial value of the flow characteristic and a desired flow rate value during a dispensing period; (c) periodically providing command signals to the metering valve to dispense the fluid during the dispensing period as a function of the desired nozzle pressure values; (d) determining during the dispensing period a measured volume of fluid dispensed and a measured nozzle pressure; (e) determining after the dispensing period a new value of the flow characteristic of the fluid as a function of the measured volume of fluid dispensed during the dispensing period and the measured nozzle pressure; (f) periodically determining desired nozzle pressure values by evaluating the model of flow rate of the fluid through the nozzle in response to the new value of the flow characteristic of the fluid and a desired flow rate value for use during a subsequent dispensing period; and iterating steps (c) through (f).