Nozzle assembly for consumption optimization

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an improved nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes a jetting element for jetting a medium through an outlet (e.g., onto a surface), an active conduit for supplying a first medium to the jetting element, and a passive conduit for supplying a second medium to the jetting element. The jetting element includes a jet that is actively fed a pressurized flow of the first medium (i.e., a motive fluid) through an annular injection port coupled to the active conduit, and the jet is passively fed the second medium through a suction duct disposed centrally in the injection port. The jet effectively produces a uniform jet of the medium from the two different medium feeds using the Venturi effect. A system including the nozzle assembly, and a method of using each nozzle assembly are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and all advantages of European Patent Application No. 20290060.1 (EP20290060), filed on 10 August 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to cleaning systems and apparatus, and more specifically, to cleaner nozzle assemblies and related methods and systems. Background Technology

[0004] Various cleaning devices are used across numerous industries, and washer nozzles are frequently used to deliver fluids (e.g., cleaning / washing fluids) to surfaces. For example, most commercial vehicles include one or more washer nozzles connected to a fluid source and fixed close to various structures (e.g., windshields, windows, headlight lenses, etc.) to spray cleaning / washing fluid onto the exterior surfaces of the structures to be cleaned. Washer nozzles are also used to clean external cameras and driver assistance sensors, which are becoming increasingly common and are often available as standard or optional equipment. For example, driverless and autonomous vehicles, with their increasing prevalence and production volume, typically require even more cameras and sensors for navigation and guidance, driving and safety, and interior performance compared to more traditional vehicles.

[0005] Unfortunately, conventional washer nozzles and related cleaning devices have several drawbacks, including the necessary increase in manufacturing costs and labor associated with the solutions described above, system weight, and the number of customized components required (e.g., for new models / designs). For example, over time, adjustable parts may become non-standard from normal operation, leading to reduced efficiency in the cleaning process. These drawbacks particularly limit cleaning systems for cameras and sensors, especially those associated with autonomous and / or self-driving vehicle systems, which often require more efficient cleaning due to the influence of environmental factors on these systems, where they may become ineffective and, if left uncorrected, impair normal system function and / or vehicle operation.

[0006] For example, to optimize the cleaning process, conventional washer nozzles typically rely on kinetic energy to clean the substrate with a given cleaning fluid. To do this, such devices use pressurized cleaning fluid, which is directed onto the surface of the structure to be cleaned (e.g., through a nozzle). Over time, especially when using vehicles in high-soil environments, this normal operation requires excessive amounts of cleaning fluid to function properly. This is wasteful and can lead to premature depletion of the cleaning fluid between normal maintenance intervals, ultimately resulting in the vehicle being unable to operate safely without maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An improved nozzle assembly is provided. The nozzle assembly includes an injection element comprising an outlet and an injector. The injector is adapted to guide a dual-medium jet through the outlet, and the injector includes a mixing cylinder and a diffuser. The diffuser includes an inlet disposed around a central suction conduit, and the mixing cylinder extends along an axis between the diffuser and the outlet. The nozzle assembly also includes an active conduit for guiding a first medium into the injector of the injection element, and a passive conduit adapted to allow a second medium into the injector. The active conduit includes an inlet and a pair of constriction channels, the inlet being adapted to receive a pressurized flow of the first medium, each of the pair of constriction channels extending between the inlet and the inlet of the injection element. The passive conduit includes an inlet and a feed shaft, the inlet being adapted to receive a passive supply of the second medium, the feed shaft extending between the inlet and the central suction conduit of the injection element and located between the pair of constriction channels of the active conduit.

[0008] A system including a nozzle assembly is also provided. The system includes a first medium source, a second medium source, and a sensor. The first medium source is operatively coupled to an active conduit of the nozzle assembly, the second medium source is operatively coupled to a passive conduit of the nozzle assembly, and the sensor is positioned adjacent to the outlet such that a dual-medium jet guided from the outlet of the nozzle assembly will contact the surface of the sensor.

[0009] These and other features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of specific embodiments when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly according to this disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional side view of the nozzle assembly, shown during operation;

[0012] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly including the radial diffuser near the outlet;

[0013] Figure 4This is a front view of the nozzle assembly including the radial diffuser;

[0014] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly including the radial diffuser, shown in operation;

[0015] Figure 6 It is a top cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly including the radial diffuser;

[0016] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly including the radial diffuser;

[0017] Figure 8 This is a top cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly including the radial diffuser, shown in operation;

[0018] Figure 9 This is a top cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly, shown during operation;

[0019] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of a nozzle assembly including multiple outlets;

[0020] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional side perspective view of a nozzle assembly including multiple outlets;

[0021] Figure 12 It is a top cross-sectional view of a nozzle assembly including multiple outlets;

[0022] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a system including a nozzle assembly;

[0023] Figure 14 It is a schematic diagram of another system including a nozzle assembly; and

[0024] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle including a nozzle assembly system. Detailed Implementation

[0025] An improved nozzle assembly is provided. As described herein, the nozzle assembly is configured to connect to at least two media sources, an active / powered media source and a passive media source, and the nozzle assembly is positioned near the surface to be cleaned, and is adapted to prepare and direct a combined media jet onto the surface. As will be understood from the description herein, the nozzle assembly has a variety of applications, but is suitable for installation on vehicles (e.g., near sensors, cameras, lights, lenses, windows / windshields, etc.) to deliver a cleaning media flow to its surface. Furthermore, the unique design and material structure of the nozzle assembly allows for improved cleaning efficiency and effectiveness, reduced calibration and / or maintenance, increased usability and convenience, reduced number of parts, and other benefits that will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the embodiments shown and described herein. For example, by using the specific media and construction described herein, the nozzle assembly prepares an entrained cleaning media with the kinetic energy required for effective cleaning, while reducing cleaning fluid consumption by up to or greater than 90% compared to other single-media and / or dual-media cleaning nozzles.

[0026] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, in which the same numerals denote corresponding components throughout the various views, the nozzle assembly is shown and generally designated 20. The nozzle assembly 20 may be structurally integral (i.e., comprising a single component or multiple components permanently connected together), or alternatively, may comprise multiple components releasably, removably, or semi-permanently coupled or connected together, such that the nozzle assembly 20 may also be described or otherwise defined as “nozzle 20,” “nozzle system 20,” and “nozzle device 20,” etc. Certain features of the nozzle assembly 20 are functional but may be implemented with different aesthetic constructions.

[0027] Generally, the nozzle assembly 20 comprises three main components: an injection element 22, an active conduit 38, and a passive conduit 44. These components are adapted to be integrally formed or otherwise operably connected together, optionally, in a releasable manner, as described in further detail below. These structures, features, and functions of the nozzle assembly 20 are described in more detail herein and illustrated by the specific embodiments shown in the figures and described below. As with the nozzle assembly 20 as a whole, certain features of the injection element 22, the active conduit 38, and the passive conduit 44 are functional in themselves, but can be implemented with different aesthetic constructions.

[0028] As described above, the nozzle assembly 20 includes an injection element 22. Generally, the injection element 22 is configured to receive and combine at least two different media (e.g., cleaning media) from at least two separate media sources, and is adapted to form and direct a jet (e.g., a stream) of the combined media exiting the nozzle assembly 20 from the outlet 24 (e.g., onto the surface to be cleaned). For this purpose, the injection element 22 includes an ejector 26 located upstream of the outlet 24.

[0029] The injector 26 of the injection element 22 generally includes a mixing cylinder 28 and a diffuser 30. As described below, the diffuser 30 includes an inlet through which the medium is supplied to the mixing cylinder 28 and subsequently to an outlet 24. Thus, the mixing cylinder 28 generally extends between the diffuser 30 and the outlet 24 and is in fluid communication with both the diffuser 30 and the outlet 24.

[0030] As those skilled in the art will understand, an ejector (e.g., ejector 26) is a jet pump designed to utilize Bernoulli's principle to increase the velocity of the motive fluid by causing a jet of working fluid (i.e., the "motive fluid") to flow along a flow path (e.g., a Venturi tube, orifice plate, etc.) through a contraction point, thereby creating a low-pressure region (i.e., the "Venturi effect") along the flow path after contraction. When a passive fluid supply source is connected to the flow path via an inlet near the low-pressure region, the low-pressure region can be used to draw the passive fluid into the motive fluid flow path (e.g., via suction, atmospheric pressure acting on the passive fluid supply source, etc.). It should be understood that the general principles used in such ejectors are the same as those in other fluid devices designed around the Venturi effect, including certain aspirators, suction devices, inflators, steam siphons, etc. Therefore, although the term "ejector" is used herein to refer to the general function of certain portions of the jet element 22 of the nozzle assembly 20, this designation does not limit the scope or design of the nozzle assembly 20. On the contrary, as those skilled in the art will understand from the accompanying drawings and description herein, the unique design of the nozzle assembly 20 in general and the injection element 22 in specific aspects provides particular advantages / improvements over conventional nozzle designs, for example (especially) in terms of operational efficiency and effectiveness.

[0031] Furthermore, regarding the injector 26, the mixing cylinder 28 is not particularly limited and can be implemented in various configurations. Generally, the mixing cylinder 28 is adapted to receive the turbulent flow of medium from the diffuser 30 and guide it to the outlet 24. Due to the configuration of the medium inlet of the diffuser 30, as further described below, the mixing cylinder 28 does not need to include specific mixing elements (e.g., baffles, mixing blades, etc.), but can instead be configured as a simple conduit or tube defining a channel extending between the diffuser 30 and the outlet 24. In such embodiments, the baffle-less / blade-less design minimizes interference with the flow of medium through the injection element 22, and this improves the efficiency of the nozzle assembly 20. However, in other embodiments, the mixing cylinder 28 may include one or more mixing elements (not shown) to increase the uniformity of the medium flowing through it. Such embodiments may be used, for example, when the nozzle assembly 20 will operate in a confined space such that the injection element 22 is configured to have a minimum length. In some embodiments, the mixing cylinder 28 is straight or substantially straight and extends along a central axis (not shown) between the diffuser 30 and the outlet 24. In other embodiments, the mixing cylinder 28 is non-linear and forms a tortuous flow path.

[0032] The diffuser 30 of the ejector 26 is generally adapted to receive separate media flows in the form of a kinetic fluid and a passive fluid, and is configured to generate a single media turbulence from these media flows, as described in further detail below. The diffuser 30 of the ejector 26 is generally disposed near the mixing cylinder 28 opposite to the outlet 24. However, the diffuser 30 may be integral with the mixing cylinder 28 (i.e., the diffuser 30 may simply form a portion of the mixing cylinder 28 away from the outlet 24), provided that it is otherwise constructed as described herein.

[0033] As those skilled in the art will understand, with respect to fluid devices (e.g., ejectors), the term "diffuser" generally refers to a device or portion thereof that increases fluid pressure by slowing down the fluid, in the same context as "nozzle," which generally refers to a device that increases fluid velocity at the expense of pressure. However, for the diffusion portion 30, the term "diffuse" is used to refer to the general function of the illustrated portion of the ejector element 22, in which separate media flows are combined, for example, due to the Venturi effect produced by the construction of the ejector 26. Therefore, the diffusion portion 30 may be separate from the mixing cylinder 28, or alternatively, may overlap with the mixing cylinder 28. In any case, as shown in the figures, the diffusion portion 30 of the ejector 26 refers to the portion of the ejector 26 that introduces the medium and subsequently combines it within the ejector element 22.

[0034] The diffuser 30 of the injector 26 includes an inlet 32 ​​adapted to guide kinetic fluid into the mixing chamber 28. More specifically, the inlet 32 ​​is configured to receive and guide an active (e.g., pressurized) medium flow into a channel of the mixing chamber 28. In this configuration, the inlet 32 ​​can be straight or curved relative to the flow path of the channel, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet can be substantially uniform or gradually varying (e.g., contracting / expanding along the flow path). For example, in some embodiments, the diameter of the inlet 32 ​​decreases along the flow path into the mixing chamber 28 near the diffuser 30. In other embodiments, the inlet 32 ​​has a constant or substantially constant diameter along the flow path into the diffuser 30. In other embodiments, the diameter of the inlet 32 ​​increases along the flow path into the mixing chamber 28. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the specific configuration of the inlet 32 ​​will be selected based on the components of the nozzle assembly 20 located upstream of the inlet 32 ​​to achieve the desired function of the injector 26, which will be described below. Typically, the inlet 32 ​​is configured as an axial conduit to guide the active medium flow annularly into the mixing cylinder 28 about a central axis (not shown) extending along the flow path. In some such embodiments, the inlet 32 ​​is configured to guide the active medium flow annularly through the diffuser 30 along a flow path coaxial with the mixing cylinder 28. This configuration allows the inlet 32 ​​to enter the center of the active medium flow, as described below, to increase the mixing of the passive medium in the active medium and optionally increase the entrainment of the passive medium in the active medium (e.g., to produce a homogeneous or substantially homogeneous two-phase medium flow).

[0035] In some embodiments, the injection element 22 includes a radial diffuser 34, which consists of a series of blades, vanes, fins, or other protrusions (generally referred to herein as "vanes" for simplicity) disposed in the flow path of the inlet 32 ​​at the diffuser 30. Such vanes and similar features are typically used to provide an impact surface that both breaks the medium flow into droplets and guides the medium flow (e.g., in the form of droplets) into a specific flow pattern, for example, in some embodiments, such as... Figures 3 to 5 and Figures 7 to 8As shown, the injection element 22 includes a radial diffuser 34, which is a series of vanes arranged annularly in the form of a turbine within the diffuser portion 30, adapted to impart a desired pattern to the medium being delivered via the nozzle assembly (i.e., "injection pattern"). As those skilled in the art will understand, the radial diffuser 34 may include any number of individual vanes, typically selected based on the desired dimensions of the nozzle assembly 20 and / or its individual components, such as the diameter of the outlet 24, the diameter of the mixing cylinder 28, etc. Similarly, there are no particular limitations on the size, shape, and geometry of the nozzle vanes, and they may also be selected based on the overall nozzle assembly 20 and its individual components. For example, as described in detail below, the diffuser portion 30 of the injector 26 includes an intake port to allow fluid to enter the center of the flow path of the motive fluid as it is directed into the mixing cylinder via the inlet 32. In such an embodiment, the vanes of the radial diffuser 34 are typically arranged radially around the central intake port within the diffuser portion 30, such that the radial diffuser 34 is adapted to impart a helical pattern to the motive fluid injected into the mixing cylinder 28 via the inlet 32. Since the mixing cylinder 28 is in communication with the outlet 24, the radial diffuser 34 includes components that can be used to configure the nozzle assembly 20 as a helical jet nozzle, as understood by those skilled in the art. Given the description of the other components of the jet element 22, it can be understood that in such embodiments, the nozzle assembly 20 is typically configured as a full-cone jet nozzle to deliver the medium over the entire area of ​​the surface, rather than as a hollow cone, which could be used if a hollow jet mode is required.

[0036] As described above, the construction of the radial diffuser 34 is not particularly limited and can be varied to provide the desired injection pattern to the nozzle assembly 20. For example, in some embodiments, the vanes of the radial diffuser 34 include a central pitch of 5° to 50°, such as 10°, 20°, or 30°. Similarly, in some such embodiments, the vanes of the radial diffuser 34 include swirls of 15° to 25°, such as 20°. Dimensions outside these ranges can also be used. Therefore, it should be understood that the radial diffuser 34 provides a variable component to the nozzle assembly 20 that can be used to selectively adjust the angle of the injection cone generated during operation of the nozzle assembly 20 described herein (e.g., by selecting the pitch degree of the vanes of the radial diffuser 34). While specific embodiments of the nozzle assembly 20 include the radial diffuser 34, other types of injection guiding / pattern elements may be used in addition to or in place of the radial diffuser 34.

[0037] The diffuser 30 of the injector 26 includes a suction conduit 36 ​​adapted to guide a passive fluid (e.g., a medium) into the mixing cylinder 28. More specifically, the suction conduit 36 ​​is configured as a channel for receiving and guiding the medium flow into the mixing cylinder 28. In this configuration, the suction conduit 36 ​​can be straight or curved relative to the flow path of the channel, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the suction conduit can be substantially uniform or gradually varying (e.g., contracting / expanding along the flow path). For example, in some embodiments, the diameter of the suction conduit 36 ​​decreases along the flow path into the mixing cylinder 28 near the diffuser 30. In other embodiments, the suction conduit 36 ​​has a constant or substantially constant diameter along the flow path into the mixing cylinder 28. In still other embodiments, the diameter of the suction conduit 36 ​​increases along the flow path into the mixing cylinder 28. As those skilled in the art will understand, the specific structure of the suction conduit 36 ​​will be selected based on the components of the nozzle assembly 20 located upstream of and / or parallel to the suction conduit 36 ​​(e.g., the inlet 32 ​​described herein) to achieve the desired function of the injector 26. Typically, the suction conduit 36 ​​is configured as a straight channel adapted to guide the passive medium flow along a central axis (not shown) extending along the flow path into the mixing cylinder 28. In some embodiments, the suction conduit 36 ​​is configured to guide the passive medium flow through the diffuser 30 along a central flow path coaxial with the mixing cylinder 28. This configuration allows the suction conduit 36 ​​to guide the passive medium to the center of the active medium flow, for example, when the inlet 32 ​​is configured as an axial conduit as described above. In this configuration, the suction conduit 36 ​​may be referred to as a central suction conduit 36. When the central suction conduit 36 ​​is used in this manner, the injector 26 increases the mixing of the passive medium in the active medium and optionally increases the entrainment of the passive medium in the active medium (e.g., to produce a homogeneous or substantially homogeneous two-phase medium flow).

[0038] As described above, the injection element 22 includes an outlet 24 located downstream of the mixing cylinder 28. The size and / or shape of the outlet 24 are not limited and will generally be selected based on the dimensions of other components of the injection element 22 (e.g., the diameter, length, and / or volume of the mixing cylinder 28, etc.) to discharge the medium passing through it as a jet from the outlet 24. Thus, the outlet 24 can be configured to produce various injection patterns, such as fan-shaped jets, jet jets, etc. For example, in some embodiments, injection forming elements (e.g., inserts, limiters, guides, rotators, etc. (not shown)) may be provided at the outlet 24 to achieve or otherwise construct / produce a specific injection pattern (e.g., focused / directional jet jets, oscillating jets, combinations of jet and fan-shaped jets, etc.). In these or other embodiments, the outlet 24 may be adapted to cooperate with another component of the injection element 22 (e.g., a radial diffuser 34) to guide the medium from which it is ejected. Therefore, it can be understood that the outlet 24 may be a separable component of the injection element 22, or alternatively, may refer to the end of the mixing cylinder 28 leading to the nozzle assembly 20.

[0039] As described above, the nozzle assembly 20 includes an active conduit 38. Typically, the active conduit 38 is configured to receive (e.g., from a media source) an active medium (i.e., a pressurized medium) and is adapted to guide and inject the active medium into the diffuser 30 of the injection element 22 via the injection port 32.

[0040] like Figure 2 , Figures 5 to 9 and Figures 11 to 12 As shown, the active conduit 38 typically extends between the inlet 40 and the injection port 32 of the injection element 22. The inlet 40 is not particularly restricted and typically includes connection means for securing additional components to a portion of the inlet. For example, in Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, inlet 40 is configured as a male barbed connector, for example, for securely receiving a hose or other suitable female connector. It should be understood that other components that can be connected to the nozzle assembly 20 via inlet 40 typically include tubular structures to allow fluid access to the active conduit 38, such that suitable connection means for inlet 40 can include any type of fastener / connector / coupler that allows fluid access to the active conduit 38.

[0041] like Figures 6 to 9As shown, the active conduit 38 includes a pair of channels 42, each extending between the inlet 40 and the injection port 32 of the injection element 22. The channels 42 are generally adapted to each receive (e.g., via the inlet 40) a portion of the medium injected into the active conduit 38 and are otherwise unrestricted. In particular, the channels 42 may comprise any size suitable for use in conjunction with other components and functions of the nozzle assembly 20 as described herein. Thus, the dimensions (e.g., diameter, volume, etc.) of each of the channels 42 can be selected independently, for example, to control the rate at which the medium can be injected into the injection element 22 via the injection port 32. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the channels 42 may be substantially uniform or gradually varying (e.g., contracting / expanding along the flow path to the injection port 32).

[0042] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area (i.e., diameter) of each of the channels 42 decreases along the flow path from inlet 40 to inlet 32. In other embodiments, each of the channels 42 includes a constant or substantially constant diameter along the flow path into inlet 32. Typically, the cross-sectional area of ​​each channel 42 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the active conduit 38 at inlet 40. In such embodiments, the channels 42 may be referred to as constriction channels 42. In some embodiments, the plurality of constriction channels 42 comprise a total cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the active conduit 38 at inlet 40.

[0043] Typically, each of the channels 42 forms a curved path at the inlet 32 ​​that is coplanar with the flow path of the active conduit 38, such that the channels 42 separate from each other along the flow path near the inlet 40 to create a space between them, and then converge towards each other near the inlet 32. In such an embodiment, as Figures 6 to 9 As shown and described in more detail below, channel 42 is located on the opposite side of passive conduit 44.

[0044] As described above, the nozzle assembly 20 includes a passive conduit 44. Typically, the passive conduit 44 is configured to facilitate the passage of passive media (i.e., unpressurized media), for example, the suction conduit 36 ​​from a media source to the injection element 22.

[0045] like Figure 2 , Figures 5 to 9 and Figures 11 to 12As shown, the passive conduit 44 typically extends between the inlet 46 and the suction conduit 36 ​​of the injection element 22. The inlet 46 is not particularly limited and typically includes connection means for securing additional components to a portion of the inlet. Suitable connection means include those described above with respect to the inlet 40, as well as other specific configurations described further below. Generally, however, it should be understood that other components capable of being connected to the nozzle assembly 20 via the inlet 46 typically include tubular structures to allow fluid access to the passive conduit 44, such that suitable connection means for the inlet 46 can include any type of fastener / connector / coupler that allows fluid access to the passive conduit 44.

[0046] The passive conduit 44 typically includes a supply shaft 48 extending between the inlet 46 and the intake conduit 36 ​​of the injection element 22. The supply shaft 48 is generally adapted to guide the medium along the flow path from the inlet 46 to the intake conduit 36 ​​and is otherwise unrestricted. In particular, the supply shaft 48 can comprise any size suitable for use in conjunction with other components and functions of the nozzle assembly 20 as described herein. Thus, the dimensions of the supply shaft 48 (e.g., diameter, volume, etc.) can be selected independently, for example, to control the rate at which the medium can enter the injection element 22 via the intake conduit 36. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the supply shaft 48 can be substantially uniform or gradually varying (e.g., contracting / expanding along the flow path to the intake conduit 36). In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the supply shaft 48 decreases (i.e., the diameter decreases) along the flow path from the inlet 46 to the intake conduit 36.

[0047] Typically, the supply shaft 48 forms a curved path such that the flow path at the inlet 46 is substantially perpendicular to the flow path at the suction pipe 36. In this way, for example in… Figures 1 to 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the supply shaft 48 of the passive conduit 44 is typically positioned between the bifurcated portions of the channel 42 of the active conduit 38. This configuration provides a media flow path to the central suction conduit 36, and the channel 42 provides a media flow path converging at the axial inlet 32. In this configuration, during operation, the active conduit 38 supplies the driving medium / fluid to the injector 26 of the injection element 22 (e.g., through the axial inlet 32), and the passive conduit 38 supplies the passive medium / fluid to the injector 26 of the injection element 22 (e.g., through the central suction conduit 36). In this way, during operation, the nozzle assembly 22 will include an annular flow of active medium around the central axis passing through the diffuser 30 and a passive medium flow entering the center of the active medium flow, such that a mixed medium flow is provided in the mixing cylinder 28 and ultimately ejected from the outlet 24.

[0048] Regarding the active conduit 38 and the passive conduit 44 (collectively, “medium conduits”), as those skilled in the art will understand, their specific dimensions are not limited and will generally be selected independently based on the function of the components described herein and the intended use of the nozzle assembly 20. Thus, the medium conduits can independently have any length, width, diameter, etc. However, regardless of the overall shape, it should be understood that the medium conduits are adapted for axial flow of a medium (e.g., a fluid), such that each medium conduit defines an internal conduit through which the medium flows into the injection element 22. Typically, the medium conduits are substantially tubular in shape to facilitate efficient and effective passage of the medium (e.g., axial fluid flow). Moreover, each medium conduit may independently include an inner surface (e.g., the inner surface of the internal conduit), which may be bare or coated / treated to, for example, alter (i.e., increase / decrease) its properties such as lubricity, chemical resistance, toughness, etc.

[0049] In addition to the main components described above, the nozzle assembly 20 typically includes a housing 50. The housing 50 serves as an external body to house and / or define certain components of the nozzle assembly 20, and optionally to connect the nozzle assembly 20 to other components and / or systems. Specifically, the housing 50 is typically adapted to surround the injection element 22, the channel 42 of the active conduit 38, and the supply shaft 48 of the passive conduit 44. In some embodiments, the housing 50 surrounds the injection element 22, the active conduit 38, and the passive conduit 44.

[0050] In view of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that the housing 50 is not particularly limited (e.g., in shape, size, additional functions, etc.) except for the specific features described herein, and will be selected and / or constructed by those skilled in the art, for example, considering the specific jetting element 22 used, the intended use of the nozzle assembly 20, etc. The housing 50 may be structurally integral (i.e., comprising a single component or multiple components permanently connected together), or optionally, may comprise multiple components releasably, removably, or semi-permanently coupled or connected together. When the housing 50 comprises multiple components / parts, the housing can be assembled by joining these components / parts together using any suitable mechanical coupling or other interlocking, such as snap-fit ​​couplings or engagements. In some embodiments, one or more components / parts of the housing 50 may be integrally formed with each other, for example by injection molding, additive manufacturing, etc.

[0051] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown in detail, the nozzle assembly 20 includes an adapter 52. Typically, the adapter 52 is configured to be operatively coupled to the housing 50 near the suction port 46 of the passive conduit 44 to provide a connection / attachment point, for example, for an external component (e.g., a media source). The attachment is not particularly limited and is typically configured as a male or female connector suitable for connection / attachment to an external component (e.g., a hose connected to a fluid source).

[0052] Apart from the specific features described herein, the adapter 52 is not particularly limited (e.g., in shape, size, additional functionality, etc.) and will be selected and / or constructed by those skilled in the art, for example, taking into account the construction of the inlet 46, one or more parts / components of the housing 50, other external components to be attached thereto, etc. Typically, when in use, the nozzle assembly 20 includes the adapter 52 as a separate component, which is releasably coupled to and seals against the housing 50 near the inlet 46. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the adapter 52 includes a connecting device (not shown) for securing the adapter 52 to the housing 50. In such embodiments, suitable connecting devices include fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners such as bolts, screws, push fasteners, clamping fasteners, etc.), connectors (e.g., quick connectors, threaded connectors / connectors, etc.), couplings (e.g., male-female couplings, crimp couplings, etc.), clamps, adhesives, etc., and various combinations thereof. Therefore, it should be understood that the housing 50 of the nozzle assembly 20 may also include a connecting device that, together with the connecting device of the adapter 52, is cooperatively adapted to engage with each other to connect / join the adapter 52 and the housing 50 together.

[0053] As will be understood from the description herein, adapter 52 is configured for fluid to pass through it, i.e., to allow a medium to pass through adapter 52 and reach suction port 46. Therefore, adapter 52 itself includes an internal conduit 54 passing through it. In some embodiments, adapter 52 includes a check valve configured for unidirectional flow into housing 50 and ultimately into suction port 46 of passive conduit 44, i.e., to prevent backflow from passive conduit 44 through adapter 52. In addition to this function, the check valve is not particularly limited and may include any components and / or constructions known in the art suitable for use as a check valve.

[0054] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, adapter 52 includes a neck 56 through which conduit 54 passes, generally perpendicular to the flow path of conduit 54 within the rest of adapter 52. In these embodiments, the check valve includes a resiliently deformable sleeve 58 configured to be disposed around the neck 56. In such embodiments, the neck 56 acts as a valve stem and the sleeve 58 acts as a gate to impede fluid flow through adapter 52, for example by moving into or out of a valve seat (not shown) formed in a receiving portion of housing 50. It should be understood that other types / constructions of check valves may also be employed and / or used in nozzle assembly 20, forming part of adapter 52 and / or another component of housing 50, and / or including additional component portions such as return springs, plungers, diaphragms, etc.

[0055] While the above description refers to a single injection element 22, the nozzle assembly 20 may include more than one injection element 22, such as two, three, four, or five individual injection elements 22, which may be independently constructed and located around the housing 50. For example, as Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the nozzle assembly 20 may include a pair of injection elements 22, such that the nozzle assembly 20 includes two outlets 24 from which media may be ejected during operation. In such an embodiment, as Figures 11 to 12 As shown, each injection element 22 includes an inlet 32 ​​communicating with a channel 42 of an active conduit 38, a suction conduit 36 ​​communicating with a supply shaft 48 of a passive conduit 44, and an outlet 24 through which media can be delivered during operation of the nozzle assembly 20. Although not shown, each injection element 22 may also include the aforementioned radial diffuser 34, which is associated with selectively altering / selecting the injection pattern (e.g., cone angle size) from the outlet 24. Typically, when more than one injection element 22 is used, the injection elements 22 are cooperatively configured to include overlapping injection ranges, for example, for delivering media to the same or overlapping portions of a surface.

[0056] The various components of the nozzle assembly 20 described above (e.g., injection element 22, media conduits 38, 44, housing 50, etc.) and portions of these components (e.g., inlet 40 and channel 42 of active conduit 38, etc.) may be made of the same or different materials, such as any one or more materials described below.

[0057] For example, in some embodiments, the injection element 22 is structurally integral, and the composition is substantially homogeneous with respect to outlet 24, injector 26, inlet 32, suction conduit 36, and radial diffuser 34 (if present). Similarly, in some embodiments, the active conduit 38 is structurally integral, and the composition is substantially homogeneous with respect to inlet 40 and channel 42, and the passive conduit 44 is structurally integral, and the composition is substantially homogeneous with respect to suction port 46 and supply shaft 48. In these or other embodiments, the housing 50 is structurally integral and is substantially homogeneous in composition with respect to active conduit 38 and / or passive conduit 44. However, it should be understood that any component, such as housing 50, may independently comprise multiple component parts with different compositions connected together. Moreover, each component part itself may contain different combinations of materials and therefore may not contain a homogeneous composition overall. For example, in some embodiments, the nozzle assembly 20 includes an adapter 52 as a separate (e.g., separable) component, which is connected to the integral structure including housing 50.

[0058] Typically, materials suitable for or used as components of nozzle assembly 20 and / or its constituent parts include metals (e.g., steel, aluminum, alloys, etc.), resins (e.g., thermosetting and / or thermoplastic resins), and combinations thereof. However, a wide variety of materials can be used to manufacture the constituent parts and various elements of nozzle assembly 20, each typically selected based on availability, cost, performance / end-use, etc. Therefore, metals, metal alloys, and resins are not exhaustive list of suitable materials. Furthermore, it should be understood that the surface or portion of the surface of a particular constituent part of nozzle assembly 20 may be coated, painted, and / or impregnated with materials having desired properties, including but not limited to those described above or below. Moreover, those skilled in the art will readily understand that specific materials will be selected based on the characteristics and / or functions of nozzle assembly 20 or its particular components (e.g., the flexibility and elasticity of the resiliently deformable sleeve 58, etc.).

[0059] In various embodiments, the nozzle assembly 20 comprises a resin. Examples of suitable resins typically include the reaction product of a monomer and a curing agent; however, resins formed from self-polymerizing monomers (i.e., those that act as both monomers and curing agents) may also be used. It should be understood that such resins are typically named / identified based on the specific functional groups present in the reaction product. For example, the term "polyurethane resin" refers to a polymer comprising a reaction product of an isocyanate (i.e., a monomer) and a polyol (i.e., a chain extender / curing agent). The reaction of the isocyanate and the polyol produces a urethane functional group, which is not present in the unreacted monomer or curing agent. However, it should also be understood that in some cases, the resin is named based on the specific functional group (i.e., curing site) present in the monomer. For example, the term "epoxy resin" refers to a polymer comprising a crosslinking reaction product of a monomer (i.e., an epoxide) having one or more epoxy groups and a curing agent. However, as understood in the art, once cured, an epoxy resin is no longer an epoxide, or, except for any unreacted or residual epoxy groups (i.e., curing sites) that may remain after curing, an epoxy resin no longer includes epoxy groups. However, in other cases, resins can be named based on the functional groups present in the monomers and reaction products (i.e., unreacted functional groups).

[0060] In some embodiments, the resin is selected from thermosetting and thermoplastic resins. Examples of suitable thermosetting and / or thermoplastic resins typically include polyamides (PA), such as nylon; polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene terephthalate (PTT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystal polyesters, and the like; polyolefins, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polybutene, and the like; styrene resins; polyoxymethylene (POM), such as acetal homopolymers; polycarbonate (PC); polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polyphenylene oxide... Polyethylene terephthalate (PPE); polyimide (PI); polyamide-imide (PAI); polyetherimide (PEI); polysulfone (PSU); polyethersulfone; polyketone (PK); polyetherketone (PEK); polyetheretherketone (PEEK); polyetherketoneketone (PEKK); polyarylate (PAR); polyether nitrile (PEN); phenolic resins; epoxy resins, urea resins (e.g., melamine resins); phenoxy resins; fluorinated resins, such as polytetrafluoroethylene; thermoplastic elastomers, such as polystyrene, polyolefin, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, fluorinated, and the like; and copolymers, modifiers, and combinations thereof. Specific resins will be selected by those skilled in the art, for example, based on the materials to be mixed, the environment in which the nozzle assembly 20 will be used, the manufacturing methods and / or techniques selected for preparing the nozzle assembly 20 and / or its components.

[0061] Nozzle assembly 20 is not limited to any particular application or any particular medium, provided that the medium is compatible with the materials constituting the nozzle assembly itself. Typically, the medium is a fluid medium (or simply "fluid"). Suitable fluids include liquids, air and mixtures thereof, as well as fluid suspensions containing solid particles. Examples of such fluid media include a variety of cleaning ingredients and fluids known in the art, such as cleaning solutions (e.g., including soaps, surfactants, solvents, etc.), rinsing solutions (e.g., including water, rinsing aids, drying aids, etc.), drying fluids (e.g., air, etc.), and their derivatives, variations, and combinations thereof.

[0062] Typically, nozzle assembly 20 is used in conjunction with two different media sources. More specifically, active conduit 38 is typically adapted to guide a pressurized flow of a first medium (“active medium”), and passive conduit 44 is adapted to allow a second medium (“passive medium”) to pass through. The active and passive media (also referred to as “active fluid” and “passive fluid”, respectively) are independently selected and are typically different from each other.

[0063] For example, in some embodiments, the nozzle assembly 20 is adapted to use compressed gas as the active fluid and a liquid component (e.g., solution, emulsion, suspension, etc.) as the passive fluid. In some such embodiments, the nozzle assembly 20 is adapted to use compressed air as the active fluid and a liquid cleaning solution as the passive fluid. In these embodiments, the nozzle assembly 20 offers unique advantages by utilizing compressed air as a carrier (i.e., the active fluid) to provide the kinetic energy required to clean the surface through a media jet. The cleaning solution (i.e., the passive fluid) is passively supplied to the media via the ejector 26 of the jet element 22, which is designed to provide a uniform two-phase cleaning fluid flow comprising air and fluid droplets. In this way, the jet provides beneficial kinetic energy (i.e., through the air) and a solvent effect (i.e., through the cleaning solution) to maximize cleaning efficacy and performance while minimizing the consumption of the cleaning fluid by utilizing a passive supply. Moreover, the unique design of the nozzle assembly 20 provides a means of rapidly adapting to a variety of substrate geometries by including optional vanes (e.g., via radial diffuser 34), which can be included to provide a jet cone with a large angle, or otherwise alter / customize the jet pattern of the nozzle assembly 20.

[0064] Nozzle assembly 20 can be used in a variety of applications to deliver different types of media to a variety of surfaces. As an example only, nozzle assembly 20 is suitable for use as a cleaning system (e.g., for cleaning sensors, windows, etc.) or in conjunction with a cleaning system. For example, nozzle assembly 20 is designed to provide a compact and effective cleaning device suitable for cleaning a wide variety of vehicle surfaces. Therefore, a method for cleaning a surface with nozzle assembly 20 is provided. The method includes a passive supply of a second medium (e.g., a cleaning solution) to a passive conduit 44 of nozzle assembly 20 via suction port 46. The method also includes delivering a pressurized flow (e.g., compressed air) of a first medium to an active conduit 38 of nozzle assembly 20 via inlet 40, such that the first medium flows through injector 26 and entrains a portion of the second medium to create a two-phase medium, which is discharged from outlet 24.

[0065] A system 60 including a nozzle assembly 20 is also provided, and in Figure 13 The diagram is schematically shown. In addition to the nozzle assembly 20, the system 60 includes a first medium (e.g., active fluid) source / supply source 62 and an active fluid flow path 64 supplying active fluid (e.g., compressed / pressurized air) from the first medium source 62 to the inlet 40 of the active conduit 38. The system 60 also includes a second medium (e.g., passive fluid) source / supply source 66 (e.g., a reservoir, tank, etc.) and a passive fluid flow path 68 supplying passive fluid (e.g., cleaning solution) from the second medium source 66 to the suction port 46 of the passive conduit 44. Typically, the nozzle assembly 20 is positioned to deliver a combination of the first fluid / medium and the second fluid / medium to the surface 72 of the object 70 to be cleaned (e.g., a camera, sensor, glass / window glass, etc.).

[0066] In some embodiments, the passive fluid flow path 68 supplies passive fluid to the suction port 46 of the passive conduit 44 via the aforementioned adapter 52. In some such embodiments, the adapter 52 includes a check valve as described above to control the flow of passive fluid through the nozzle assembly 20 (e.g., to prevent backflow).

[0067] In addition to those specifically described herein, system 60 may include any number of additional components. For example, any number of conduits, pipes, tubes, hoses, fluid connectors, valves, controllers, and / or manifolds (not shown) may also be used to fluidly connect the various components of system 60 and / or provide fluid flow paths 64, 68 from fluid sources 62, 66 to inlet 40 and suction port 46, respectively. Similarly, it should be understood that the active fluid used during operation of nozzle assembly 20 is typically pressurized by an external system, such as a pump or compressor (not shown). Therefore, system 60 may include a compressed air supply source, an air compressor, a pump, etc. There are no particular limitations on the specific pressure suitable for use with nozzle assembly 20 (e.g., in system 60) and it will be selected based on the construction of the nozzle assembly 20 used, such as the pressure / volume / velocity required to draw passive fluid into the flow path via ejector 26, thereby providing sufficient kinetic energy for effective cleaning, etc. For example, operating pressures may be greater than 0 bar to 20 bar, such as 1 bar to 15 bar, or 1 bar to 10 bar, including extreme values. However, it should be understood that pressures outside these ranges may also be used. In some embodiments, system 60 includes a heating element (not shown) for heating the cleaning fluid before it is applied to surface 72.

[0068] System 60 may include only one nozzle assembly 20, such as Figure 13 As shown in the schematic diagram of system 60, or alternatively, it may include two or more nozzle assemblies 20, such as... Figures 14 to 15 As shown. Similarly, it should be understood that any number of nozzle assemblies 20 and / or systems 60 can be used, for example on a single vehicle, as described in more detail below. For example, in a particular embodiment, such as Figure 14 As illustrated in the schematic diagram, system 60 may include two nozzle assemblies 20. When more than one nozzle assembly 20 is used, each of the nozzle assemblies 20 is independently selected and may be identical or substantially identical, or different from each other, for example, in terms of size, dimensions, positioning, fluid / medium source, etc. For example, in some such embodiments, the nozzle assembly 20 may be connected to a common first medium source 62 along an active fluid flow path 64, and / or connected to a common second medium source 66 along a passive fluid flow path 68, such as... Figure 14 The schematic diagram is shown. However, the nozzle assembly 20 does not necessarily share a media source. For example, in some embodiments, the nozzle assembly 20 may be connected along the active fluid flow path 64 to a common first media source 62 (e.g., a compressed air supply source, such as an air compressor), but connected along the passive fluid flow path 68 to a separate / different second media source 66 (e.g., a cleaning solution reservoir), as shown. Figure 15 The schematic diagram is shown below.

[0069] In some embodiments, the system 60, including the nozzle assembly 20, is adapted or configured for cleaning vehicles (e.g., Figure 15 The surface 72 of component 70 (of a vehicle generally indicated by 74) is schematically shown. In such an embodiment, nozzle assembly 20 may be disposed at different locations on vehicle 74 to clean its different surfaces (72). Nozzle assembly 20 may be mounted to the hood, under the hood, to the front bulkhead, to the wiper arm, integrated into the rear spoiler or center high-mounted brake light (CHMSL), bumper, trunk, door, etc., or mounted on / to the rear spoiler or center high-mounted brake light, bumper, trunk, door, etc. Nozzle assembly 20 may be mounted in a concealed or nearly concealed manner, for example, within the bumper or panel of vehicle 74. However, vehicle 74 may include a surface 72 that is part of any object 70 (e.g., a camera, sensor, windshield, rear windshield, headlight, or lamp), such that the nozzle assembly 20 can be attached to the structure of vehicle 74 near such a component (70) to be cleaned, without regard to concealment. Although not shown, in some embodiments, vehicle 74 may include at least two systems 60 that can be selected independently and may be the same or substantially the same, or different from each other, for example, in terms of the type of fluid / medium used, the number of nozzle assemblies 20 used, the type of component 70 or surface 72 to be cleaned.

[0070] It should be understood that the operation of the nozzle assembly 20 and / or the system 60 including the nozzle assembly 20 can be started, controlled, and / or terminated by various methods and techniques known in the art. For example, although not shown, the system 60 may include a valve connected to a controlled power source, such that the opening / closing state of the valve can be controlled according to a request from a control unit (not shown). In this way, the supply of fluid / medium to the nozzle assembly 20 can be automatic (e.g., automatically supplying compressed air at predetermined intervals or as needed), manual (e.g., by operating a switch actuated by an operator / driver (e.g., a switch located in the compartment of vehicle 112)), or both automatic and manual.

[0071] The foregoing description relates to general and specific embodiments of this disclosure. However, various changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and broader scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims, which will be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalence. Therefore, this disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of this disclosure or as limiting the scope of the claims to the specific elements shown or described in connection with those embodiments. Any reference to an element in the singular, such as the use of the words “a,” “the,” or “described,” should not be construed as limiting that element to the singular. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms “right angle,” “orthogonal,” and “parallel” are generally used in a relative sense rather than an absolute sense.

[0072] Similarly, it should be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the expressions and specific compounds, compositions, or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary among specific embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Regarding any Markush group upon which this document relies to describe a specific feature or aspect of the various embodiments, different, specific, and / or unexpected results can be obtained from each member of the corresponding Markush group, independent of all other Markush members. Each member of the Markush group may be relied upon individually and / or in combination, and provides sufficient support for a particular embodiment within the scope of the appended claims.

[0073] Furthermore, any scopes and subscopes relied upon in describing the various embodiments of the invention fall independently and collectively within the scope of the appended claims, and are to be understood as describing and contemplating all ranges including all and / or some of the values ​​therein, even if such values ​​are not expressly written herein. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the enumerated scopes and subscopes adequately describe and implement the various embodiments of the invention, and that these scopes and subscopes may be further divided into relevant halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, etc. As an example only, the range “from 0.1 to 0.9” can be further divided into the lower third, i.e., from 0.1 to 0.3, the middle third (i.e., from 0.4 to 0.6), and the upper third, i.e., from 0.7 to 0.9, which are individually and collectively within the scope of the appended claims and may be individually and / or collectively relied upon, and provide sufficient support for particular embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, regarding language used to define or modify scopes, such as “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “not greater than,” etc., it should be understood that such language includes subscopes and / or upper or lower limits. As another example, the scope of "at least 10" inherently includes sub-scopes from at least 10 to 35, from at least 10 to 25, and from 25 to 35, etc., and each sub-scope can be relied upon individually and / or collectively, providing sufficient support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. Finally, individual numbers within the disclosed scope can be relied upon and provide sufficient support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the scope of "from 1 to 9" includes various individual integers, such as 3, and individual numbers including decimal points (or fractions), such as 4.1, which can be relied upon and provide sufficient support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A nozzle assembly (20) for conveying a medium to a surface, comprising: The jetting element (22) includes an outlet (24) and an injector (26) adapted to guide a dual-medium jet through the outlet (24). The injector (26) includes a mixing cylinder (28) extending along an axis between the outlet (24) and a diffuser (30). The diffuser (30) includes an injection port (32) disposed around a central suction pipe (36). An active conduit (38) adapted to guide a pressurized flow of a first medium into the injector (26) of the injection element (22), the active conduit (38) including an inlet (40) and a pair of constriction channels (42), the inlet (40) for receiving the first medium, each constriction channel (42) extending between the inlet (40) and the injection port (32) of the injection element (22); as well as A passive conduit (44) adapted to allow a second medium to enter the injector (26) of the injection element (22), the passive conduit (44) including an inlet (46) and a supply shaft (48), the inlet (46) for receiving a passive supply of the second medium, the supply shaft (48) extending between the pair of contraction channels (42) of the active conduit (38) and between the inlet (46) and the central inlet conduit (36) of the injection element (22); Each constriction channel (42) includes a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the active conduit (38) at the inlet (40), the active conduit (38) defining a flow path, and each constriction channel (42) defining a tortuous path such that the pair of constriction channels (42) are separated from each other along the flow path near the inlet (40) and converge from each other near the injection port (32), and the pair of constriction channels (42) are located on the opposite side of the passive conduit (44).

2. The nozzle assembly (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The injection element (22) also includes a radial diffuser (34) disposed in the injection port (32).

3. The nozzle assembly (20) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The jetting element (22) is further defined as a first jetting element, and the nozzle assembly (20) also includes a second jetting element, wherein the second jetting element includes a second injection port communicating with the inlet (40) via a second pair of constriction channels and a second central suction conduit communicating with the suction port (46) via the supply shaft (48).

4. The nozzle assembly (20) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first medium and the second medium are fluids of different phases, and the mixing cylinder (28) of the ejector (26) is adapted to prepare a two-medium jet as a two-phase flow from the first medium and the second medium.

5. The nozzle assembly (20) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The mixing cylinder (28) of the injector (26) is adapted to prepare the dual-medium jet in situ by entraining the second medium in the first medium.

6. The nozzle assembly (20) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein: (i) the first medium is a gas; (ii) the second medium is a liquid; or (iii) the first medium is a gas and the second medium is a liquid.

7. The nozzle assembly (20) as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The first medium is air; and wherein the nozzle assembly (20) further includes a compressed air supply source operatively coupled to the inlet (40) of the active conduit (38).

8. The nozzle assembly (20) as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The second medium is further defined as a cleaning fluid; and wherein the nozzle assembly (20) further includes a cleaning fluid reservoir operatively coupled to the suction port of the passive conduit (44).

9. The nozzle assembly (20) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a housing (50) disposed around the injection element (22), the active conduit (38), and the passive conduit (44).

10. The nozzle assembly (20) of claim 9, further comprising an adapter (52) operably coupled to the housing (50) and configured to receive the second medium from a medium source, wherein, The adapter (52) defines a conduit (54) in fluid communication with the suction port (46) of the passive conduit (44).

11. The nozzle assembly (20) as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The adapter (52) includes: (i) a connector; (ii) a check valve; or (iii) both a connector and a check valve.

12. The nozzle assembly (20) as claimed in claim 9, wherein: (i) the jetting element (22) is structurally integral; (ii) the active conduit (38) is structurally integral; (iii) the passive conduit (44) is structurally integral; (iv) the housing (50) is structurally integral; (v) the nozzle assembly (20) comprises a polymer material; or (vi) any of (i) to (v).

13. The nozzle assembly (20) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein: (i) the nozzle assembly (20) is integrally formed; (ii) the nozzle assembly (20) is prepared by additive manufacturing; or (iii) the nozzle assembly (20) is integrally formed and the nozzle assembly (20) is prepared by additive manufacturing.

14. A system (60) comprising a nozzle assembly (20) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, a first medium source, a second medium source, and a sensor (70), the first medium source being operatively coupled to the active conduit (38) of the nozzle assembly (20), the second medium source being operatively coupled to the passive conduit (44) of the nozzle assembly (20), the sensor (70) being disposed adjacent to and aligned with the outlet (24) such that a dual-medium jet guided from the outlet (24) of the nozzle assembly (20) will contact the surface (72) of the sensor (70).

15. The system of claim 14, wherein: (i) the first medium is air and the first medium source is a compressed air supply source; (ii) the second medium is a clean fluid and the second medium source is a clean fluid reservoir; (iii) The sensor (70) is a camera; (iv) The system (60) is a vehicle component; or (v) any of (i) to (iv).

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