Uniform low temperature performance reverse mushroom

Abstract

A compact, low-flow fluid nozzle insert is provided that may include a fluidic oscillator chip on a front surface having a flat-top interaction area, and a manifold for containing fluid on a back surface opposite the front surface. The fluidic nozzle insert may further include at least one supply port for transporting fluid from the manifold, at least one power nozzle facing the front surface for directing fluid from the at least one supply port to the interaction area of ​​the fluidic oscillator chip, and a V-shaped outlet at a bottom of the interaction area.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Related Applications This application is a joint venture of "Uniform Cold Performance Reverse This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 931,835 entitled "Polymerized Mushrooms," which is related to commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 451,492, filed March 10, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 978,775, filed April 11, 2014; PCT Application No. PCT / US12 / 28828, filed March 10, 2012; U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 086,746, filed November 21, 2013; U.S. Patent No. 6,253,782; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 515,358, filed June 5, 2017; and PCT / US18 / 35983, filed June 5, 2018, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein for background and enablement purposes.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a variety of low flow fluid nozzle inserts having an inverted mushroom insert shape useful for a wide range of spray and cleaning applications. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a fluid nozzle insert that can perform at low flow rates with geometric and dimensional limitations. In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a compact fluid nozzle insert that provides a means to achieve a desired level of performance in a fluid nozzle assembly for small scale applications at low flow rates. [Background technology]

[0003] Many modern applications require fluid nozzles that can operate at low flow rates with geometric and dimensional limitations. For example, automotive sensor and camera washing applications must consider various factors that limit the geometry of the fluid nozzle while performing to the desired specifications. The majority of fluid nozzles are not designed to perform at smaller scale operations. Smaller scale designs can degrade the performance of the fluid nozzle to the point of non-functioning, including spray profile instability, spray fan collapse, and poor performance in high viscosity conditions. There is a need to provide a compact nozzle that functions to achieve the desired performance specifications in small scale applications at low flow rates.

[0004] It has been determined that when low temperatures occur, the spray pattern of fluid through known fluid oscillator nozzles using high viscosity fluids includes undesirable results of not efficiently cleaning the target surface and resulting in excessive fluid waste.

[0005] In previous embodiments, Applicant's compact fluid nozzle inserts were designed with specific features that improved performance in both spray distribution and high viscosity conditions. R ") is important to minimize the amount of unwanted yaw and roll seen in the spray profile due to the small size of the compact fluid nozzle assembly. In Applicant's previous work, the interaction area is dome-shaped. Additionally, Applicant's previous embodiments include designs where the manifold shares a wall with the interaction area, the bottom wall above the outlet has a curved shape, and the supply lines to the power nozzle are directed to the side wall of the tip. These embodiments are not ideal for use at low temperatures with high viscosity fluids.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide an effective and visually unobtrusive apparatus, system, and method for cleaning surfaces, such as the exterior surfaces of external objective lenses and wide angle sensors, to remove low temperature built-up debris (such as built-up dirt, dust, mud, road salt, and other built-up debris), including, but not limited to, where a fluid nozzle is desired to function at low flow rates with geometric and dimensional constraints, and where high viscosity fluids are used at low temperatures. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a variety of low flow fluid nozzle inserts having an inverted mushroom shaped insert geometry useful for a wide range of spray and cleaning applications. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a fluid nozzle insert capable of functioning at low temperatures with fluids having high viscosity.

[0008] In one embodiment, a fluid nozzle insert is provided that includes a first surface including a fluid oscillator shape having an interaction area. A second surface opposite the first surface having a manifold for receiving fluid from a fluid source. At least one feed port communicating the first surface with the second surface for transporting fluid from the manifold to the interaction area. At least one power nozzle disposed along the first surface for directing fluid from the at least one feed port to the interaction area. An outlet along a first edge communicating with the interaction area for passing fluid from the interaction area to dispense an oscillating fluid fan spray. The power nozzle may have a width of about 0.4 mm, the interaction area may have a width of about 3 mm, and the interaction area may have a length of about 2.2 mm. The fluid nozzle insert may further include a first power nozzle for directing fluid received directly from the first feed port and a second power nozzle for directing fluid received directly from the second feed port. A barrier may be disposed along the second surface between the first feed port and the second feed port. The manifold may be on an opposite side of the interaction region and does not share any peripheral wall with the interaction region. The shape of the fluidic oscillator may be approximately symmetrical along a central axis. The feed port may be disposed at a first distance from said first edge, and wherein the throat may be disposed at a second distance from the first edge such that the second distance is greater than the first distance. The first feed port and the second feed port may be used to transport the fluid from the manifold to the interaction region, and the first power nozzle and the second power nozzle may be disposed along the first surface, wherein the first power nozzle is in direct communication with the first feed port and the second power nozzle is in direct communication with the second feed port. The first inflection point and the second inflection point may be along the first and second power nozzles, respectively, wherein the first and second inflection points project inwardly toward the central axis relative to the periphery of the interaction region. Further, the first point can be located along an opposite side of the first inflection point of the first power nozzle, and the second point can be located along an opposite side of the second inflection point of the second power nozzle, where the first point and the second point are located further away from the central axis than the first and second inflection points.The first feed port can be defined by first and second opposing walls having a slightly tapered or narrowed path from the opening to the first power nozzle, and the second feed port is defined by first and second opposing walls having a slightly tapered or narrowed path from the opening to the second power nozzle, each defining a direct path along the first surface.

[0009] In another embodiment, a fluid nozzle insert is provided that includes a first surface having a fluid oscillator shape with an interaction area; a manifold area provided along an opposing second surface for receiving fluid from a fluid source; at least one feed inlet for fluid communication between the first surface and the opposing second surface, and at least one power nozzle for directing fluid from the at least one feed inlet to the interaction area of ​​the fluid oscillator shape, where the at least one feed inlet is a vertical feed in direct communication with at least one power nozzle on the first surface for transporting fluid from the manifold; and a V-shaped outlet in communication with the interaction area for dispensing an oscillating fluid fan spray from the interaction area. The fluid nozzle insert may further include a first feed inlet and a second feed inlet for transporting fluid from the manifold to the interaction area, and a first power nozzle and a second power nozzle disposed along the first surface, where the first power nozzle in direct communication with the first feed inlet and the second power nozzle in direct communication with the second feed inlet. The first and second inflection points can be located along the first and second power nozzles, respectively, where the first and second inflection points project inwardly toward the central axis relative to the perimeter of the interaction region. Additionally, the first point can be located along an opposite side of the first inflection point of the first power nozzle, and the second point can be located along an opposite side of the second inflection point of the second power nozzle, where the first and second points are located further away from the central axis than the first and second inflection points. The first feed port can be defined by first and second opposing walls having a slightly tapered or narrowed path from the opening to the first power nozzle, and the second feed port can be defined by first and second opposing walls having a slightly tapered or narrowed path from the opening to the second power nozzle, each defining a direct path along the first surface. The first feed port and the second feed port may be disposed a first distance from the first edge, where the throat is disposed a second distance from the first edge, such that the second distance is greater than the first distance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view of an insert for a fluid nozzle of PCT / US18 / 35983.

[0011] [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a top view of a fluid nozzle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a bottom plan view of a fluid nozzle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a top view of a fluid nozzle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of a fluid nozzle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fluid nozzle insert according to the present disclosure.

[0016] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a fluid nozzle insert according to the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a fluid nozzle insert according to the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of a fluid nozzle insert according to the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a fluid nozzle insert according to the present disclosure.

[0020] [Figure 9A]FIG. 9A is a fluid distribution of the preceding embodiment of FIG.

[0021] [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a fluid distribution of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graphical representation comparing the viscosity of 50% methanol and 50% methanol at different temperatures.

[0023] [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a nozzle housing without a fluid nozzle insert disposed therein.

[0024] [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a nozzle housing having a fluid nozzle insert disposed therein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The present disclosure relates to a variety of low flow fluid nozzle inserts having an inverted mushroom insert configuration that is useful for a wide range of spray and cleaning applications.

[0026] As used herein, approximation language may be applied to modify any quantitative expression that may vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it pertains. Thus, a value modified by one or more terms such as "about" and "substantially" may not be limited to the exact value specified in some cases.

[0027] A compact size low flow rate fluid nozzle circuit or insert is provided. The fluid nozzle circuit or insert includes a fluid oscillator chip on a first face or front side having a flat top interaction area, and a manifold on a second face or back side located opposite the front side for allowing fluid to flow therein. The fluid nozzle circuit may further include at least one feed inlet communicating the front and back sides for transporting fluid from the manifold, at least one power nozzle for directing fluid from the at least one feed inlet to an interaction area defined on the front side of the fluid oscillator, and a V-shaped outlet along the interaction area defined by two flat walls for passage of fluid from the interaction area to an environment outside of the fluid nozzle insert. The spray fan pattern generated may be uniform, and the fluid nozzle may work well with high viscosity fluids.

[0028] Turning to the drawings, Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior embodiment of an inverted mushroom shaped insert useful for large area spray and cleaning applications. Figure 1 is included to illustrate the difference in geometry between Applicant's previous embodiment and the embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, manifold portion 218 is disposed adjacent to interaction region 202 which shares a wall along a common side of insert 200. Fluid is directed from manifold 218 over interaction region 202 through the nozzle housing wall and interaction region 202. 202 Fluid flows through the power nozzles 204 and 206 into the interaction region 202 through paths defined between the power nozzles 204 and 206 and the peripheral walls of the insert 200. Each of these fluid paths is disposed along a common side of the insert 200. Additionally, the bottom wall of the interaction region 202 is curved (W C ) which play a role in the functional operation of the insert to generate the resulting fan spray therefrom. This embodiment further includes edge block features 220 that manipulate the shape of the fan spray pattern created as the fluid exits the interaction region 202 at the outlet 208.

[0029] 2-8 are illustrations of this embodiment of a fluidic oscillator insert 300. FIGS. 2A-2C show front and rear views of the fluidic insert 300. The fluidic oscillator circuit 300 includes patterned shapes defined within first and second surfaces to condition fluid to form a desired fluid fan spray pattern therefrom. The insert 300 is configured to be used with a nozzle assembly that introduces fluid from a source through lumens within the nozzle assemblies 400, 410. See FIGS. 11A and 11B. The insert 300 includes a first surface having an interaction region 302 with a first power nozzle 310 and a second power nozzle 312 that intersect around a peripheral wall of the interaction region 302. An outlet 308 may extend from the interaction region 302 and be disposed between the first and second power nozzles 310, 312. A first inlet 304 is defined within the insert 300 and is in fluid communication with the first power nozzle 310 along the perimeter of the interaction region 302. A second feed inlet 306 is defined within the insert 300 and is in fluid communication with the second power nozzle 312 along the periphery of the interaction region 302. The first feed inlet 304 may be described as a vertical feed inlet between the first branch 362 and the first power nozzle 310, while the second feed inlet 306 may be described as a vertical feed inlet between the second branch 364 and the second power nozzle 312.

[0030] A manifold portion 318 is provided along a second side opposite from the interaction area 302. The manifold 318 includes a patterned shape defined within the second surface of the insert 300 and is configured to receive fluid from a source. The manifold portion 318 includes a periphery having a receiving portion in communication with a first branch 362 for directing fluid to the first inlet 304 and a second branch 364 for directing fluid to the second inlet 306. The manifold portion 318 can include a manifold block 380 disposed between the first branch 362 and the second branch 364. The manifold block 380 can be generally rectangular in shape and can help define fluid passageways defined as branches 362, 364 along either side of the manifold block 380. However, the manifold block 380 can generally have any shape. The manifold block 380 can minimize the amount of fluid and reduce the possibility of flow circulation. The insert 300 is disposed within the nozzle housing and is configured to receive fluid from a source via a lumen (not shown) within the nozzle housing. The fluid first flows from the manifold 318 through the first and second inlets 304, 306, through the first and second power nozzles 310, 312 to the interaction region 302, and then exits the interaction region 302 through the outlet 308 in a resulting fan spray pattern. Notably, the fluid can still flow through the manifold portion 318 without the manifold block 380 or with alternative shapes for the manifold portion 318, so long as the flow can be directed to the inlets 304, 306. The above features are illustrated in Figures 2-8 as described below.

[0031] FIG. 2A shows an interaction area 302 having an inverted mushroom design with a width (W) of about 5.0 mm or less, and a length (L) of about 5.50 mm or less. This embodiment includes first and second inlets 304 and 306, respectively, configured to communicate fluid from a manifold 318 (see FIG. 2B) and direct it to the interaction area 302 of the fluid nozzle insert 300. In one embodiment, the manifold 318 of the fluid insert 300 can also include a barrier 390 (see FIGS. 2B and 2C). The location of the manifold 318 is disposed along an opposite side of the fluid nozzle insert 300 from the interaction area 302 and does not share a peripheral wall with the interaction area 302 other than a floor disposed between these features. Fluid can be delivered from the manifold 318 to the interaction area 302 via the inlets 304 and 306, where the fluid is configured to enter the inlets 304 and 306 and flow through the power nozzles 310 and 312. The fluid may be directed by first and second deflectors 314 and 316, which are walls adjacent to the power nozzle and the inlet. The deflectors 314, 316 may extend at an angle relative to the inlets 304, 306, and the power nozzles 310, 312 may extend at an angle relative to the interaction area 302. The configuration of the inlets, deflectors, and power nozzles relative to the interaction area and outlet is such that it provides the desired fluid flow in a very compact space. The geometric configuration improves the manufacturability of the insert 300 and improves performance with viscous cold fluids.

[0032] 2A and 3, the feed inlet 304 is a passage defined by first and second opposing walls 332A, 332B. Similarly, the feed inlet 306 is a passage defined by first and second opposing walls 334A, 334B. The first wall 332A, the second wall extend from the feed inlets 304, 306 to the respective power nozzles 310, 312, each defining a passage along a first surface having a slightly tapered or narrowed passage from the feed inlets 304, 306 to the respective power nozzles 310, 312.

[0033] The interaction area 302 may be defined by a peripheral wall having a generally flat top wall 340 opposite the outlet 308, where the edges of the top wall 340 are generally rounded and extend to the respective power nozzles 310, 312. A first deflector 314 of the first power nozzle 310 intersects the peripheral wall of the interaction area 302 at an inflection point 352A. A second deflector 316 of the second power nozzle 312 intersects the peripheral wall of the interaction area 302 at a second inflection point 354A. A first inner wall 320 may be disposed between the outlet 308 and the first power nozzle 310 such that a wall 332B intersects the interaction area 302 at a point 352B. A second inner wall 322 may be disposed between the outlet 308 and the second power nozzle 312 such that a wall 334B intersects the interaction area 302 at a point 354B. The first inner wall 320 and the second inner wall 322 may have a generally straight and angled relationship to one another such that the angled walls lead toward the outlet 308 which may be aligned along a central axis 342 .

[0034] The first and second inflection points 352A, 354A project inwardly toward the axis 342, while points 452B and 354B along opposite sides of the first and second power nozzles are located further away from the central axis 342. Here, inflection points 352B, 354B are recessed from the perimeter of the interaction region 302, while inflection points 352A, 354A project to the perimeter of the interaction region.

[0035] It should be noted that the fluid nozzles may be symmetrical along this central axis 342 shown in Figure 2A, or may be symmetrical along at least one axis such that the power nozzles, fluid streams, walls, etc. are mirror images of each other. In one embodiment, the first power nozzle 310, first feed port 304, first deflector 314, and first interior wall 320 may have a generally symmetrical configuration relative to the second power nozzle 312, second feed port 306, second deflector 316, and second interior wall 322.

[0036] The outlet 308 may be defined by two opposing angled walls 324, 326. The first angled wall 324 meets the first inner wall 326 at the throat 346 of the outlet 308. 320 3, while the second angled wall 326 may intersect and extend from the second inner wall 322 at a throat 346 of the outlet 308. The first and second angled walls 324, 326 are elongated and generally longer than the first and second inner walls 320, 322, which allows for a compact construction of the insert 300. More specifically, the first feed port 304 and the second feed port 306 may be disposed a first distance (Fd) from a first edge 350 of the insert 300, which may be generally symmetrical. The throat 346 may be disposed a second distance (Sd) from the first edge 350 of the insert 300 such that the second distance (Sd) is greater than the first distance.

[0037] This shape allows for a compact construction, efficient manufacturability, and improved uniform distribution of fluid in the resulting fan spray pattern at the desired fluid pressure and temperature. Such improvements in the fan spray are shown in Figure 9B as compared to Figure 9A of the previous embodiment.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2C, the fluid insert 300 may also include a barrier 390 between the two feed ports 304, 306. The barrier 390 may prevent the two feed ports 304, 306 from affecting each other and causing a fan bias with one side spray heavier than the other. The barrier 390 may include, for example, a filter post 392. The barrier 390 may reduce circulating vortices at the feed slots and prevent an unstable cold spray fan.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the front of the insert 300 showing various dimensions of the above features of the fluid nozzle insert. The dimensions of this embodiment may be ideal to obtain a desired fan pattern when using low temperature, high viscosity fluids with a fluid nozzle insert of this size, but the present disclosure is not limited to these dimensions to obtain uniform fan spray results. Fluid first flows from the manifold 318 (FIG. 2B) through the first and second inlets 304, 306, then through the first and second power nozzles 310 and 312 to the interaction area 302, and then exits the interaction area 302 through the throat 346 and outlet 308 in a fan spray pattern. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this fluid shape provides enhanced performance from a surprising combination of features, including a compact configuration. By "compact" herein is meant having a width (W) of about 4.5-5.5 mm, ideally about 5.00 mm or less (in some embodiments the width may be greater as described below), and a length (L) of about 4-7 mm, which may be about 5.50 mm or less (although in some embodiments the length may be greater or less as described below). W ) is the power nozzle width (P W ) and the power nozzle width (P W ), which may be about 0.4 mm. H ) is the power nozzle width (P W ), which is 5-6 times the power nozzle width (P W ) and the throat offset (T O ) is the power nozzle width (P W ), which can be between 1-1.5 times the power nozzle width (P W ) may be about 1.2 times the

[0040] The dimensions shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3 are the power nozzle width (P W ); the width (W) of the fluid nozzle insert structure, which is about 5 mm; the power nozzle width (P W) which can be about 7.8 times the width of the interaction region (I W ); Throat width (T W );Power nozzle width(P W ) is about 5.7 times the height of the interaction region (I H ); and power nozzle width (P W ) which can be approximately 1.2 times the height of the throat. O ).

[0041] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the fluid nozzle insert 300 as described in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3 above. This view shows the relationship between the interaction area 302 and the feed ports 304 and 306. The shape of the top region of the interaction area 302 may be generally flat, and the insert may include a lead in chamfer 360 to aid in locating the insert 300 within a nozzle housing (not shown). FIG. 4 further shows the orientation of the feed ports 304 and 306 that transfer fluid between the first and second surfaces of the insert 300 by the manifold 318 to the power nozzles 310 and 312. The power nozzles 310, 312 may be symmetrically positioned relative to one another and may have a general location closer to the front of the insert than the narrow portion of the outlet 308. The power nozzles direct the fluid to create opposing vortices within the interaction area 302 before exiting through the outlet 308 in an oscillating fan spray pattern with a generally uniform spray. The outlet 308 may be defined by inner walls 320 and 322 having straight and angled symmetrical configurations that direct the swirling fluid to the outlet 308 and lead to a fan or V-shape that defines the fan pattern the fluid follows.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional top view of FIGS. 2A and 2B showing the interaction width (I W ) and the interaction height (I H 5 further illustrates the spatial relationship between the interaction area 302 and the manifold 318, where the inlets 304 and 306 span between a first surface and a second surface at the manifold 318 to provide fluid to the interaction area 302.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a different cross-sectional side view of FIGS. 2A and 2B, showing the throat offset (T O 3 ), as well as the relationship between the outlet 308 and the first feed inlet 304 as shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the outer edge of the insert 300 includes a tapered edge 360 ​​or bevel, although bevels are not present in all embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] 7 is a side view of the insert 300 showing the length (L) and thickness (Th) dimensions of one embodiment of the insert. In this embodiment, the length (L) is about 4.65 mm or less. It is understood that the dimensions may vary, but are ideal in this particular embodiment.

[0045] 8 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the insert 300 showing the relationship of the various components within the interaction area 302, including the outlet 308, the feed ports 304 and 306, and the interior walls 320 and 322. In this embodiment, the width of the fluid nozzle insert structure is 5.02 mm. It is understood that dimensions may vary, but are ideal in this particular embodiment.

[0046] Figures 9A and 9B are comparative diagrams of spray distribution in the original inverted mushroom design of the nozzle head with the insert of Figure 1 (left) compared to the new inverted mushroom design of the nozzle head with insert 300 (right). Figure 9A shows a heavy end spray pattern, while Figure 9B is a more uniform and even distribution with the geometry shown in Figures 2-8.

[0047] The disclosed circuit configuration of the present application includes the following features of the resulting cold fan spray. This design is tailored to meet the needs of high viscosity fluids for use at low temperatures and shows improved functionality over the circuit of FIG. 1. For example, if a 50% methanol-based fluid mixture is introduced into the nozzle assembly with the fluidic oscillator insert of FIG. 1, the resulting cold fan spray will not be stable over a certain pressure range. For example, at a temperature of 0° F., the resulting cold fan spray will have a fan angle of about 25° from the outlet at a fluid pressure of about 4-6 psi and become a thick, wobbly jet at 7-9 psi. The resulting cold fan spray can then be stabilized at a fan angle of about 25-30° from the outlet at pressures above about 10 psi. Conversely, if a 50% methanol-based fluid mixture is introduced into the nozzle assembly with the fluidic oscillator insert 300 of FIGS. 2-8 of the present application at a temperature of about 0° F., the resulting cold fan spray is stable and uniform over all such pressure ranges.

[0048] When a 50% ethanol-based fluid mixture is introduced into a nozzle assembly with a fluidic oscillator insert of Figure 1, the resulting cold fan spray also suffers from undesirable characteristics. For example, at a temperature of 0°F, the resulting cold fan spray has a heavy end configuration with a fan angle of about 30° from the outlet (see Figure 9A). Conversely, when a 50% ethanol-based fluid mixture is introduced into a nozzle assembly with a fluidic oscillator insert 300 of Figures 2-8 of the present application at a temperature of about 0°F, the resulting cold fan spray has a substantially stable and uniform configuration with a fan angle of about 20-25° from the outlet (see Figure 9B).

[0049] It is noted that the flow rate of both the design of Figure 1 and the present design is 280 ml / min at 25 psi so that a comparison can be made. Additionally, it is noted that the viscosity of 50% methanol at 0°F is approximately 10 cP and the viscosity of 50% ethanol at 0°F is approximately 25 cP, as shown in Figure 10.

[0050] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a nozzle housing 400 without a fluid nozzle insert 200 disposed therein. FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a nozzle housing 410 manufactured with additive manufacturing techniques, in which the fluid features of the first and second surfaces of the fluid nozzle insert 200 are disposed within the nozzle housing, but are manufactured in a continuous structure. Thus, the present disclosure contemplates providing a nozzle assembly formed by inserting a fluid tip into a nozzle housing 400 formed by a means separate from the insert 200, and also contemplates a 3D printing or additive manufacturing process that allows the entire nozzle assembly (housing and insert) to be formed by a continuous material. FIGS. 11A and 11B show a housing with an inlet for receiving fluid from a fluid source (not shown). A manifold from the fluid features disclosed herein is configured to receive fluid from the inlet of the nozzle housing to be distributed through the feed and power nozzles, as described herein.

[0051] Having described preferred embodiments of the novel compact fluid nozzle assembly, fluid insert configuration, and improved method, it is contemplated that other modifications, variations, and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings set forth herein, and it is therefore to be understood that all such modifications, variations, and changes are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the specific embodiments detailed herein, other embodiments can achieve the same or similar results. Variations and modifications of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the present disclosure is intended to cover all such modifications and equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A fluid nozzle insert comprising: a chip configured to receive fluid along a back surface of the chip and to eject fluid from an outlet on a front surface of the chip in an oscillating fluid fan spray, the chip including a fluidic oscillator shape having only one interaction area on the front surface; a manifold formed on the back surface for receiving fluid from a fluid source; at least one supply port in fluid communication through the chip between the back surface and the front surface for transporting fluid from a manifold on the back surface to the interaction area on the front surface; the interaction area is bounded along its periphery by the outlet at a first edge of the front surface, a top wall opposite the outlet, a pair of similarly shaped side walls each directly connected to the top wall and each having an inwardly projecting inflection point, a pair of linear interior walls having a first edge disposed adjacent the inflection point and a second edge terminating at the outlet and defining the outlet, and at least one power nozzle disposed at each supply port, each power nozzle directing fluid from a corresponding supply port toward the interaction area; Each power nozzle is disposed between the inflection point and a first edge of the linear interior walls, the linear interior walls being angled relative to one another.

2. 10. The fluid nozzle insert of claim 1, wherein the fluid nozzle insert has a length of about 4.65 mm or less and a width along said first edge that is about 5.02 mm or less.

3. 2. The fluid nozzle insert of claim 1, wherein a first power nozzle for conducting fluid received directly from a first supply port and a second power nozzle for conducting fluid received directly from a second supply port are provided on opposing side walls of the interaction area.

4. A fluid nozzle insert as described in claim 3, further comprising a barrier positioned along a manifold on the rear surface, the barrier being positioned between the first supply port and the second supply port.

5. A fluid nozzle insert as described in claim 1, wherein the fluid oscillator shape is symmetrical along a central axis.

6. A fluid nozzle insert as described in claim 1, wherein the at least one supply port is positioned a first distance from the first edge, a throat is defined by the point at which each of the second edges of each linear inner wall are positioned closest to one another, and the throat is positioned a second distance from the first edge such that the second distance is greater than the first distance.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one supply port comprises a first supply port and a second supply port for transporting fluid from the manifold to the interaction region; a first power nozzle disposed opposite a second power nozzle, said first power nozzle in direct communication with said first feed port and said second power nozzle in direct communication with said second feed port; The fluid nozzle insert of claim 5 , wherein said first power nozzle and said second power nozzle are symmetrically canted relative to said central axis.

8. The fluid nozzle insert of claim 7 , wherein first and second inflection points project inwardly relative to a perimeter of the interaction area toward the central axis, the central axis bisecting the outlet and the top wall.

9. 9. The fluid nozzle insert of claim 8, further comprising a first point on the first sidewall between the inflection point of the first sidewall and the top wall, and a second point on the opposing sidewall between the inflection point of the opposing sidewall and the top wall, the first point and the second point being located further away from the central axis than the first and second inflection points, respectively.

10. A fluid nozzle insert as described in claim 7, wherein the first supply port includes a slightly tapered or narrowed passage on its front surface adjacent to the first power nozzle, and the second supply port includes a slightly tapered or narrowed passage on its front surface adjacent to the second power nozzle.

11. A fluid nozzle insert formed in a substantially planar member, comprising: a first surface having a horizontally oriented fluidic oscillator shape with an inverted mushroom shaped interaction area; a manifold region along an opposing second surface for receiving fluid from a fluid source; at least one vertical supply for fluid communication through a defined thickness of the insert from the opposing second surface to the first surface; at least one power nozzle in direct communication with said at least one vertical feed for transporting fluid horizontally through said power nozzle to said interaction region; an outlet at a lower edge of the first surface forming a lower portion of the interaction area; 1. A fluid nozzle insert, comprising: a lower portion disposed opposite an upper portion having a continuous inverted mushroom shaped wall, the outlet having a V-shape defined by two opposing flat walls to distribute an oscillating fluid fan spray from the interaction area, each of the flat walls extending in a straight line away from the outlet to either the at least one power nozzle or the upper portion.

12. A fluid nozzle insert as described in claim 11, wherein each power nozzle has a width of approximately 0.4 mm, the interaction area has a maximum width of approximately 3 mm, and the interaction area has a height along the central axis of approximately 2 mm.

13. A fluid nozzle insert as described in claim 11, wherein a barrier forms part of the manifold region to separate a first supply port and a second supply port along the second surface.

14. The fluid nozzle insert of claim 11 , wherein the fluid profile is symmetrical along the central axis.

15. a first supply port and a second supply port for transporting fluid from the manifold region to the interaction region; 12. The fluid nozzle insert of claim 11, further comprising: first and second power nozzles disposed along the first surface, each in communication with the first and second feed ports, respectively, to direct a flow of fluid along the first surface.

16. A fluid nozzle insert as described in claim 15, further comprising a first inflection point and a second inflection point defining a portion of the first and second power nozzles, respectively, the first and second inflection points protruding inwardly relative to the upper portion.

17. A fluid nozzle insert as described in claim 16, further comprising a first point located between the first inflection point and the upper portion, and a second point located between the second inflection point and the upper portion, wherein the first point and the second point are located further away from the central axis of the interaction region than the first and second inflection points.

18. A fluid nozzle insert as described in claim 15, wherein the first supply port is surrounded by a first opposing wall of the first surface having a slightly tapered or narrowing path from a first opening defining a portion of the vertical supply section to the first power nozzle, and the second supply port is surrounded by a second opposing wall of the first surface having a slightly tapered or narrowing path from a second opening defining a portion of the vertical supply section to the second power nozzle.

19. A fluid nozzle insert as described in claim 15, wherein the first supply port and the second supply port are positioned a first distance from the lower edge, and a throat is positioned a second distance from the lower edge such that the second distance is greater than the first distance.

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