3D Fluid-Redirection Nozzle for Low-Vibration Pipe Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning nozzles for sewer pipes experience vibrations and performance degradation due to the redirection of high-pressure water jets, which is necessary for effective cleaning but leads to mechanical issues.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning nozzle with a 3-D fluid redirection configuration that redirects high-pressure fluid through multiple pathways using rounded features in the nozzle head, reducing vibrations and enhancing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-pressure water jets are redirected through multiple pathways in the nozzle, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but vibrations increase causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved stream deflectors instead of sharp-edged redirects to guide the high-pressure water flow. The curved surfaces smoothly redirect the water jets along multiple pathways around the turbine, reducing turbulence and vibrational forces while maintaining effective cleaning action on pipe walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces curved stream deflectors as intermediary elements between the water jet outlets and the pipe wall. These deflectors mediate the interaction between high-pressure water and the pipe surface, distributing the force more evenly and reducing direct impact vibrations that would otherwise degrade nozzle performance.
2Strength
If water is redirected onto multiple pathways toward rearward-facing jet outlets, then root cutting capability is enhanced, but vibrations are generated that degrade performance
Solution Approach 1:
Curved stream deflectors are used to smoothly guide water flow onto multiple pathways toward rearward-facing jet outlets. The curved geometry distributes the water force evenly across multiple directions, enhancing root cutting capability while minimizing the generation of harmful vibrations through smooth flow transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The water flow is segmented into multiple separate jets directed at different angles by the curved stream deflectors. This segmentation distributes the cutting force across multiple pathways, improving overall root cutting effectiveness while reducing concentrated vibrational impacts on the nozzle structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The 3-D fluid redirection configuration minimizes vibrations, ensuring stable operation and effective cleaning by generating directed fluid jets, suitable for use as a root cutter or other cleaning applications.
Implementation Method 1
The 3-D fluid redirection configuration comprises N fluid diversion chambers upon which at least a portion of the fluid received by the 3-D fluid mechanics is incident. The N fluid diversion chambers are configured to redirect the fluid that is incident thereon onto the N rearwardly-facing fluid channels
Implementation Method 2
By arranging one or more nozzle orifices obliquely in the circumferential area of the cleaning nozzle, a torque is produced by the jet pressure, based on the 'principle of repulsion', that causes the cleaning nozzle, or a corresponding nozzle head, to rotate.
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle is provided for cleaning the interior of pipes that is capable of cutting through obstructions disposed in the interior of pipes. The nozzle comprises a three-dimensional (3-D) fluid mechanics comprising a 3-D redirection configuration that redirects high-pressure fluid received in the nozzle from a fluid source onto multiple pathways, or channels, toward rearwardly-facing jet outlets. The 3-D fluid redirection configuration redirects the water in a manner that reduces or eliminates vibrations in the nozzle that can degrade performance and cause other problems.