Adjustable Dial Valve Spray Nozzle for Clog-Resistant Textured Paint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol can nozzles lack versatility in adjusting fluid flow and spray pattern, leading to clogging issues and inability to handle textured paints, limiting their application in detailed painting tasks.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle with a dial valve system that varies the internal pressure of the fluid pathway by rotating a knob, altering the groove depth to change the spray pattern size, allowing for adjustable fluid flow and preventing clogging through oriented passage design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple nozzle is used on an aerosol can, then the device is easy to use and low cost, but the spray pattern cannot be adjusted and textured paint cannot be dispensed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by incorporating a rotatable dial valve that allows the spray pattern to be dynamically adjusted from a mist pattern to a stream pattern. The valve body with its angled passage and movable valve member enables the fluid flow path to change orientation, transforming the static nozzle into a dynamic system that adapts to different spraying needs while maintaining ease of operation through simple rotational movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a non-aligned valving portion is used in the fluid passage, then adjustment is possible, but the valve is difficult to clean and clogs easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by aligning the valving portion with the vertical portion of the fluid passage, creating a straight-through flow path that eliminates dead zones and facilitates easy cleaning. Additionally, the angled passage (e.g., 45 degrees) inverts the conventional approach by using orientation to prevent particle accumulation, allowing particles to flow smoothly through the passage without settling, thereby resolving the clogging issue while maintaining adjustment capability.
3Device complexity
If a needle valve is used without anti-clogging design, then the structure is simple, but textured paint cannot be dispensed and clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by creating a specific flow regime in the valve passage through the angled configuration. This local modification to the flow path geometry ensures that particles in textured paint are carried smoothly through the valve without settling, while the rest of the nozzle structure remains simple. The angled passage creates a high-velocity flow zone that prevents particle accumulation, enabling textured paint dispensing without complicating the overall valve 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
Enables adjustable and controlled spray patterns, preventing clogging by varying internal pressure and flow direction, accommodating different paint types and improving painting precision without additional costs or equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a metering valve is in contact with the internal pathway which varies an internal pressure of the fluid within the internal pathway
Implementation Method 2
the groove is configured to direct the flow of the fluid within the aerosol canister over the top of the dial valve
Data Source
AI summary
A spray nozzle configured to be disposed on top of and coupled to a standard spray paint canister. Compressed gas within the spray paint canister serves as the propellant which expels the liquid paint out of the canister when the nozzle is actuated. The paint and compressed gas travel through the internal passageways of the nozzle and are ejected from the nozzle in a three-dimensional conical discharge. The nozzle comprises an adjustable valve for a user to manipulate and change the emitted three-dimensional discharge from the canister. The adjustable valve alters the internal flow characteristics of the nozzle which in turn change the diameter of a circular spray pattern which is produced when the nozzle is held at a set distance away from a surface that is being sprayed. The user may adjust the fluid flow during use or between uses.