Adjustable Nozzle With Variable Outlet Restrictor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzles often create turbulence in fluid flow due to obstructions and sharp corners, which leads to non-uniform spray patterns and reduced kinetic energy, and lack adjustability to customize spray patterns for various applications like firefighting.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design with a variable outlet opening that can be manually adjusted by an actuator to change the effective width of the spray pattern, featuring a smooth, unobstructed fluid flow path with a transitional region to minimize turbulence and include an adjustable spray restrictor segment to vary the fluid stream's width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If obstructions or sharp corners are added to the fluid flow path to adjust spray pattern, then spray pattern adjustability is improved, but fluid flow turbulence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into distinct functional sections: a smooth-bore inlet section for laminar flow, a transition section to manage flow direction changes, and an outlet section with adjustable components for spray pattern control. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable spray pattern components are extracted as separate, removable elements positioned at the outlet section, away from the main fluid flow path. This allows spray pattern adjustment without introducing obstructions into the laminar flow path, as the adjustable components only interact with fluid at the exit point.
2Speed
If constriction is added to increase fluid velocity, then throw distance is improved, but fluid flow turbulence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The constriction is applied locally at the outlet orifice rather than throughout the entire flow path. The inlet and transition sections maintain smooth, unobstructed flow paths that preserve laminar flow conditions, while velocity increase is achieved through localized geometric features at the outlet where turbulence is less detrimental to performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable components are added to vary outlet opening width, then spray pattern customize ability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle incorporates movable adjustment arms with pivot points that allow dynamic modification of the outlet opening geometry. These arms can be positioned at different angles to vary the effective outlet width and spray pattern, providing adaptability through simple mechanical movement rather than complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism operates in a rotational dimension around pivot points, allowing the outlet opening width to be varied by changing the angular position of adjustment arms. This dimensional approach to adjustment simplifies the mechanism compared to linear actuation systems.
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 nozzle achieves optimal laminar fluid flow, increased throw distance, and customizable spray patterns without turbulence, making it suitable for applications requiring uniform and adjustable liquid distribution.
Implementation Method 1
This is achieved by providing the nozzle with a constriction in the fluid flow path. The constriction may take the form of a decrease in cross-sectional area from the nozzle inlet opening to the exit opening and/or an orifice or other restriction in the fluid flow path that effectively reduces the cross-sectional area of fluid flow. Providing such a constriction to fluid flow under constant pressure and constant volume flow rate results in the increase in fluid flow velocity.
Implementation Method 2
Fluid conduits having a flow path defined by smooth continuous nozzle walls and an absence of internal obstructions provide laminar flow of the fluid flowing through them. Laminar fluid flow is desirable over turbulent fluid flow because it optimizes fluid flow through the nozzle and provides a uniform spray from the exit opening.
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments, an adjustable nozzle includes a nozzle body having an inlet section with an inlet opening, an outlet section with an outlet opening, and a fluid flow path extending from the inlet opening to the outlet opening; an adjustable spray restrictor segment located in the outlet section; and an actuator that displaces the adjustable spray restrictor segment toward and away from a center of the fluid flow path, thereby varying an effective width of the outlet opening to vary a pattern of fluid flowing from the fluid flow path through the outlet opening.