Adjustable Spray Head with Rotating Ring Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray heads either lack optimal adjustability of spray characteristics, particularly spray angle, or are costly due to the need for multiple nozzles with different designs.
Innovation Solution
A spray head with a single nozzle and a ring-shaped or cap-like adjustment element that can be rotated and tensioned, featuring complementary surfaces and sealing means, allowing for adjustable spray characteristics through varying outlet openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nozzles with different designs are provided to achieve adjustable spray characteristics, then spray adjustability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment element is divided into multiple segments or sections, each with different outlet opening configurations (diameters, shapes, positions). By segmenting the adjustment element, the patent achieves multiple spray characteristics from a single component rather than requiring multiple separate nozzles, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining spray adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment element is designed to be movable (rotatable or translatable) relative to the nozzle assembly. This dynamic configuration allows the user to switch between different outlet openings on the adjustment element to achieve different spray characteristics. The movable adjustment element replaces the need for multiple fixed nozzles, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nozzles with different designs are provided to achieve adjustable spray characteristics, then spray adjustability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment element serves multiple functions: it acts as a flow control element, a spray pattern control element, and a structural component of the spray head. By making the adjustment element multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving comprehensive spray adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple nozzles into a single adjustable element. Instead of manufacturing and assembling multiple separate nozzle components, the invention combines them into one integrated adjustment element that can be positioned or rotated to select different spray characteristics, thus reducing manufacturing cost and simplifying production.
3Productivity
If an upstream adjustable throttle is used to vary the rate of output, then flow control is improved, but spray angle adjustability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spray angle control function from the flow control mechanism. By providing separate outlet openings on the adjustment element with different geometries (diameters, shapes, positions), the invention independently controls spray angle and flow rate. The flow control is handled by the throttle, while the spray angle is controlled by selecting different outlet openings, thus resolving the contradiction between flow control and spray angle adjustability.
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 compact, cost-effective, and simple design with intuitive operation for universal use, optimizing spray characteristics for different liquids by adjusting the spray angle and pattern.
Implementation Method 1
the adjustment element can be or is tensioned against the nozzle—particularly only during delivery or actuation of the spray head
Implementation Method 2
the two surfaces being at least substantially complementary to each other and/or embodied such that the two surfaces lie on top of each other and are pressed together around the outlet or nozzle opening at least substantially in a linear or annular manner
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed are a spray head with a nozzle for the atomizing of a liquid as well as a device with such a spray head. Associated with the nozzle is a delivery tube that can optionally be folded upward away from the nozzle.