Air Nozzle with Variable Section for Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid discharge systems face inefficiencies in air flow due to cornering effects, leading to pressure and throughput losses when directing air through nozzles, particularly in applications requiring precise orientation and alignment of articles.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a nozzle with a variable section that compensates for flow losses by converging inside diameter from the inlet to an intermediate transition point, followed by a resistive section with a constant diameter that controls the air flow, reducing cornering effects and enhancing energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air is directed through a conventional nozzle, then the nozzle can convey and align articles, but cornering effects cause pressure and throughput losses
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle incorporates a curved flow path design where the air flow follows a smooth arc from the inlet to the outlet, eliminating sharp cornering effects. This curvature allows the air to transition smoothly around bends, maintaining pressure and reducing turbulence-induced energy losses while still achieving the required conveyance and alignment functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle design optimizes the flow path geometry to dynamically adapt to the air flow characteristics, creating a streamlined configuration that minimizes resistance at each point along the flow path. This dynamic optimization of the flow trajectory reduces cornering losses and improves overall throughput efficiency.
2Strength
If the nozzle uses additional fasteners for assembly, then the structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle design integrates the mounting features directly into the nozzle body structure, combining the structural support function and the fastening function into a single unified component. This integration eliminates the need for separate fasteners, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining the required structural integrity through optimized structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle body is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the air flow path, structural support, and self-contained mounting capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated fastening components, streamlining both manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining structural strength.
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
This design significantly improves air flow efficiency by stabilizing the air flow before the resistive section, resulting in an output velocity 4 to 16 times greater than the input, reducing manufacturing costs and time by eliminating the need for additional fasteners, and increasing the energy efficiency of the orientation system.
Implementation Method 1
an air supply source including a high flow centrifugal blower for generating a low-pressure air flow
Implementation Method 2
The nozzle is capable of receiving the low pressure air flow from the air supply source at a first velocity and outputting an air flow having a second velocity which is 4 to 16 times greater than the first velocity
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle system that includes an improved air nozzle is provided. In one embodiment, the nozzle has an inlet and an outlet. An air source is connected with the nozzle through a conduit and generates an air flow using a high flow centrifugal blower. The nozzle is connected with and part of an air-driven orientation device.