Arcuate Two-Fluid Nozzle for Flat Fan Spray With Lower Air Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-fluid nozzles for atomization consume excessive amounts of second fluid, particularly due to the use of air horns and internal mixing cavities, leading to inefficiencies in fluid consumption and spray pattern shaping.
Innovation Solution
A two-fluid nozzle design featuring arcuate and rectangular openings for each fluid, with fluidically isolated passageways, eliminates the need for separate pressurization of the first fluid and uses the second fluid for shaping without air horns, reducing air consumption and enhancing coating transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If air horns are used to shape spray pattern, then spray pattern shaping is improved, but air consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes air horns from the spray gun system entirely, extracting the harmful element that caused excessive air consumption. The spray pattern shaping function is achieved through alternative means (shaping air outlets) that do not require high-velocity gas jets impinging on the atomized spray.
Solution Approach 2:
The second fluid (air) serves multiple functions through the second fluid opening: it atomizes the first fluid and simultaneously shapes the spray pattern. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate air horn components dedicated solely to shaping, thereby reducing overall air consumption.
2Device complexity
If internal mixing cavity is used, then atomization is improved, but backflow issues occur due to pressure differential
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mixing fluids internally and then discharging them through a common opening (which causes backflow when pressure differentials occur), the patent inverts the approach by using an external-mix configuration. The first and second fluids are discharged separately through adjacent openings and mix in the external environment, eliminating the backflow problem caused by pressure reversals in an enclosed mixing cavity.
3Ease of operation
If separate gas passages for atomizing and shaping are used, then atomization control is improved, but device complexity and air consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the atomization and spray pattern shaping functions into a single integrated opening (the second fluid opening). The second fluid discharged through this opening performs both atomization of the first fluid and shaping of the spray pattern, eliminating the need for separate gas passages and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second fluid opening serves dual purposes: it provides the second fluid for atomizing the first fluid and simultaneously shapes the resulting spray pattern. This multi-functional design consolidates what would traditionally require separate passages, reducing complexity while maintaining operational control.
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 design reduces air consumption, noise generation, and power consumption while increasing coating transfer efficiency by utilizing the Venturi effect and shaping with the second fluid, achieving a flat fan spray pattern.
Implementation Method 1
The first fluid opening and second fluid opening are each arcuate and rectangular. The second fluid opening is positioned adjacent to the first fluid opening such that, when flowing, the second fluid from the second fluid opening affects the first fluid from the first fluid opening of a first tubular member.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure describe a two-fluid nozzle including a nozzle body. The nozzle body includes a first fluid nozzle tip having a first fluid opening formed therein. The nozzle body includes a second fluid nozzle tip comprising a second fluid opening formed therein. The first fluid nozzle tip and second fluid nozzle tip can be fluidically isolated from each other in the nozzle body. The first fluid opening and second fluid opening are each arcuate and rectangular. The second fluid opening is positioned adjacent to the first fluid opening such that, when flowing, the second fluid from the second fluid opening affects the first fluid from the first fluid opening of a first tubular member.