Fluid Atomizer with Arcuate Slit and Shelf for Spray Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hand-held liquid spray guns for applications like vehicle repair are complex, expensive to manufacture, time-consuming to maintain, and require specialized training to adjust atomizing air outlets for desired spray patterns, leading to inefficiencies in air, noise, and power consumption, as well as reduced coating transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A simplified atomizer design featuring a body with arcuate fluid outlets and a shelf that uses a single air stream to both atomize and shape fluids, reducing the need for multiple air streams and simplifying the adjustment process, thereby reducing air and power consumption and improving coating efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional spray guns use multiple air outlets (atomizing air and shaping air) to achieve desired spray patterns, then the spray pattern control is improved, but the device complexity and air consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple air outlets (atomizing air and shaping air) into a single air outlet. The single outlet dispenses atomizing air that simultaneously performs both atomization and shaping functions, eliminating the need for separate passages and outlets while maintaining spray pattern control
Solution Approach 2:
The single air outlet is designed to perform multiple functions: it atomizes the fluid stream and shapes the spray pattern simultaneously. This multi-functional design replaces the traditional multi-outlet system, reducing device complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional spray guns use multiple air streams for atomization and shaping, then the spray pattern precision is improved, but the air consumption and power usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple air streams into a single atomizing air stream that performs both atomization and shaping functions. This consolidation reduces the total air consumption and power requirements while maintaining spray pattern precision through optimized outlet geometry and flow characteristics
3Ease of operation
If traditional spray guns use complex internal passages for air distribution, then the spray pattern control is improved, but the manufacturing cost and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex internal passages by using a single air outlet with optimized geometry. The simplified structure reduces manufacturing steps, lowers production costs, and minimizes maintenance requirements while retaining spray pattern control capabilities through geometric design rather than complex internal routing
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional spray guns require specialized training for adjustment, then the spray pattern precision is improved, but the ease of operation for novice users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines atomization and shaping functions into a single adjustable outlet, reducing the number of adjustments required from multiple outlets to a single unified adjustment. This simplifies the learning curve for novice users while maintaining spray pattern precision through the integrated design
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 atomizer efficiently creates a flat fan pattern with reduced air consumption, noise, and power usage, enhancing coating transfer efficiency and simplifying operation compared to traditional spray guns.
Implementation Method 1
The first fluid stream shears the second fluid stream to atomize at least a portion of the second fluid stream
Implementation Method 2
producing a negative pressure on the shelf adjacent the second fluid outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid atomizer comprising a body having a front surface, a rear surface and a body axis extending from the front to rear surfaces. The body comprises a first fluid outlet disposed in the front surface of the body, a first fluid inlet, and a first fluid passageway connecting the first fluid inlet with the first fluid outlet. The first fluid outlet defines an arcuate slit. The body further comprises a second fluid outlet disposed in the front surface of the body, a second fluid inlet, and a second fluid passageway connecting the second fluid inlet with the second fluid outlet. A shelf having an attraction surface protrudes from the front surface of the body. The second fluid outlet is located between the first fluid outlet and the shelf. The atomizer can be used in apparatus and methods utilizing atomized fluid.