Atomizer Vortex Member for Directional Spray Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure atomizers for agricultural and domestic use have a complex design with multiple components, which can be inefficient and costly to manufacture and assemble, and lack flexibility in directing the atomized spray.
Innovation Solution
A simplified liquid atomizer design featuring a housing with a single vortex generating member that includes multiple outlet nozzles, allowing for efficient fluid flow and directional control, with a pressure threshold valve for optimal operation, and the option to selectively close some outlets for customized discharge patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple housing units with single outlet nozzles are used to cover large areas, then the spray coverage area is increased, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple outlet nozzles (typically 3-6 nozzles) into a single housing unit, with each nozzle directed at a different angle. This merging approach allows one housing to cover a larger area that would otherwise require multiple separate housing units, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining extensive spray coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it generates vortex flow, directs liquid through multiple nozzles at various angles, and provides structural support for the vortex generating member. This multi-functionality allows a single housing to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized components, reducing device complexity while achieving comprehensive area coverage.
2Ease of operation
If each outlet nozzle is associated with a separate housing, then the directional control of spray is simplified, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple nozzles with different directional orientations are integrated into a single housing unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate housing units. This reduces manufacturing steps and assembly operations while maintaining the ability to control spray in multiple directions through the strategically angled nozzles within the unified housing.
Solution Approach 2:
While the housing is unified, the internal vortex generating member is designed with segmented flow paths that direct liquid to different nozzles at specific angles. This internal segmentation allows directional control without requiring external segmentation into multiple housings, simplifying manufacturing while preserving operational flexibility.
3Device complexity
If a single housing with multiple outlet nozzles is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex generating member incorporates locally optimized flow paths and nozzle arrangements tailored to specific agricultural or domestic applications. By designing the internal geometry and nozzle positions as integrated features of the vortex generating member rather than separate components, the patent achieves precise nozzle positioning while maintaining overall device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing, vortex generating member, and nozzle assembly are combined into a single integrated unit. This merging eliminates the need for precise assembly between multiple components, as the nozzle positions and orientations are determined during the single manufacturing process of the integrated housing unit, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vortex generating members are radially arranged, then the spray coverage and directional flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple vortex generating functions are merged into a single vortex generating member with multiple flow paths and outlet nozzles. The member is designed to generate vortex flow that distributes liquid to multiple nozzles arranged at different angles, providing radial spray coverage and directional flexibility without requiring multiple separate vortex generating members.
Solution Approach 2:
The single vortex generating member performs multiple functions: it generates vortex flow, distributes liquid to multiple nozzles, and provides structural support for the entire nozzle assembly. This multi-functionality achieves the spray coverage and directional flexibility of multiple members while reducing device complexity to a single integrated component.
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 the number of components, enhances manufacturing efficiency, and allows for flexible directional control of the atomized spray, improving the atomizer's operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness while maintaining effective cooling and humidity management capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a vortex generating path being in flow communication with the cavity and extending opposite a respective opening of the housing; said at least one vortex generating member having an inside surface facing said cavity... the inside surface of the vortex generating member being associated with the vortex generating path
Implementation Method 2
The liquid droplets absorb heat energy of the environment and evaporate, whereby the energy (heat) consumed for converting the liquid into gas (vapor) is extracted from the environment, thus cooling the air
Implementation Method 3
Cooling by atomized liquid is obtained by forcing a liquid, typically water, through specially designed nozzles so as to obtain a fog of ultra fine water droplets
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A liquid atomizer comprising a housing (20) fitted with an inlet (26) connectable to a liquid supply line. The housing (20) has a cavity with a longitudinal axis and being in flow communication with the inlet (26); the housing (20) comprises at least one opening (28) for emitting atomized liquid; the housing (20) further comprises at least one vortex generating member (32) formed with a vortex generating path (34, 35) in fluid flow communication with the cavity and extending opposite a respective opening (28) of the housing (20); The at least one vortex generating member (32) having an inside surface facing the cavity and an opposite, outside surface facing away from the cavity. The inside surface of the vortex member (32) is associated with the vortex generating path (34, 35) and comprises at least one outlet nozzle in fluid flow communication with the vortex generating path (34, 35) via an opening (28) extending between the inside surface and the outside surface. The vortex generating path (34, 35) is configured for generating a liquid vortex directed towards the opening (28) to be emitted from the outlet nozzle generally along the transverse direction.