Two-Material Atomizing Device with Adjustable Injection Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current two-substance atomizer devices face limitations in optimizing spray quality, throughput, and control range due to wall film formation in the mixing channel, which restricts their adaptability to changing operating conditions and material properties, making them unsuitable for varying applications.

Innovation Solution

A two-component atomizer device with controllable adjustability of the injection opening geometry and flow conditions, allowing for adjustments during operation to prevent wall film formation and maintain consistent atomization parameters, utilizing a coaxial annular gap for optimal gas flow to address wall film issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the liquid jet is allowed to widen quickly in the mixing channel, then the atomization process is simplified, but wall film formation occurs which degrades spray quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatomization throughputVSAvoidspray quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a counter-flow gas stream at the outlet opening that acts against the liquid jet before it can form wall films. The gas flow is directed opposite to the liquid flow direction, creating a preliminary counter-force that prevents the liquid from adhering to the channel walls before atomization occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary gas stream as a mediator between the liquid jet and the channel walls. This intermediate gas flow acts as a buffer that separates the liquid from the walls, preventing direct contact and wall film formation while still allowing the atomization process to proceed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the nozzle geometry is fixed for specific operating conditions, then the device is optimized for those conditions, but it cannot adapt to changing operating conditions or material properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatomization optimizationVSAvoidoperating condition flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the nozzle geometry adjustable rather than fixed. The injection opening geometry can be dynamically changed during operation to adapt to different operating conditions, liquid properties, or performance requirements. This allows the same device to maintain optimization across a range of conditions rather than being locked into a single configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves universality by designing a nozzle system that can perform multiple functions through geometric adjustment. The same basic nozzle structure can be adapted to handle different liquids, operating conditions, and performance requirements by changing the injection opening geometry, making it a multi-functional device rather than a single-purpose component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If jacket gas is injected to atomize droplets at the outlet opening, then spray quality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray qualityVSAvoidgas injection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining the jacket gas injection function with the existing mixing channel structure. The gas injection system is integrated into the channel walls rather than being a separate external system, and the jacket gas is combined with the main gas stream to create a unified flow field that atomizes the liquid

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 universal applicability and adaptability to changing conditions, effectively preventing wall film formation and ensuring consistent atomization of the mixture, enhancing the device's operational flexibility and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a gas flow state is sought directly at the outlet opening which not only entrains the droplets but also atomizes them

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEntrainment: Entrainment

Implementation Method 2

The energy required for the atomization of the liquid is introduced via the gas (air, vapor or inert gases), i.e. via the relative speed between the gas and the liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAtomization:

Implementation Method 3

there is a probability that the liquid jet will widen too quickly in the mixing channel within the atomizer device and thus that a wall film will form in the outlet channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChannel wetting: Wetting

Data Source

PatentEP1915219B1Two-material atomizing device
Publication Date: 2009.02.11 KARLSRUHER INST FUR TECH
  • EP1915219B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A two-material atomizing device for atomizing a liquid in a gas stream, comprising a liquid supply (1) with a nozzle opening (3), a gas supply (4) arranged around the liquid supply, the nozzle opening ending in the gas supply, a rotationally symmetrical mixing channel (5) as an axial extension of the liquid supply and having an outlet opening (6), a concentric gas branch (8) from the gas supply (4) upstream of the nozzle opening (3) and an annular injection opening (11) at the outlet opening (6), which is connected to the gas branch. The object is to propose a universally usable two-material atomizing device that also allows adaptation to boundary conditions changing during continuous operation. The object is achieved by means for adjusting the cross section of the injection opening (11) being provided.