Atomizing Nozzle With Flexible Membrane for Clogging Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atomizing nozzles are complex and costly, with a high risk of clogging due to undissolved solids, especially in applications with fibrous or crystalline materials, leading to uneven spraying and potential nozzle failure, and require precise adjustment and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An atomizing nozzle with a flexible membrane that separates the nozzle outlets, allowing the membrane to deform elastically and open the spray gap when in use, adapting to flow rates and pressures, and automatically closing when inactive, reducing the risk of clogging and encrustation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a static nozzle design is used, then the structure is simple and robust, but the spray gap is prone to clogging and encrustation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a flexible membrane that can dynamically adjust the spray gap width. The membrane deforms in response to pressure changes, automatically opening the gap when spray medium flows through and closing it when inactive. This dynamic adaptation prevents clogging and encrustation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and clogging resistance.
2Reliability
If a rotary-driven nozzle is used, then clogging is avoided through rotation, but the system becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane (thin film) to control the spray gap opening. This flexible element responds to pressure differential automatically, eliminating the need for rotary mechanisms while maintaining clogging resistance. The membrane's ability to flex and seal provides reliability similar to rotary designs but with significantly reduced structural complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane operates autonomously based on the flow conditions of the spray medium. When medium flows through the nozzle, pressure differential causes the membrane to deform and open the spray gap automatically. When flow stops, the membrane returns to its original position and closes the gap. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates complex control systems while ensuring reliable operation.
3Device complexity
If a flexible membrane is used, then the nozzle becomes simpler and more robust, but the spray gap must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the membrane to deform in response to pressure differential. The spray gap width is not fixed but dynamically adjusted based on operating conditions. This approach reduces manufacturing precision requirements because the system self-adjusts during operation, compensating for variations in initial dimensions while maintaining effective spray performance.
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 flexible membrane design simplifies nozzle operation, reduces clogging and encrustation risks, and allows for self-adjusting gap width, making the nozzle more robust, cost-effective, and easier to maintain, while ensuring even distribution of the medium to be atomized.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane is configured to close the first nozzle outlet in an inactive state of the atomizing nozzle, in which no medium to be atomized is passed through the first flow channel, and to deform elastically in an active state of the atomizing nozzle, in which the medium to be atomized is passed through the first flow channel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an atomizing nozzle (10) with a first flow channel (12) for guiding a medium to be atomized, a second flow channel (14) for guiding a gaseous spray medium, and a flexible diaphragm (30) that separates the first nozzle outlet (22) from the second nozzle outlet (24) in such a way that a first side (40) of the diaphragm (30) facing the first nozzle outlet (22) forms a movable side wall of the first nozzle outlet (22) and a second side (42) of the diaphragm (30) facing the second nozzle outlet (24) forms a movable side wall of the second nozzle outlet (24).The membrane (30) is designed to close the first nozzle outlet (22) in an inactive state of the atomizing nozzle (10), in which no medium to be atomized is passed through the first flow channel (12), and to deform elastically in an active state of the atomizing nozzle (10), in which the medium to be atomized is passed through the first flow channel (12), in order to open the first nozzle outlet (22) in an annular gap shape.