Coaxial Nozzle for Trace Particle Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dislodging and releasing trace particles of explosives or narcotics from surfaces are inefficient, particularly at long distances, due to the weakening velocity of gas or aerosol jets as they interact with the atmosphere, and often require high-velocity air streams or frequent replacement of wiping materials.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial nozzle system with a first and second orifice for emitting pressurized gas or aerosol jets, where the second jet's velocity is equal to or greater than the first, and is pulsed to enhance particle release, allowing for efficient particle dislodgment at longer distances using controlled gas delivery pressures up to 100 pounds per square inch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a single jet of pressurized gas or aerosol is emitted from a conventional nozzle, then the jet can dislodge particles from the target surface, but the jet velocity decreases rapidly with distance due to atmospheric interaction, limiting effective sampling distance
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into multiple orifices (first orifice, second orifice, third orifice) arranged in a segmented pattern. Each orifice emits its own jet, and the combined effect of multiple segmented jets maintains higher velocity over distance compared to a single jet, resolving the contradiction between effective sampling distance and jet velocity maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple orifices are arranged in a two-dimensional array pattern rather than a single linear arrangement. This dimensional expansion allows the jets to overlap and reinforce each other, maintaining velocity and effectiveness over longer distances by utilizing spatial distribution in multiple dimensions
2Productivity
If high-velocity air streams are used to dislodge particles, then particle release efficiency improves, but the system requires frequent replacement of wiping materials and consumes more energy
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses controlled pulses of pressurized gas delivered through multiple orifices to dislodge particles, replacing the need for physical wiping materials. The pneumatic pulses provide sufficient force for particle release while eliminating material consumption, resolving the contradiction between particle release efficiency and wiping material loss
Solution Approach 2:
The pressurized gas is delivered in periodic pulses rather than continuous flow. This periodic action maintains particle release efficiency by providing intermittent high-velocity bursts while reducing overall gas consumption and eliminating the need for continuous wiping material replacement
3Productivity
If multiple jets are emitted from multiple orifices, then particle dislodgment efficiency at long distances improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple simple orifice structures are merged into a single nozzle body, creating a multi-orifice array. Each orifice is structurally simple, but their combination achieves enhanced particle dislodgment efficiency at long distances. The merging approach maintains individual orifice simplicity while achieving collective effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-orifice nozzle structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: each orifice emits pressurized gas or aerosol, the array pattern provides spatial distribution for long-distance effectiveness, and the combined jets create overlapping flow patterns. This multi-functionality achieves high particle dislodgment efficiency without requiring complex individual orifice structures
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 system effectively dislodges and collects particles from surfaces at extended distances with increased efficiency, reducing the need for high-velocity air streams and minimizing material replacement, suitable for automated, large-area, or remote sampling applications.
Implementation Method 1
dislodging and releasing particles of substances from a surface in order to facilitate the transport, capture, detection, and identification of the particles
Implementation Method 2
A coaxial nozzle system with a first and second orifice for emitting pressurized gas or aerosol jets
Data Source
AI summary
An explosive and narcotics detection system detects the presence of trace particles of those materials that are adhering to surfaces. In order to detect such particles, it is necessary to first dislodge or release them from the surface, next to transport them to the detection instrument, and last to accumulate them on or in a particle collection device associated with the instrument. Narcotics and explosive particles are often bound tenaciously to the surface, and simple techniques, such as blowing air, will either remove only the largest particles or none at all. A nozzle to release particles of narcotics and explosives employs a coaxial configuration that permits particle release at an increased distance from the nozzle compared to existing devices.