Converging Nozzle Layout for Uniform Surface Cleaning Spray

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning implements with plural nozzles often produce uneven spray patterns and debris not covered by the fluid are difficult to remove due to insufficient residence time of the cleaning fluid, leading to unsightly trace fluid deposition and potential slipping hazards.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning implement head design with a front edge divided into four quadrants, featuring nozzles oriented towards the longitudinal centerline to create a more contained and uniform spray pattern, minimizing dry areas and ensuring better coverage and solublization of debris.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If plural nozzles are used to provide broader spray coverage, then the spray pattern coverage is improved, but the spray uniformity deteriorates leading to uneven fluid distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray coverage areaVSAvoidspray pattern uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning implement head is divided into four quadrants with nozzles strategically positioned in outer quadrants, segmenting the spray function to achieve both broad coverage and controlled distribution patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Nozzles are oriented towards the longitudinal centerline with specific angular orientations, creating localized spray directions that converge to produce uniform overall distribution across the target surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If nozzles are oriented to maximize coverage, then the spray coverage is improved, but trace fluid deposition increases creating slipping hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray coverage areaVSAvoidtrace fluid deposition
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle orientation towards the centerline preliminarily directs fluid flow to converge and distribute evenly, preventing the formation of excessive trace fluid deposition before it occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of orienting nozzles outward to maximize edge coverage, the nozzles are oriented inward towards the centerline, inverting the conventional approach to achieve both coverage and prevent harmful trace deposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Area of stationary object

If fluid spray diverges from single nozzle, then the spray coverage is improved, but the residence time of fluid on debris deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray coverage areaVSAvoidfluid residence time on debris
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple nozzles are segmented and positioned in outer quadrants, each contributing to a coordinated spray pattern that maintains fluid concentration on the target surface longer than a single diverging nozzle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nozzle orientation parameter is changed to point towards the longitudinal centerline, altering the spray trajectory to enhance fluid residence time on the target surface while maintaining broad coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 achieves a more uniform and extensive spray pattern, increasing the residence time of the cleaning fluid on the target surface, improving debris solublization and reducing unsightly fluid deposition, thus enhancing cleaning efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

Each said nozzle may be oriented towards the longitudinal centerline to spray a fluid towards the centerline

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP2330962B1Plural nozzle cleaning implement
Publication Date: 2013.07.10 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP2330962B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2330962B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~2B
  • EP2330962B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A plural nozzle cleaning implement (10). The nozzles (30) are oriented inwardly, to provide a converging spray pattern. The converging spray pattern provides more coverage of the target surface, which increases residence time of fluid sprayed onto debris.