Deformable Flow Chamber for Adjustable Oscillating Spray Jets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid distribution devices struggle to generate fluid jets with adjustable spray characteristics, such as omnidirectional and fan beams, without using moving components that incur high maintenance costs and require large installation spaces.

Innovation Solution

A fluidic component with a flow chamber that can change shape reversibly, allowing for adjustable spray characteristics by altering the shape of the flow chamber through external or internal forces, without changing the fluid's parameters like pressure or flow rate, enabling modulation between point jets and fan jets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If moving components (slide or rotary mechanism) are used to switch between nozzles with different spray characteristics, then spray pattern variability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray pattern variabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical switching mechanisms (slide or rotary mechanisms with moving parts) with a fluidic component that uses fluid dynamics to generate oscillating jets. The oscillation is achieved through interaction between a main fluid stream and secondary fluid streams, eliminating mechanical moving parts while maintaining the ability to produce different spray patterns including circular and fan jets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses fluidic principles where secondary fluid streams interact with a main fluid stream to generate and control oscillations. By adjusting parameters such as secondary stream flow rates, angles, and positions, the system can produce different spray patterns (circular, fan, or other patterns) without mechanical components, leveraging fluid dynamics to achieve adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Adaptability or versatility

If moving components are used to generate moving fluid jets, then spray pattern variability is improved, but reliability decreases due to high wear and maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray pattern variabilityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical moving parts that are subject to wear by using a purely fluidic mechanism. The oscillating jet is generated through fluid interaction between main and secondary streams, controlled by fluid flow parameters rather than mechanical movement. This substitution dramatically improves reliability as there are no mechanical components to wear out or fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluidic component is self-regulating through fluid dynamics principles. The interaction between fluid streams automatically generates and maintains oscillations without requiring external mechanical actuation or control systems. The system adapts its spray pattern through fluid flow adjustments rather than mechanical reconfiguration, enhancing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple nozzles with different spray characteristics are used, then spray pattern variability is improved, but installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray pattern variabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple nozzle functions into a single integrated fluidic component. Instead of having separate nozzles for different spray patterns, the invention uses one nozzle assembly where secondary fluid streams interact with a main stream to generate different oscillation patterns. This merging of functions into a single component significantly reduces installation space while maintaining the ability to produce various spray patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluidic component is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device. By adjusting fluid flow parameters (rates, angles, positions of secondary streams), the same physical component can generate different spray patterns (circular, fan, or other patterns), eliminating the need for multiple specialized nozzles and reducing overall installation space requirements.

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

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 solution allows for reliable, low-maintenance generation of fluid jets with adjustable spray characteristics, enhancing cleaning and surface treatment performance by reducing the probability of failure and adapting to various cleaning requirements, suitable for high, medium, and low-pressure applications.

Implementation Method 1

The flow chamber contains means for generating an oscillation of the fluid flow at the outlet opening. The fluidic component generates a moving, oscillating, or pulsating fluid jet through interaction between fluid streams.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid interaction and oscillation:

Implementation Method 2

The boundary wall can have a deformable section which can be deformed by means of a device or by means of the fluid flow. The shape of the flow chamber can be changed before commissioning or even during operation.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The deformable section can be deformed by means of a device or by means of the fluid flow. The fluid pressure acts on the deformable section to change the flow chamber geometry.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure force: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3658290B1Fluidic component
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 FDX FLUID DYNAMIX GMBH
  • EP3658290B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3658290B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3658290B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a fluidic component comprising a flow chamber through which a fluid flow can flow, which enters into the flow chamber through an inlet opening of the flow chamber and passes out of the flow chamber through an outlet opening of the flow chamber, wherein, in the flow chamber, at least one means is provided for creating an oscillation of the fluid flow at the outlet opening. The fluidic component is characterised in that the flow chamber has a changeable shape.