Deformable Spray Nozzle Orifice Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray nozzles in agricultural applications have fixed configurations, limiting dynamic control over spray features like flow rate, spray pattern, and droplet size, leading to inefficiencies and the need for frequent nozzle changes, which disrupt spraying operations and are costly.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically controllable spray nozzle with a deformable exit orifice, enabled by actuators such as piezo-active elements, allows for real-time adjustment of spray characteristics without changing nozzles, using deformable materials and actuators to alter the shape of the exit orifice for optimal spray control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed configuration spray nozzles are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different spraying conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle exit orifice is designed with deformable material that can dynamically change its shape and size in response to actuator signals, allowing a single nozzle to adapt to different spraying conditions such as varying flow rates, spray patterns, and droplet sizes without requiring multiple fixed nozzles
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle utilizes deformable materials whose physical properties (shape, size) can be changed by applying external forces through actuators, enabling continuous adjustment of spray parameters including flow rate, spray pattern, and droplet size to match different agricultural spraying requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed nozzles are used to cover different conditions, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single nozzle design incorporates multiple functions by using deformable material that can be shaped into different configurations, allowing one nozzle to replace multiple fixed nozzles with different specifications, thereby reducing the number of components needed in the spraying system
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle employs dynamic deformation capability through integrally formed deformable material and actuators, enabling real-time adjustment of the exit orifice shape to provide different spray patterns and flow rates, eliminating the need for physical nozzle changes or complex switching mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If nozzle changes are made during spraying operations, then spray optimization for different conditions is achieved, but productivity deteriorates due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system enables dynamic adjustment of spray characteristics during operation through actuators that deform the exit orifice in real-time, allowing optimization for different conditions without stopping the spraying process or changing physical nozzles
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle system includes control mechanisms that can automatically adjust the deformable material shape in response to changing conditions, enabling self-adaptation without manual intervention or operational interruptions to maintain optimal spray performance
4Ease of operation
If pressure adjustment is used to alter spray features, then some control flexibility is achieved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to limited control range
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on pressure adjustment, the nozzle uses deformable material that can physically change the exit orifice geometry, providing precise control over spray features such as droplet size and spray pattern through shape control rather than just flow rate control
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the nozzle itself (exit orifice shape and size) through deformation of the integrally formed deformable material, enabling precise control of spray characteristics independent of pressure variations and expanding the controllable range beyond what pressure adjustment alone can achieve
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
This solution enables precise and efficient control of spray features, reducing interruptions and costs by allowing a single nozzle to replicate the performance of multiple fixed nozzles, improving accuracy and efficiency in precision spraying across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
actuators such as piezo-active elements, allows for real-time adjustment of spray characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamically-controllable spray nozzle, and associated control system and methods of use, has applicability in agricultural spraying and in other processes and devices in which spray nozzles are used. In an embodiment, a deformable nozzle may be compressed by one or more actuators to alter a nozzle’s exit orifice in a continuously variable manner.