Flexible Nozzle Outlet Deflection Prevents Particle Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sorting machines with nozzles arranged 'bottom up' suffer from dust and particle clogging, which complicates maintenance and reduces operational efficiency, as particles easily enter the nozzle and cause clogging.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle device with a flexible outlet portion that deflects during gaseous media ejection, shaking off attached particles and reducing the risk of further entry, and a reduced cross-sectional area when inactive, minimizing downtime for cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If nozzles are arranged to eject gaseous media in a direction opposite to gravity ('bottom up'), then sorting accuracy is improved and media consumption is reduced, but dust and particles easily enter the nozzle causing clogging and component deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle incorporates a flexible outlet portion that can deflect during operation. This flexible structure allows the nozzle to shake off attached particles and reduces the risk of particle entry into the nozzle interior, thereby preventing clogging while maintaining the 'bottom up' ejection configuration that provides high sorting accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle outlet portion is designed to be dynamic rather than static, deflecting upon ejection of gaseous media. This dynamic behavior enables the nozzle to actively shake off particles and adapt to the flow conditions, preventing particle accumulation and clogging while preserving the beneficial sorting accuracy of the 'bottom up' arrangement
2Reliability
If a particle trap is arranged inside the nozzle to collect particles, then particle entry is prevented, but the nozzle structure becomes more complex and requires maintenance for emptying the particle trap
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle employs a self-cleaning mechanism where the flexible outlet portion deflects during operation to automatically shake off particles. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate particle traps and their associated maintenance requirements, reducing structural complexity while maintaining particle prevention capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the particle collection function from a separate particle trap component and integrates it into the nozzle outlet portion itself. The flexible outlet acts as both the ejection aperture and the particle rejection mechanism, simplifying the overall structure by removing the need for distinct particle trap chambers and their maintenance infrastructure
3Reliability
If the nozzle operates with a reduced cross-sectional area when inactive, then particle entry risk is minimized, but the outlet area must increase during operation to maintain ejection effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle outlet portion dynamically changes its cross-sectional area based on operational state: reduced when inactive to prevent particle entry, and increased during ejection to maintain effectiveness. This dynamic area adjustment resolves the contradiction between particle prevention and ejection performance
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of outlet cross-sectional area is changed based on operational requirements. The flexible material allows the outlet area to vary between a smaller closed state (preventing particle entry) and a larger open state (ensuring ejection effectiveness), thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity
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 nozzle device operates for longer periods without needing cleaning or servicing, as the flexible outlet portion effectively prevents particle entry and maintains sorting accuracy with reduced media consumption.
Implementation Method 1
said outlet portion comprises a flexible material, which deflects upon ejection of the gaseous media, received from said nozzle bar, through said outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle device for sorting objects by ejecting a gaseous media towards said object. The nozzle device nozzle device including: a nozzle unit including at least one nozzle; a nozzle bar including gas supply means for providing a gaseous media to said nozzle unit; and a nozzle fixation bracket adapted for holding said nozzle unit in place; said at least one nozzle including: an inlet for receiving the gaseous media; and having one outlet, having an outlet area, for ejecting the gaseous media towards an object to be sorted; a channel extending between said inlet and said outlet; an outlet portion surrounding at least said outlet, wherein said outlet portion includes a flexible material, which deflects upon ejection of the gaseous media, received from said nozzle bar, through said outlet whereby said outlet area increases. Also, a system for sorting objects.