Fluid Atomizer Tangential Conduit Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid atomizers, such as fuel nozzles, require complex machining to create intricate flowpaths for efficient atomization, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A fluid atomizer design featuring a tangential conduit, linear swirl slots, and a discharge plenum, which allows for simpler machining and efficient fluid distribution, reducing the need for complex manufacturing processes while maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex machining is used to create intricate flowpaths, then atomization performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flowpath is segmented into distinct functional zones: an entry plenum for fluid distribution, a tangential conduit for swirl generation, and a discharge plenum for atomization. This segmentation allows each zone to be machined independently with simpler operations while collectively achieving the desired atomization performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from complex three-dimensional curved flowpaths to a more planar, modular arrangement where the tangential conduit connects plenums through a simplified geometry. The tangential entry point and linear conduit section reduce machining complexity while maintaining the swirl flow necessary for atomization.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex machining is used to create intricate flowpaths, then atomization performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle body is divided into separable components (inner member, outer member, upstream outer member, downstream outer member) that can be manufactured independently using standard machining operations, then assembled. This reduces the need for expensive complex machining while maintaining atomization performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of machining complex internal flowpaths directly into a monolithic structure, the invention uses a modular approach where simpler components are assembled to create the functional flowpath. The tangential conduit and plenums are formed as separate features that can be machined with conventional operations.
3Device complexity
If tangential conduit with linear swirl slots is used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but fluid distribution efficiency must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The entry plenum is designed to pre-distribute the fluid evenly before it enters the tangential conduit. This preliminary distribution ensures that the simplified linear swirl slots can still achieve effective atomization, as the fluid is already properly positioned and pressurized before entering the swirl generation zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The tangential conduit acts as an intermediary element that transforms the fluid flow from the entry plenum into a swirling pattern for the discharge plenum. This intermediate structure enables the transition from simple linear slots to effective swirl flow, maintaining atomization performance while simplifying manufacturing.
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 efficient atomization with reduced manufacturing complexity and cost, replicating the performance of complexly machined atomizers by controlling fluid distribution and minimizing stagnant flow regions.
Implementation Method 1
The conduit extends from an entry plenum in fluid communication with the second-fluid supply conduit to an exit plenum spaced circumferentially from and axially downstream of the entry plenum
Implementation Method 2
The second-fluid flowpath comprises a plurality of swirl slots providing fluid communication between the exit plenum and the annulus
Implementation Method 3
The conduit extends from an entry plenum in fluid communication with the second-fluid supply conduit to an exit plenum spaced circumferentially from and axially downstream of the entry plenum
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid atomizer and methods of atomizing fluids are disclosed. The fluid atomizer may comprise an inner member and one or more outer members. The inner member defines an interior conduit for providing a first-fluid flowpath from a supply end of the atomizer to a discharge end of the atomizer along a central axis. The one or more outer members are positioned radially outward of the inner member from the central axis. The inner and outer members define a second-fluid flowpath extending from a second-fluid supply conduit to a second-fluid discharge plenum. The second-fluid flowpath comprises a tangential conduit spiraling along the axis from the second-fluid supply conduit to a terminal end; an annulus downstream from and in fluid communication with the tangential conduit; and a second-fluid discharge plenum downstream from and in fluid communication with the annulus.