Fluid-Ejection Device with Adjustable Control Member Stroke

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid-ejection devices for washing surfaces in motor vehicles face challenges in reaching all areas due to external obstructions and require complex, costly designs to achieve efficient washing, especially when specific nozzle strokes and pressures are needed for each application.

Innovation Solution

A fluid-ejection device with first and second members, a pressurized fluid source, and a control member that changes positions to control fluid discharge, featuring sealing means and a nozzle for efficient fluid distribution, allowing for adjustable strokes and varying fluid passage to accommodate different surfaces without complex design or high material costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If telescopic devices with hollow pistons and springs are used to extend nozzles, then the ability to reach distant surfaces is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle extension distanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex hollow piston, spring, and multiple sealing elements from traditional telescopic devices. Instead, it uses a simple solid rod that moves linearly within a cylindrical body, extracting only the essential telescopic function while eliminating unnecessary complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into simple functional segments: a cylindrical body, a movable solid rod, and a nozzle. The rod can extend and retract in discrete positions, allowing the nozzle to reach different distances without requiring complex intermediate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the nozzle stroke is accurately designed for specific conditions, then the washing efficiency is improved, but the adaptability to different applications decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidapplication adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The solid rod is designed to move dynamically between multiple positions (retracted, partially extended, fully extended) rather than being fixed at a single stroke length. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same device to adapt to different washing distances and surface types, maintaining washing efficiency across various applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device structure with adjustable rod positions enables a single nozzle to serve multiple functions and adapt to different washing scenarios, eliminating the need for multiple specialized nozzles for different applications.

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

3Length of moving object

If control members are designed according to long stroke requirements, then the reach distance is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestroke lengthVSAvoidcontrol member complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates complex control mechanisms such as multiple seals, springs, and hollow chambers. The solid rod simply moves in and out of the cylindrical body under fluid pressure, requiring minimal control infrastructure while achieving the desired stroke length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If external parts and accessories are added to orient nozzles, then the directional control is improved, but the ability to reach certain areas decreases due to obstructions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle orientation controlVSAvoidreach distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The orienting and telescopic functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The solid rod itself can be oriented at angles while extending, combining directional control and reach extension without requiring separate external orienting parts that would create obstructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device provides efficient and uniform fluid distribution, effectively washing a wide range of surfaces without damaging sensitive areas, while being cost-effective and adaptable to various shapes and applications, with precise control over fluid ejection and material savings through adjustable design.

Implementation Method 1

a source of pressurized fluid... the second member is arranged to be movable relative to the first member when it is driven by the fluid that is supplied by the source of pressurized fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a sealing means, a portion of which is arranged radially between the first member and the second member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP3501920B1Fluid-ejection device
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 FICO TRANSPAR
  • EP3501920B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3501920B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3501920B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The fluid-ejection device (100) comprised a first member (110) having an inlet suitable for being connected to a source of fluid (120); a second member (130) that can be moved relative to the first member (110); and a control member (150) arranged to be at least in a first condition, in which the control member (150) is at least substantially inside the second member (130) preventing the flow of fluid through the second member (130) to define a first stroke (S1) of the second member (130) where no discharge of fluid is allowed out of the device (100); and a second condition, in which the control member (150) is at least substantially outside the second member (130) allowing the flow of fluid through the second member (130) to define a second stroke (S2) of the second member (130) along which discharge of fluid is allowed out of the device (100).