Fluid Sprayer Attachment With Nested Flow Constrictors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid sprayers require multiple nozzle attachments for different pressures and spray patterns, leading to increased costs and the risk of attachments being lost or misplaced due to the tedious process of replacing them.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sprayer design featuring a modular attachment system with a flow constrictor and quick disconnect mechanism, allowing for adjustable pressure and spray patterns using fewer parts, enabling easy addition of supplemental attachments without removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nozzle attachments are used for different pressures and spray patterns, then the sprayer can achieve greater versatility and adaptability, but the device complexity increases and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow constrictor is designed with multiple flow constrictions at different positions along its length, allowing a single attachment to provide multiple spray patterns (e.g., narrow, medium, wide patterns) by selecting which flow constrictions are active. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate nozzle attachments while maintaining spray pattern variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow constrictor incorporates nested or stacked flow constrictions within a single attachment body, where different flow constrictions are positioned at different locations along the attachment. This nested structure allows multiple spray patterns to be integrated into one attachment, reducing the total number of separate components needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nozzle attachments are used for different pressures and spray patterns, then the sprayer can achieve greater versatility, but the likelihood of attachments being lost or misplaced increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple spray patterns into a single flow constrictor attachment through multiple flow constrictions, the system reduces the total number of attachments from multiple nozzles to one multi-functional attachment. This reduces the probability of losing attachments while maintaining spray pattern variety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nozzle attachments are used for different pressures and spray patterns, then the sprayer can achieve greater versatility, but the time required to change attachments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow constrictor with multiple flow constrictions allows operators to change spray patterns by simply adjusting which flow constrictions are active (e.g., by moving a seal or selecting different openings) rather than physically replacing entire nozzle attachments. This dramatically reduces the time required to switch between spray patterns while maintaining versatility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nozzle attachments are used for different pressures and spray patterns, then the sprayer can achieve greater versatility, but the cost of the pressure washer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow constrictor with multiple flow constrictions integrates the functionality of multiple separate nozzle attachments into a single component. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and managed, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining spray pattern variety.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple flow constrictions that would traditionally require separate nozzle attachments are merged into a single flow constrictor attachment. This combining of functions into one component reduces the overall bill of materials and assembly complexity, leading to lower manufacturing costs.
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 design reduces the number of parts needed, decreases the likelihood of attachments being lost, and simplifies the process of changing spray patterns and pressures, enhancing user convenience and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a flow constrictor across the flow passage and configured to constrict the fluid flow to provide a predetermined first spray pattern with first pressure characteristics
Implementation Method 2
a supplemental attachment configured to be releasably connected to the attachment. The supplemental attachment includes a flow constrictor across a supplemental flow passage
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment for a fluid sprayer comprises a main flow passage, a quick disconnect portion that facilitates connection of the attachment to a first flow constrictor providing flow at a first pressure and a second flow constrictor between the main flow passage and the quick disconnect portion. The second flow constrictor provides flow at a second pressure less than the first pressure.