Fluidic Nozzle Oscillating Jet Steering for Spray Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic nozzle assemblies lack adequate dynamic and cold performance for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications, particularly in generating even spray patterns and handling cold liquid mixtures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic circuit with a cyclic jet wall attachment-detachment mechanism is used, featuring a power nozzle, interaction region, and jet-steering cavities to produce a planar oscillating spray with adjustable fan angles, utilizing specific dimensions and features like setback angles, ear configurations, and optional slots to enhance spray uniformity and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a fluidic oscillator is used to generate spray, then spray velocity and dynamic performance are improved, but cold performance with viscous liquid mixtures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies geometric parameters of the fluidic oscillator including interaction region length (IL), interaction region width (IW), power nozzle width (PW), power nozzle depth (PD), and throat dimensions (TW, TD) to optimize performance with cold, viscous windshield washer fluids while maintaining high spray velocity
2Quantity of substance
If a heavy-ended fan spray pattern is generated, then fluid distribution concentrates at extremes, but uniform distribution across the spray area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic oscillator creates a dynamic spray pattern that oscillates between left and right extremes, distributing fluid more evenly across the fan angle over time rather than concentrating at fixed extreme positions, achieving improved uniformity while maintaining the heavy-ended fan pattern characteristic
3Speed
If a center-heavy fan spray pattern is generated using a splitter, then maximum fan angle and spray velocity increase, but fluid distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric features including a splitter positioned at an offset from the centerline and asymmetric interaction region geometry to control the oscillating spray pattern, achieving enhanced fan angle and velocity while improving distribution uniformity compared to symmetric designs
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 solution achieves improved dynamic and cold performance by generating a repeatable oscillating jet stream with adjustable fan angles from 15° to 135°, ensuring even fluid distribution and increased spray velocity, suitable for various applications including windshield washing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first vortex 1310 having a first (CCW) circulation orientation, and second vortex 1320 having a second (CW) circulation orientation alternately with first vortex 1310, where the second vortex's circulation orientation opposes the first vortex's circulation orientation
Implementation Method 2
a fluidic circuit with a cyclic jet wall attachment-detachment mechanism is used
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic circuit configured to spray an oscillating pattern of fluid droplets, having an inlet in fluid communication with a source and including a power nozzle with an oscillation chamber having a fluid jet steering section in fluid communication with the power nozzle and having either (a) a first fluid pressure accumulating volume opposite a second fluid pressure accumulating volume or (b) a first fluid jet attachment feature opposing a second fluid jet attachment feature. The fluid jet steering section is in fluid communication with and emits a fluid jet into an oscillation inducing interaction region with opposing first and second side wall ears or features which define an oscillation inducing interaction region in the oscillation chamber for causing the jet of fluid to rhythmically sweep back and forth between the sidewalls in the oscillation chamber and create a distally projecting oscillating spray.