Fluidic Oscillator Nozzle Geometry for Cold Viscous Spray Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic oscillators struggle to maintain effective oscillatory performance and uniform spray distribution in high viscosity fluids at cold temperatures, particularly in applications like windshield washers, due to design limitations and manufacturing challenges.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an apex protrusion and finger-like protuberances in the interaction region of the fluidic oscillator circuit, which stabilize vortex formation and enhance fluid flow consistency, allowing for improved performance in high viscosity fluids at cold temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional fluidic oscillator designs are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the spray distribution uniformity and cold performance deteriorate in high viscosity fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific geometric features (apex protrusion and finger-like protuberances) at critical locations within the interaction region to locally modify flow characteristics. These localized modifications create controlled instabilities and vortex formation that improve spray distribution uniformity without requiring complete redesign of the entire circuit geometry, thus balancing manufacturing precision improvement with acceptable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes dynamic flow instabilities and vortex formation within the interaction region to achieve improved spray distribution. The apex protrusion and finger-like protuberances are designed to create time-varying flow patterns that enhance mixing and distribution uniformity, particularly in high viscosity fluids, while maintaining a relatively simple static circuit structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fluid viscosity increases at cold temperatures, then the oscillatory performance and spray distribution deteriorate, but the operating temperature range should be expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the interaction region (apex protrusion height, finger-like protuberance dimensions, positioning) to optimize performance across a wide temperature range. These parameter changes are specifically designed to maintain stable oscillatory behavior and reliable spray distribution in high viscosity fluids at cold temperatures, thereby expanding the operational temperature range while preserving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The apex protrusion and finger-like protuberances are positioned upstream within the interaction region to preemptively create flow instabilities and vortex formation before the fluid reaches the outlet. This preliminary action ensures that the fluid is properly mixed and destabilized in advance, compensating for the dampening effects of high viscosity at cold temperatures and maintaining reliable oscillatory performance.
3Reliability
If additional geometric features are added to improve cold performance, then the spray distribution and vortex stability improve, but the manufacturing complexity and production risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex interaction region geometry is segmented into distinct, manufacturable features: the apex protrusion and separate finger-like protuberances. This segmentation allows each feature to be independently optimized for vortex stability while being manufactured using standard molding or machining processes, thereby reducing overall production complexity compared to a completely custom complex geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger-like protuberances are designed as repeating geometric elements that can be replicated during manufacturing. This copying approach simplifies the manufacturing process by using standardized features that can be consistently reproduced, reducing production variability and complexity while maintaining the vortex formation stability needed for reliable cold performance.
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 modified fluidic oscillator circuit achieves a more uniform and consistent spray pattern with increased fan angle and reduced diffusion, enhancing cold performance and reducing manufacturing risks.
Implementation Method 1
stabilize vortex formation and enhance fluid flow consistency
Implementation Method 2
produce an oscillating flow of fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fluidic oscillator circuit for a nozzle assembly configured to generate oscillating sprays of fluid from an outlet of the nozzle assembly and to improve spray performance of fluid having low temperatures or high viscosity. In one embodiment, provided is an interaction region for a fluidic oscillator circuit that includes an apex protrusion shaped to assist with generating vortices within the interaction region. In another embodiment, provided is an interaction region for a fluidic oscillator having a power nozzle that includes at least one finger protrusion that lengthens the power nozzle to create jets of fluid in the interaction region that are less diffused to improve cold performance of the fluidic oscillator circuit.