Fluidic Oscillator Nozzle for Cold Viscous Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic nozzles and circuits fail to provide reliable and effective spray patterns at cold temperatures, particularly with viscous fluids like alcohol-water mixtures, requiring excessively high pressures and being unsuitable for applications like headlamp cleaning and squeeze bottle sprays.
Innovation Solution
The nozzle system incorporates a fluidic oscillator with a power nozzle, oscillation chamber, and specific geometrical features such as a wide bell-shaped feed, downward taper, increased interaction region size, and short posts to reduce the critical Reynolds number, enabling effective spraying at lower pressures and temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional fluidic nozzles are used with cold, viscous fluids, then spray generation is attempted, but excessively high pressures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the fluidic circuit, specifically the interaction region size, feed width, and channel dimensions, to optimize performance with cold, viscous fluids. These parameter changes enable the nozzle to achieve spray generation at lower pressures by improving fluid flow characteristics through the modified geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluidic oscillator that creates dynamic oscillating spray patterns rather than steady-state flow. This dynamic operation allows the system to effectively atomize viscous fluids at lower pressures by utilizing unsteady flow phenomena and periodic pressure variations
2Reliability
If conventional fluidic nozzles operate at high pressures to spray cold fluids, then spray generation is achieved, but the system becomes unsuitable for applications like squeeze bottle sprays
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing the geometric parameters of the fluidic circuit, the patent enables reliable spray pattern generation across a wide range of pressure conditions. The modified interaction region and feed dimensions allow the nozzle to function effectively in diverse applications from high-pressure windshield washers to low-pressure squeeze bottles
3Ease of manufacture
If standard spray nozzles emit steady state flows, then construction is simple, but spray distinctiveness and oscillation are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a fluidic oscillator that transforms steady-state flow into dynamic oscillating spray patterns. The oscillator uses the fluid's own momentum and the geometric features of the interaction region to create self-sustaining oscillations, adding functional complexity without requiring external control systems or complex manufacturing
4Stress or pressure
If the interaction region size is increased to improve cold fluid performance, then spray generation at lower pressures is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific geometric parameters of the fluidic circuit, including the interaction region dimensions, feed width, and channel cross-sections. These targeted parameter modifications achieve the desired pressure reduction while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure that can be manufactured using conventional techniques
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 significantly reduces the pressure required for generating spray patterns by 10-12 psi, allowing for consistent operation with cold, viscous fluids at commercially reasonable pressures, enhancing cold performance and feasibility in applications like headlamp cleaning and squeeze bottle sprays.
Implementation Method 1
a power nozzle configured to accelerate the movement of the liquid that flows under pressure through the insert
Implementation Method 2
the Coanda effect wall attachment (or lock-on effect) cause a dwell at the ends of the sweep
Implementation Method 3
an interaction chamber through which the liquid flows to initiate flow phenomena and cause spray oscillation
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid spraying or nozzle system adapted for use with cold fluids, viscous fluids or fluids under light pressure includes a fluidic oscillator having a power nozzle and an oscillation chamber coupled to the power nozzle for issuing a jet of fluid into the oscillation chamber and an outlet aperture spraying a jet of fluid into ambient space. The oscillator's walls define an oscillation inducing interaction region causing the jet of fluid to rhythmically sweep back and forth between the sidewalls in the oscillation chamber. The oscillation inducing interaction region defines an outlet throat width which is adapted to work with the power nozzle's width and an a bell-shaped feed that spreads the fluid jet as it leaves the power nozzle, so that the interaction region and feedback channels are quickly filled with fluid at a low pressure and the fluidic oscillator is activated to generate a desired fan pattern of fluid spray.