Gapped Scanner Nozzle Assembly for Uniform Spray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard jet-type showerheads fail to provide pleasing spray patterns, uniform droplet size, uniform droplet velocity, and temperature uniformity at low flow rates, and are difficult to manufacture due to sealing and tolerance issues, making them expensive and inferior to consumers.
Innovation Solution
A gapped scanner nozzle assembly with an axial gap between the inlet and outlet members, forming a vortex inducing chamber, which simplifies manufacturing and reduces component count, allowing for a more economical and effective multi-spray generating showerhead with improved fluidic behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If standard jet-type showerheads are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but spray pattern uniformity and droplet consistency deteriorate at low flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The showerhead is divided into multiple independent nozzle assemblies, each containing a fluidic oscillator. This segmentation allows each nozzle to be manufactured and tested separately, improving overall spray uniformity while simplifying the manufacturing process through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluidic oscillator is introduced as an intermediary device between the water supply and the spray outlets. This intermediary component actively regulates and conditions the fluid flow, ensuring uniform droplet size and velocity distribution even at low flow rates, while the modular design keeps manufacturing complexity manageable.
2Manufacturing precision
If fluidic oscillators are added to improve spray uniformity, then droplet size and velocity uniformity improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the fluidic oscillator component: flow regulation, droplet formation, and spray direction control are all achieved within this single device. This reduces the need for separate mechanical components, valves, and actuators, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while maintaining droplet uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic oscillator is designed to be self-regulating, using the incoming water flow itself to drive the oscillation mechanism without requiring external power sources, control systems, or additional actuators. This self-service capability maintains droplet uniformity while avoiding the complexity of externally controlled systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If sealing and tolerance requirements are increased to improve spray performance, then droplet velocity uniformity improves, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design incorporates standardized parameter ranges for critical dimensions and operating conditions. By defining acceptable parameter ranges rather than requiring tight tolerances, the system achieves consistent droplet velocity uniformity while maintaining ease of manufacture through relaxed specification requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
High precision and sealing requirements are applied only to specific critical locations within the nozzle assembly where they directly impact droplet velocity uniformity, rather than throughout the entire device. This localized quality approach maintains performance while reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 gapped scanner nozzle assembly achieves a uniform cone angle and stable fluid outlet flow, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining performance, enabling a more efficient and cost-effective multi-spray generating showerhead.
Implementation Method 1
An axial gap between the inlet and outlet members defines a vortex inducing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic scanner nozzle comprising an interaction chamber defined between an upstream end and a downstream end with a longitudinal chamber axis. The upstream end having an inlet opening for receiving and delivering pressurized fluid into said interaction chamber along said chamber axis. The downstream end having an outlet orifice for issuing a generally conical outlet spray of liquid droplets from said chamber into ambient environment and an axial gap positioned between said upstream end and said downstream end. The upstream and downstream ends may define inner cavities having a hemisphere shape. The axial gap may define a cylindrical sidewall segment aligned between an upper hemisphere shaped inner cavity and a lower hemisphere shaped inner cavity. The axial gap includes a selected axial length and an inside diameter that may be either a continuous axial gap or a stepped axial gap.