Ionizer Emitter Nozzle Thread Geometry for Anti-Ejection Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ion emitter nozzle assemblies face challenges with installation and removal due to pressurization within the housing, leading to resistance and potential ejection, as well as fatigue from friction during multiple turns.

Innovation Solution

The disclosed ion emitter nozzle assemblies feature threaded connections with multiple sections, including a double-threaded nozzle receptacle and emitter housing with cams, where the threads have a first flank angle and terminate into a second section with a lower flank angle, often zero, enhancing locking and reducing the likelihood of unintended unwinding or ejection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional single-threaded connections are used for ion emitter nozzles, then installation is simpler, but the nozzle is prone to ejection due to pressurization and operator fatigue from multiple turns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded connection is segmented into multiple sections with different flank angles. The first section has a standard flank angle for initial engagement, while the second section has a reduced flank angle (including zero flank angle) for enhanced locking. This segmentation allows the connection to provide both ease of installation and secure anti-ejection locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the threaded connection have different local geometries. The first section uses conventional thread geometry for easy engagement, while the second section uses reduced or zero flank angle geometry for maximum locking reliability. This local quality variation optimizes both installation ease and anti-ejection performance at different stages of the connection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If multiple turns of threading are required for secure installation, then locking reliability improves, but operator fatigue increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The threading process is segmented into two distinct phases: the first section accepts initial turns for quick engagement, while the second section with reduced flank angle provides enhanced locking in fewer additional turns. This segmentation reduces the total number of turns required while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flank angle parameter is changed along the thread length. The first section has a standard flank angle for easy engagement, while the second section has a reduced or zero flank angle that provides greater mechanical advantage and locking force per turn, reducing the total turns needed for secure installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional threads are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the nozzle may unwind or eject under pressurization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidanti-ejection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thread structure is segmented into conventional and non-conventional sections. The first section uses standard thread geometry that is simple to manufacture, while the second section uses reduced or zero flank angle geometry that provides superior anti-ejection reliability. This segmentation balances manufacturing simplicity with enhanced performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different local geometries are applied to different sections of the thread. The first section has conventional geometry for ease of manufacture, while the second section has specialized reduced or zero flank angle geometry for maximum anti-ejection reliability. This local quality differentiation achieves both manufacturing feasibility and superior performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4348783B1Ionizer emitter nozzles
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4348783B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4348783B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4348783B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An example apparatus for charge neutralization comprises: an emitter nozzle comprising: an emitter; and a housing configured to hold the emitter, the housing comprising a plurality of cams on an exterior of the housing; and a nozzle receptacle configured to enable insertion and removal of the emitter nozzle, and to hold the emitter nozzle in place during operation of the emitter nozzle, the nozzle receptacle comprising: a plurality of threads corresponding to the plurality of cams on the emitter nozzle, the plurality of threads having a first flank angle; and a plurality of shelves located at respective distal ends of the plurality of threads, the plurality of shelves having a second flank angle less than the first flank angle.