Low-Pressure Plural Component Spray Mixing From Unpressurized Sources
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-pressure spray foam systems are hazardous and require pressurized vessels, limiting the use of unpressurized material sources, while low-pressure systems lack the ability to effectively mix and deliver plural component foams at pressures below 300 psi without using pressurized containers.
Innovation Solution
A spray gun applicator with a static mixing nozzle that uses a continuous air supply to mix and deliver plural component materials from unpressurized sources at pressures below 300 psi, incorporating retractable pins and a valve system to control material flow, ensuring effective mixing and application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high pressure spray systems are used to deliver plural component foam, then adequate mixing and quality finished product are achieved, but the system becomes hazardous and requires pressurized vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using compressed air to propel plural component materials from unpressurized containers through a spray gun. The air pressure (not material pressure) provides the force needed to deliver materials at low pressure (below 300 psi) while maintaining adequate mixing quality through the interaction of air flow with the chemical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from high pressure (800+ psi) to low pressure (below 300 psi) operation. This parameter change allows the system to use unpressurized material containers while still achieving effective material delivery and mixing through controlled air pressure and flow dynamics.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If low pressure spray systems are used to reduce hazards, then operational safety is improved, but the ability to effectively mix and deliver plural component foam is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Compressed air serves as an intermediary medium that transfers energy from the air supply to the plural component materials. The air flow acts as a carrier that propels materials through the spray gun and facilitates mixing at the nozzle, enabling low-pressure operation while maintaining mixing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pressurization system (pressurized material vessels) with a pneumatic propulsion system (compressed air supply). This substitution eliminates the need for pressurized material containers while providing sufficient force for material delivery and mixing through air flow dynamics.
3Productivity
If pressurized vessels are used to store and convey materials, then material delivery is achieved, but the use of unpressurized material sources is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic principles to convey materials from unpressurized containers. Compressed air is introduced into the material flow path, providing the necessary propulsion force to move materials through the delivery system without requiring pressurized storage vessels, thereby enabling use of versatile unpressurized material sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter of the material supply system from pressurized to unpressurized. By using compressed air as the driving force rather than material vessel pressure, the system achieves effective material delivery while greatly increasing flexibility in material source selection.
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
Enables safe and efficient application of plural component foams at low pressures, allowing the use of unpressurized containers and improving mixing quality and pattern development, while reducing operational hazards and costs.
Implementation Method 1
an air supply conduit for conveying a continuous stream of air into a static mixing nozzle from an unpressurized air supply source
Implementation Method 2
a static mixing nozzle that receives the plural component materials and the continuous stream of air, and mixes the plural component materials with the continuous stream of air
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides methods for preparing a plural component foam where the materials supplies are provided from unpressurized storage containers. In use, a continuous stream of high velocity air moves through the static mixing nozzle, and the material streams may be intermittently moved into the gas stream of the nozzle and aerated and mixed with each other and moved with the air to form the plural component foam. The plural component foams are delivered from a static mixing nozzle at pressures of less than 300 psi. Spray guns configured for preparing the plural component foams are also disclosed. Polyurethane foams, polyurethane adhesives, and polyurea foams prepared by the methods are further provided.