Mist-Diffusing Head with Deflector for Flexible Food Preservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mist diffusion installations for preserving food products lack flexibility in mist distribution and are costly due to their massive design.

Innovation Solution

A misting head with a deflector that directs the fog jet appropriately, reducing turbulence and water losses, and allowing for adjustable orifice configuration to control mist direction and intensity, made from lightweight materials like polytetrafluoroethylene, which can be adapted to various installation models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a solid cap is used to control mist diffusion, then the mist direction and speed are maintained, but the manufacturing cost increases and flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemist direction controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The solid cap is segmented into separate functional components: a deflector element for directing mist and independent shutters for controlling diffusion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static solid cap to a dynamic configuration with movable shutters that can independently control mist diffusion through multiple orifices. This dynamic capability provides flexibility in adjusting mist distribution patterns without requiring a completely different structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a solid cap is used to control mist diffusion, then the mist direction and speed are maintained, but the design flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemist direction controlVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cap structure is divided into multiple independent orifices with individual shutters, allowing selective control of mist diffusion through different openings. This enables flexible adaptation to various product display configurations while maintaining reliable mist direction control through the deflector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs movable shutters that can be independently positioned to control mist flow through different orifices, providing dynamic adaptability to various diffusion requirements while the deflector maintains consistent mist direction and speed control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the deflector is integrated with shutters in a solid cap, then the structure is simplified, but the adaptability to different installations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidinstallation adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector and shutters are designed as separable components rather than being integrated into a single solid cap. This allows the deflector to be configured for optimal mist direction while shutters can be independently adjusted or removed based on specific installation requirements, enhancing adaptability without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If the orifice is positioned opposite the deflector, then the mist jet efficiency is improved, but the water loss on the deflector increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemist jet efficiencyVSAvoidwater loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector surface is designed with specific local properties including a curved profile that guides mist flow efficiently through the opposite orifice while minimizing direct impact and condensation. This local optimization allows high mist jet efficiency without excessive water accumulation on the deflector surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 provides flexible control over mist distribution, reduces water losses, and lowers production costs by simplifying manufacturing and enabling use with existing heads, ensuring effective mist delivery to products.

Implementation Method 1

the deflector reduces turbulences and recirculations inside the head and consequently pressure drops and water losses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence reduction: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

the profile has a parabolic shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParabolic reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3071334B1Mist-diffusing head provided with a deflector
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 ARECO FINANCES & TECH - ARFITEC
  • EP3071334B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3071334B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3071334B1 patent drawingFigure 6~11

AI summary

The invention relates to a mist-diffusing head (22) for a spraying apparatus, which comprises: a mouth (15) for supplying mist to the head; an outer wall (21) having at least one mist outlet opening (24); at least one seal (26) capable of sealing the opening; and a deflector (150) connected to the wall separately from the seal and having a main surface (154) opposite the mouth with at least one portion arranged in a direction other than the direction of the mouth, a larger portion of the opening or of at least one of the openings extending opposite the deflector.