Modular Fluid Nozzle Geometry for OEM Seam Seal Replication
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid nozzles are not interchangeable between single and dual cartridge systems, leading to confusion, incorrect ordering, and longer repair times, and struggle to replicate the original seam seal pattern and viscosity of seam sealers, resulting in inconsistent sealing quality and difficulty in matching the OEM appearance.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid nozzle design with a body featuring alternating sidewalls that taper outwardly, allowing it to be used with both single and dual cartridge systems, and providing controlled fluid flow for consistent application of seam sealers, regardless of viscosity, by alternating sidewalls that taper outwardly to control the fluid flow and prevent excessive width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate fluid nozzles are used for single and dual cartridge systems, then each nozzle can be optimized for its specific system, but the number of part numbers increases and causes confusion and longer repair times
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid nozzle is designed with a universal interface that accepts both single cartridge systems and dual cartridge systems with two-component fluids. The nozzle body includes a receiving chamber that can accommodate different cartridge configurations, allowing one nozzle design to serve multiple functions and eliminate the need for separate nozzle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle is designed as a modular assembly with separable components including the nozzle body, receiving chamber, and interchangeable elements. This segmentation allows the same nozzle body to work with different cartridge types while maintaining optimized fluid delivery for each system type.
2Manufacturing precision
If technicians use conventional spray applicators to replicate OEM seam seal patterns, then the original appearance can be matched, but the process becomes expensive and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use rather than cleaned and reused. This eliminates the time and effort required for cleaning while maintaining the ability to replicate OEM seam seal patterns accurately. The low cost of the disposable nozzle makes this economically viable.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle is designed to replicate the exact fluid delivery characteristics of expensive OEM spray applicators, copying their performance and pattern reproduction capabilities while using simpler, cheaper materials and construction methods that eliminate cleaning requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional applicators are used to brush material before spraying texture, then the seam seal appearance can be improved, but the process time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle integrates multiple functions into a single component, combining the fluid delivery, mixing, and pattern formation functions that previously required separate applicators. The internal geometry of the nozzle body and receiving chamber works together to produce the desired seam seal appearance in a single operation without requiring additional brushing or texturing steps.
4Ease of operation
If fluid nozzles are designed specifically for single cartridge systems, then they work well with single component fluids, but they cannot be used with dual cartridge systems and vice versa
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed with a universal receiving chamber that can accommodate both single cartridge systems and dual cartridge systems. The chamber geometry and fluid delivery pathways are configured to handle both single-component and two-component fluids, allowing the same nozzle to be used across different system types without modification.
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 modular nozzle reduces part numbers, eliminates cleaning costs, and ensures consistent sealing quality by replicating the OEM appearance efficiently, minimizing air entrapment and contamination, and reducing repair time.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of second wall portions extends outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis in a flow direction from the second end to the first end, such that the body tapers outwardly in the flow direction
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a fluid nozzle comprising a body with an outlet and an inlet at each end, connected by a fluid passageway. The outlet has a maximum width greater than the maximum inlet width and is disposed at the first end of the longitudinal axis. The body tapers outwardly in a flow direction from the second end to the first end. This tapering is formed by a pair of opposing sidewalls that extend from the second end to the first end. Each of the sidewalls comprises a plurality of first wall portions and a plurality of second wall portions that are inclined to an adjacent wall portion. The second wall portions extend outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis in the flow direction and are inclined to the longitudinal axis by an inclination angle.