Single-Molded Spray Nozzle to Prevent Surface Scratching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray nozzles made of metal can scratch surfaces during use, necessitating a need for a non-scratching alternative.
Innovation Solution
A unitary single molded spray nozzle made of semi-rigid materials like plastic or thermoplastic rubber, featuring a hollow body, slotted nozzles, and a ball valve mechanism to control liquid flow, eliminating the need for metal and reducing surface scratching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal spray nozzles are used, then durability and structural strength are improved, but surface scratching occurs during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces durable metal nozzles with disposable plastic nozzles that are discarded after limited use. The nozzle body is designed as a single-use component that is thrown away after the valve stem wears out or the nozzle becomes clogged, eliminating the scratching problem inherent in metal nozzles while maintaining adequate structural strength for their intended lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic, fundamentally altering the interaction between the nozzle and surfaces. This material substitution eliminates the scratching harmful effect while the valve stem incorporates a hardened wear ring to maintain necessary durability at the critical sealing interface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic materials are used instead of metal, then surface scratching is prevented, but structural strength and durability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material qualities to different parts of the nozzle assembly. The nozzle body is made of soft plastic to prevent scratching, while the valve stem incorporates a hardened wear ring with enhanced durability. This localized quality differentiation allows the system to prevent surface damage overall while maintaining necessary strength at critical load-bearing and sealing points.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve stem assembly uses a composite structure combining soft plastic body material with a hardened wear ring material. This composite approach allows the majority of the component to remain soft and non-scratching while the critical sealing surface has enhanced hardness and durability, effectively resolving the strength versus non-scratching contradiction.
3Reliability
If traditional multi-component nozzles are used, then functional performance is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate components into a single molded unit. The valve stem, nozzle body, and sealing elements are combined into one integrated plastic component that is molded as a single piece, eliminating the need for gaskets, multiple fasteners, and complex assembly steps while maintaining all necessary functional performance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The single molded nozzle body performs multiple functions that previously required separate components: it provides the spray geometry, incorporates the valve stem sealing surfaces, includes integrated mounting features, and contains the flow passage. This multi-functionality in a single component simplifies both manufacturing and assembly while maintaining reliable functional performance.
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 plastic or thermoplastic rubber nozzle prevents surface scratching while maintaining effective liquid ejection and control, eliminating the need for gaskets.
Implementation Method 1
The ball valve has a channel opening that aligns with the interior section when the handle is in an opened configuration, allowing the liquid to traverse the interior section from the entry end to the exit end, and when the handle is moved to a closed configuration the channel opening is moved to seal the interior section to prevent liquid from moving from the entry end to the exit end.
Implementation Method 2
The slotted nozzles are configured with narrowing nozzle exits to increase the pressure of the liquid as it is ejected.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a unitary single molded spray nozzle. The nozzle has a body extending from an entry to an exit with a hollow cavity. The entry includes threads for securing to a source of liquid. The exit includes a pair of nozzles with slotted orifices. A handle is secured to the outside of the body by a pair of diametrically opposed rods. The nozzle also includes a ball valve positioned within the body and secured to the pair of rods. The ball valve having a channel configured to open when the handle is in an opened configuration to permit a liquid to flow from the entry to the exit, and configured to close off the liquid when the handle is moved to a closed configuration.