Non-linear spray nozzle for polyurethane foam
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dispensing guns for polyurethane foam struggle with metering and mixing ratios of two-component foams, leading to issues like cross-over, clogging, and inadequate temperature assessment, which affect yield and cure quality, especially in varying applications and cold temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A non-linear spray tip nozzle with a lateral deflecting mechanism and color-changing thermochromic properties to ensure precise temperature indication and improved spray pattern for efficient dispensing of polyurethane foam, allowing for effective metering and mixing of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional linear spray nozzle is used, then the spray stream is directed along the longitudinal axis, but it cannot effectively spray into tight corners or off-center areas
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle incorporates asymmetric internal geometry with a deflection surface that is offset from the longitudinal axis. This asymmetric design causes the spray stream to exit at an angle relative to the nozzle axis, enabling the spray to reach tight corners and off-center areas without requiring the operator to reposition the nozzle body.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a lateral dimension to the spray trajectory by deflecting the spray stream perpendicular to the conventional axial direction. The deflection surface redirects the spray at an angle, adding a lateral component to the spray vector, which allows coverage of areas that would be inaccessible with purely axial spray patterns.
2Quantity of substance
If two-component polyurethane foam is dispensed, then complete foam formulation is achieved, but metering and mixing ratios are difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle integrates the mixing function directly into the spray tip, combining the discharge of component A and component B with the mixing process in a single integrated structure. The internal geometry of the nozzle body and deflection surface work together to mix the components while deflecting the combined stream, eliminating the need for separate mixing chambers or complex metering mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle design changes the flow parameters of the two components through its internal geometry, using the deflection surface to create turbulence and enhance mixing. The asymmetric design creates different flow paths and velocities for the two components, promoting thorough mixing as they combine and deflect together.
3Temperature
If foam is dispensed in cold temperatures, then outdoor and winter applications are enabled, but chemical curing is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The thermochromic indicator provides preliminary visual information about the temperature of the foam chemicals before dispensing. This allows the operator to assess whether the chemicals are at an appropriate temperature for proper curing, and to take preliminary actions such as warming the chemicals or adjusting application parameters to ensure adequate cure in cold conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermochromic material in the nozzle provides real-time visual feedback about the temperature of the foam components. As the chemicals flow through the nozzle, the thermochromic indicator changes color to reflect the temperature, giving continuous feedback to the operator about thermal conditions that affect curing quality.
4Measurement precision
If conventional nozzles are used, then simple design is maintained, but temperature assessment of chemicals is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle incorporates thermochromic material that changes color in response to temperature variations of the foam chemicals. This color-changing property provides a visual temperature assessment without requiring electronic sensors, displays, or power sources, maintaining relative simplicity while adding measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermochromic indicator is a passive, self-service temperature measurement system that requires no external power source, electronics, or additional components. The material inherently responds to temperature changes through its color properties, providing automatic temperature indication as the chemicals flow through the nozzle.
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 enhances the ability to spray foam into hard-to-reach areas and ensures proper chemical mixing and curing by providing a non-linear spray pattern and accurate temperature assessment, improving yield and safety in polyurethane foam applications.
Implementation Method 1
the nozzle body or nozzle tip, or both, may be made of a thermochromic material which changes color at a selected temperature
Implementation Method 2
a lateral deflecting means which diverts longitudinally axial aerosol droplets to non-longitudinally axial egress
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains generally to removable spray tip nozzles that change the direction of the aerosol path from collinear with the nozzle tip body to non-collinear with the nozzle tip body.