Contact Nozzle Fluidic Oscillator for Non-Linear Adhesive Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid application devices with contact nozzles are limited to applying adhesive in a linear pattern, restricting the line speed and pattern diversity when bonding elastic strands to nonwoven materials.
Innovation Solution
A contact nozzle assembly that incorporates a fluidic oscillator system, using a second fluid to control the application of the adhesive, allowing it to be discharged in a non-linear pattern across the width of the strand, enabling wider area coverage and increased line speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a contact nozzle is used to apply adhesive, then the line speed can be increased, but the adhesive can only be applied in a substantially linear pattern limiting area coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly incorporates a fluidic oscillator that dynamically switches the adhesive flow between multiple outlets (first outlet and second outlet) based on pressure oscillations. This dynamic switching enables the adhesive to be applied in a non-linear pattern (such as zigzag or sinusoidal) while maintaining contact nozzle speeds, thereby increasing area coverage without sacrificing line speed
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive flow is segmented into multiple streams through separate outlets (first outlet and second outlet) positioned at different locations. The fluidic oscillator alternates between directing adhesive through the first outlet and second outlet, creating a distributed application pattern that covers a wider area compared to a single linear outlet
2Adaptability or versatility
If a non-contact nozzle is used to discharge adhesive as a fiber, then a non-linear pattern can be achieved, but the line speed cannot exceed about 400 meters per minute
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a second fluid (such as air) as an intermediary that interacts with the adhesive flow in the oscillation chamber. This second fluid creates pressure oscillations that modulate the adhesive flow timing and distribution, enabling pattern control similar to non-contact nozzles while maintaining the higher speeds characteristic of contact nozzles
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic principles through the fluidic oscillator, where compressed air (second fluid) is introduced into the oscillation chamber to create self-sustaining pressure oscillations. These oscillations automatically control the timing of adhesive discharge through different outlets, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while achieving non-linear application patterns at high speeds
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 the application of adhesive in a non-linear pattern at higher line speeds, enhancing bonding flexibility and coverage on nonwoven materials while maintaining efficient adhesive distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The oscillator conduit is configured to vary a pressure of the first fluid flowing through the flow-splitting section, in part, by creating or amplifying a turbulent flow in the first fluid
Implementation Method 2
the second fluid F2 may be used to control application of the first fluid F1 onto the strand 12 such that the first fluid F1 is oscillated back and forth across a width of the strand 12
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid application device (10) includes an applicator head (16) and a nozzle assembly (22) fluidically coupled to the applicator head. The nozzle assembly includes a first conduit (430) configured to receive a first fluid from the applicator head, the first conduit having a first inlet configured to receive the first fluid and a flow-distributing channel (431) downstream from, and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, the flow-distributing channel configured to direct the first fluid in a lateral direction. The nozzle assembly further includes an application conduit (436) having a first fluid receiving section configured to receive the first fluid from the flow-distributing channel, and an orifice (428) fluidically connected to the application conduit, the orifice configured to discharge the first fluid for application onto a strand of material.