Nozzle Applicator Reverse Flushing for Blockage-Free Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices for rotary atomizers are not suitable for effectively cleaning nozzle applicators, which emit a spatially narrowly defined jet of coating material, leading to inefficiencies and contamination issues.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning system designed for nozzle applicators, featuring a docking interface with a seal to flush cleaning agents through application nozzles in the opposite direction, a control unit to manage various cleaning modes, and a jet testing device to detect and address blockages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing cleaning devices for rotary atomizers are used on nozzle applicators, then the cleaning process can be performed, but the cleaning effectiveness is insufficient and contamination remains

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies reverse flushing by supplying cleaning agent through the application nozzles in the opposite direction to the normal application direction. This inversion of the normal flow direction allows the cleaning agent to effectively remove blockages and residues from within the nozzles, achieving proper cleaning effectiveness that conventional forward-flush methods cannot accomplish.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The docking interface with seal acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables the cleaning device to properly connect to the nozzle applicator. This intermediary structure allows the cleaning agent to be supplied through the application nozzles themselves, ensuring direct contact with the contaminated areas and enabling effective removal of residues and blockages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If cleaning agent is supplied through application nozzles in opposite direction, then blockages are effectively removed, but the docking interface and seal structure are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblockage removalVSAvoiddocking interface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking interface with seal is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the fluid-tight connection necessary for reverse flushing, enables the supply of cleaning agent through the application nozzles, and ensures proper positioning of the nozzle applicator in the cleaning device. This multi-functionality justifies the additional structural complexity by consolidating several requirements into a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If conventional cleaning methods are used, then the cleaning process is simple, but transfer efficiency is low and contamination persists

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer efficiencyVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By reversing the flow direction of the cleaning agent through the application nozzles, the patent achieves superior cleaning effectiveness that directly improves transfer efficiency. The reverse flushing method ensures that cleaning agent penetrates deep into the nozzle channels and effectively removes residues, thereby eliminating contamination and improving the overall productivity and transfer efficiency of the coating process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Effectively cleans nozzle applicators with high transfer efficiency, minimizes contamination, and ensures thorough removal of blockages and residues, enhancing the cleaning process for nozzle applicators.

Implementation Method 1

the cleaning agent can be flushed into the nozzle applicator through the application nozzles in the opposite direction to the normal application direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

the docking interface has a seal that, when docked, provides a fluid-tight and optionally also a pressure-tight seal to the nozzle area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP4076768B1Cleaning device for cleaning a nozzle applicator and corresponding cleaning method

Publication Date: 2026.02.04 DUERR SYST AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a cleaning device (2) for cleaning a nozzle applicator (1) which is designed for application of a coating agent to a component and has a plurality of application nozzles (4) in a nozzle region in order, during application, to dispense the coating agent in an application direction through the application nozzles (4). The cleaning device (2) comprises a cleaning agent feed (11, 12) for feeding a cleaning agent for cleaning the nozzle applicator (1), and a docking interface (14) for docking the nozzle applicator (1) to be cleaned onto the cleaning device. According to the invention the docking interface is designed to flush the cleaning agent into the nozzle applicator (1), contrary to the normal application direction, through the application nozzles (4) of the nozzle applicator (1). Furthermore, the invention comprises a corresponding cleaning method.