Nozzle with Screen Inlet and Basket Insert for Coarse Droplet Spraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid fertilizer nozzles, particularly multi-hole nozzles, often result in uneven distribution and streaking during application, leading to potential damage to plants due to small droplet size and high impact speed, and are prone to clogging.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design featuring a housing with a screen inlet and a basket-like insert downstream of the outlet opening, creating a two-stage pressure reduction that forms coarse droplets with a predefined distribution curve, ensuring even fluid distribution and reducing clogging risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multi-hole nozzles are used to spray liquid fertilizer, then the application coverage is improved, but the distribution uniformity deteriorates causing streaking in plant growth
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into multiple functional segments: a screen inlet for filtration, a basket-like insert with radial slots for flow distribution, and an outlet chamber. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the screen filters debris, the basket distributes flow radially, and the outlet delivers the spray - thereby achieving both wide coverage and uniform distribution without streaking
Solution Approach 2:
The basket-like insert features radial slots positioned at specific locations to create localized flow patterns. The slots are arranged to distribute liquid fertilizer uniformly across the spray area, with each local region receiving appropriate fluid flow. This localized flow control ensures even distribution while maintaining comprehensive coverage
2Area of stationary object
If small droplet size is used for spray application, then the spray coverage area is improved, but the plant damage from solar radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle design changes the droplet size parameter by using a screen inlet with a relatively large opening followed by a basket-like insert with radial slots. This configuration produces coarse droplets rather than fine mist, maintaining adequate spray coverage area while reducing the harmful effect of small droplets on plant foliage exposed to solar radiation
3Quantity of substance
If high spray pressure is used to achieve coarse droplets, then the droplet size is improved, but the foliage damage from impact speed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure reduction function is segmented into two stages: first through the screen inlet where initial pressure drop occurs, and second through the basket-like insert with radial slots where further pressure reduction and flow distribution happen. This two-stage segmentation allows coarse droplet formation without excessive impact pressure, protecting foliage from damage while maintaining large droplet size
4Productivity
If multi-hole nozzles are used for liquid fertilizer application, then the spray output is improved, but the clogging resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The screen inlet acts as a porous filtration element that allows liquid fertilizer to pass through while blocking debris and particulate matter. This porous structure protects the downstream basket-like insert and outlet from clogging, maintaining reliable spray output over time without compromising productivity
5Reliability
If a single outlet opening is used instead of multiple holes, then the clogging resistance is improved, but the distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single outlet opening is segmented into multiple radial slots within the basket-like insert. This creates multiple flow paths from a single inlet, distributing liquid fertilizer uniformly across the spray area. The segmentation maintains clog resistance by keeping the main outlet opening large while achieving even distribution through the radial slot configuration
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 nozzle achieves a consistent, parabolic distribution of coarse droplets at low speed, reducing plant damage and ensuring uniform application of liquid fertilizers and crop protection agents, while being clog-resistant.
Implementation Method 1
downstream of the orifice is a basket-like insert arranged. The orifice ensures that a desired volume flow is set; the basket-like insert downstream of the orifice causes a strong pressure reduction and at the same time a uniform turbulent distribution of the fluid in the outlet chamber
Implementation Method 2
the basket-like insert downstream of the orifice causes a strong pressure reduction and at the same time a uniform turbulent distribution of the fluid in the outlet chamber
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The nozzle has a housing (12) with a discharge chamber having a slot-like designed discharge opening (14) and an inlet opening that is formed by a circular diaphragm (16). A basket- like inserted part (18) is arranged downstream to the diaphragm by the discharge opening. An abrupt cross sectional extension is provided downstream of the diaphragm and upstream of the inserted part, where a ratio between the fluid pressure downstream to the diaphragm and the fluid pressure in the chamber upstream of the part amounts between 100:1 and 50:1 in the operation of the nozzle.