Nozzle Arrangement for Uniform Particle Jet Surface Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface treatment methods using carbon dioxide particles are inadequate due to uncontrollable particle size, resulting in non-uniform jets and insufficient kinetic energy, leading to laborious and non-reproducible cleaning processes, particularly in the production of wires and plastic products.

Innovation Solution

An arrangement comprising an outer nozzle and multiple inner nozzle units that combine streams of propellant gas mixed with particles to form a uniform overall stream, using a particle generator to produce larger, uniform particles with greater kinetic energy, and materials like high-grade steel to withstand low temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If larger particle size is used to increase kinetic energy, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but particle size uniformity deteriorates and system reliability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekinetic energyVSAvoidprocess stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the particle generation into multiple independent inner nozzle units (at least two), each with its own particle generator. This segmentation allows each unit to produce particles of controlled size while maintaining overall system reliability through redundancy and uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameters of particle generation by using controlled expansion of propellant gas mixed with liquid or solid particles through specially designed nozzle geometries. This enables production of larger particles (improving kinetic energy) while maintaining uniform size distribution and stable operation (preserving reliability).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple cleaning processes are combined to achieve desired results, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but process complexity and treatment time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface treatment qualityVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple cleaning functions into a single integrated jet system. The outer nozzle combines streams from multiple inner nozzle units, creating one unified jet that delivers uniform particles across the entire surface, replacing the need for multiple separate cleaning processes and thereby increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The jet arrangement is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of performing various surface treatment tasks (cleaning, flash removal, burr removal) with a single system configuration, eliminating the need for multiple specialized processes and improving both quality and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Force

If particle size is increased to improve kinetic energy, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but jet uniformity deteriorates due to pulsation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekinetic energyVSAvoidjet uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the particle source into multiple independent inner nozzle units, each producing a steady stream of uniform particles, the system achieves both large particle size (for kinetic energy) and jet uniformity (by combining multiple stable streams through the outer nozzle).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nozzle design ensures continuous and steady flow of propellant gas mixed with particles through optimized geometry, eliminating pulsation and maintaining uniform jet characteristics even with larger particle sizes, thereby preserving both kinetic energy and jet stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This solution enables a uniform, effective, and time-saving surface treatment, allowing for efficient cleaning and removal of flash or burr from surfaces, particularly in the production of wires and plastic products, with reduced treatment time and improved reproducibility.

Implementation Method 1

the outer nozzle being designed to combine the streams of propellant gas of the inner nozzle units to form an overall stream of propellant gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid mixing:

Implementation Method 2

The particles are preferably formed from a substance that is liquid or gaseous at room temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

a liquid starting material is injected into the inner nozzle unit, whereby a snow can form in particular from the liquid starting material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAtomization:

Implementation Method 4

at least two inner nozzle units, which are enclosed by the outer nozzle and are designed to introduce in each case a stream of propellant gas mixed with a multiplicity of particles into the outer nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 5

situations in which the kinetic energy of the carbon dioxide particles is not sufficient

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectKinetic energy transfer:

Data Source

PatentEP3551385B1Arrangement and process for treating a surface
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE
  • EP3551385B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

Arrangement (1) for treating a surface with a jet comprising a multiplicity of particles, the arrangement (1) comprising at least: an outer nozzle (3), and at least two inner nozzle units (4), which are enclosed by the outer nozzle and are designed to introduce in each case a stream of propellant gas mixed with a multiplicity of particles into the outer nozzle (3), the outer nozzle (3) being designed to combine the streams of propellant gas of the inner nozzle units (4) to form an overall stream of propellant gas. With the arrangement presented and the process presented for treating a surface, a particularly uniform, particularly effective and particularly time-saving treatment of the surface can be achieved, for which purpose a particularly wide and uniform jet of particles can be used. This applies in particular to cleaning and removing flash or burr. The arrangement and the process may be used in particular in the production of wire or plastic products.