Oscillation Nozzle Monitoring for Low-Flow Fluid Jet Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors face challenges in accurately monitoring fluid jets due to interference from contaminants, air flow disturbances, and reduced system robustness, particularly in detecting fluidic free jets with low volume flows.
Innovation Solution
An oscillation nozzle with a main channel and two secondary channels, one featuring a drill hole, generates a robust periodic signal by altering the air flow frequency and amplitude upon fluid interaction, allowing precise measurement of fluid volume using a pressure sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used to detect fluidic free jet, then detection capability is provided, but the sensor is easily influenced by contaminations resulting in false signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical sensors with a pneumatic sensor system that uses gas flow dynamics instead of light detection. The pneumatic sensor detects fluid jets through pressure changes caused by the interaction between the fluid jet and a controlled gas flow, eliminating susceptibility to optical contaminations while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controlled gas flow as an intermediary medium between the fluid jet and the sensor. This gas flow acts as a mediator that translates fluid jet presence into measurable pressure changes, providing a reliable detection mechanism that is not affected by optical contaminants
2Measurement precision
If air volume flow is increased in pneumatic sensors, then measurement signal strength is improved, but the fluid jet trajectory is deflected due to high force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameters of the controlled gas flow, specifically adjusting its volume flow rate to a level that generates sufficient measurement signal while remaining below the threshold that would deflect the fluid jet trajectory. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between signal strength and trajectory stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a partial action approach by using a controlled gas flow that is sufficient for measurement purposes but deliberately limited to avoid excessive force that would deflect the fluid jet. The gas flow is tuned to provide just enough interaction for detection without causing trajectory instability
3Stability of the object's composition
If air volume flow is reduced in pneumatic sensors, then fluid jet deflection is minimized, but the measured signal changes and system robustness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the interaction between the controlled gas flow and the fluid jet, and adjusting the gas flow parameters to maintain optimal measurement conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures sufficient signal strength while maintaining system robustness against external disturbances
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 provides a self-cleaning, robust, and flexible system capable of detecting various fluids and solids without optical property dependence, ensuring accurate fluid volume measurement and resistance to external disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
generates a robust periodic signal by altering the air flow frequency and amplitude upon fluid interaction
Implementation Method 2
allowing precise measurement of fluid volume using a pressure sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~1(d)
Figure 2~2F
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for monitoring a dispensed fluid jet. The invention provides an oscillation nozzle, comprising a main channel and at least one secondary channel surrounding the main channel, wherein the nozzle has an inlet and an outlet for an air flow defining a flow axis running centrally through the main channel, characterized in that the secondary channel comprises a drill hole.