Fluidic Oscillator Interaction Region for Cold Viscous Spray Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluidic oscillators face performance deterioration at colder temperatures with higher viscosity fluids, leading to insufficient oscillation and spray distribution issues, particularly in applications like windshield washers, due to existing design limitations and manufacturing challenges.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an apex protrusion in the interaction region of the fluidic oscillator circuit, positioned between power nozzles, stabilizes vortices and enhances geometrical placement, combined with finger-like protuberances to extend the power nozzle and reduce diffusion, improving cold performance and spray uniformity without increasing circuit size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mushroom oscillator geometry is used, then manufacturing is simple, but cold performance deteriorates with higher viscosity fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing an apex protrusion at a specific location within the interaction region, rather than changing the entire circuit geometry. This localized modification creates targeted vortex stabilization without requiring complete redesign of the oscillator circuit, thus improving cold performance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interaction region is segmented into distinct functional zones by introducing the apex protrusion, which divides the flow path into upper and lower regions. This segmentation allows independent optimization of vortex formation and jet deflection characteristics, improving oscillation robustness in high viscosity fluids.
2Manufacturing precision
If finger-like protuberances are added to extend power nozzle, then spray uniformity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The finger-like protuberances are designed to pre-condition the fluid jet by creating initial instabilities and vortex structures before the jet enters the main interaction region. This preliminary action prepares the flow for more uniform oscillation and spray distribution, reducing the need for complex downstream adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The protuberances extend into the interaction region from the power nozzle exit, adding a third dimensional element to the otherwise planar nozzle structure. This dimensional addition creates multiple flow paths and vortex formation zones that enhance spray uniformity without significantly complicating manufacturing.
3Reliability
If circuit size is increased to improve oscillation stability, then cold performance improves, but packaging space availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes geometric parameters within the existing circuit footprint, specifically introducing the apex protrusion height and position as adjustable parameters. These parameter modifications enhance vortex stability and oscillation robustness without requiring increased overall circuit dimensions, thus maintaining packaging compatibility.
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 enhanced design achieves improved cold performance and uniform spray distribution, maintaining oscillatory nature and fan angle stability even at increased viscosities, with significant improvements over traditional mushroom and three-jet island circuits in terms of flow rate and manufacturing reliability.
Implementation Method 1
stabilizes vortices and enhances geometrical placement
Implementation Method 2
cyclically deflecting a liquid jet
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fluidic oscillator circuit for a nozzle assembly configured to generate oscillating sprays of fluid from an outlet of the nozzle assembly and to improve spray performance of fluid having low temperatures or high viscosity. In one embodiment, provided is an interaction region for a fluidic oscillator circuit that includes an apex protrusion shaped to assist with generating vortices within the interaction region. In another embodiment, provided is an interaction region for a fluidic oscillator having a power nozzle that includes at least one finger protrusion that lengthens the power nozzle to create jets of fluid in the interaction region that are less diffused to improve cold performance of the fluidic oscillator circuit.