Recoiling Nozzle Vortex Gun for Pressure Injury Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toy vortex guns pose a risk of pressure injury when fired against the ear due to the nozzle sealing against the skin, as they exert significant pressure on the target.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a recoiling nozzle that moves away from the target upon firing, reducing pressure by allowing fluid to escape through the gap between the nozzle and the skin, and features a latching mechanism and energy storage element to facilitate the production and propulsion of vortex rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the nozzle is sealed against the ear, then pressure is exerted on the ear when the toy is fired, but this causes pressure injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to recoil backward upon firing. This dynamic movement creates a gap between the nozzle and the target surface, enabling pressure relief while maintaining the sealing function during normal operation. The nozzle transitions from a static sealed component to a dynamic component that automatically adjusts its position based on firing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to exert a backward force on the nozzle. When firing occurs, this pre-stored elastic energy immediately activates to push the nozzle backward, preventing the harmful pressure buildup before it can cause injury. The preliminary storage of elastic energy in the spring allows for rapid response to the firing event.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the nozzle is made movable to provide pressure relief, then pressure injury risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is integrated within the existing nozzle housing, merging the pressure relief function with the existing structural components. The latching mechanism combines the cocking and firing functions into a single operational sequence, reducing the number of separate components needed. This merging approach adds the necessary complexity for pressure relief while minimizing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle system is designed to automatically perform the pressure relief function without requiring external control or additional actuators. The spring automatically pushes the nozzle backward when firing occurs, and the latching mechanism automatically engages and disengages during the cocking and firing sequence. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex control systems and additional components.
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 recoiling nozzle design provides pressure relief during point-blank firing, minimizing the risk of injury and preventing ejection of foreign objects, while allowing continuous operation by cycling between cocking and firing states.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned between the nozzle and the cocking/firing element capable of propelling the nozzle forward upon compression
Implementation Method 2
Vortex ring-producing gun, which produces a vortex ring of air or water
Data Source
AI summary
A vortex ring producing gun includes a body defining a first interior volume. The vortex ring producing gun includes a movable nozzle coupled with the body, comprising at least one nozzle opening, and defining a second interior volume. The vortex ring producing gun includes one or more conduits providing fluid communication between said first interior volume and said second interior volume. The vortex ring producing gun includes an energy storage element configured to bias the movable nozzle in a first direction. The vortex ring producing gun includes a latching key configured to hold the movable nozzle in a retained position against the bias from the energy storage element. The vortex ring producing gun includes a movable cocking/firing element configured to interact with the body, the energy storage element, the latching key, and the movable nozzle to selectively cock or fire the vortex ring-producing gun.