Removable Nozzle Assembly for Airbrush Color Change

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing airbrush devices require time-consuming and laborious cleaning and risk damage to the nozzle when changing colors or after long periods of non-use, leading to potential malfunction.

Innovation Solution

The nozzle and needle are integrated into a removable ink-carrying nozzle part, allowing for easy color changes without manual cleaning, with an adjustable air duct and locking mechanism to ensure consistent spray patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the nozzle and needle are fixed in the base body, then the device structure is simple and stable, but cleaning becomes time-consuming and laborious when changing colors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidcleaning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable base body and interchangeable nozzle assemblies. The nozzle assembly containing the nozzle and needle can be easily detached and replaced when changing colors, eliminating the need for manual cleaning of the entire device while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the nozzle and needle are fixed in the base body, then the device structure is simple and stable, but manual cleaning is required which involves risk of damaging the delicate needle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidnozzle damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the nozzle assembly from the base body, the delicate needle is protected within its enclosed assembly. When color changes are required, the entire nozzle assembly is replaced as a unit rather than disassembling and cleaning individual components, thereby eliminating the risk of needle damage during cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nozzle assembly is designed as a disposable or replaceable component that can be easily discarded after use. This approach eliminates the need for careful cleaning and maintenance of the delicate needle, as the entire assembly can be replaced without risk of damage to the needle or other components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If the nozzle and needle are integrated in a removable ink-carrying nozzle part, then color changes become problem-free without manual cleaning, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor change easeVSAvoidnozzle assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into a base body and interchangeable nozzle assemblies. The nozzle assembly integrates the nozzle and needle into a single replaceable unit, allowing easy color changes without manual cleaning. This segmentation achieves operational simplicity while managing complexity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base body is designed with universal mounting features that accommodate different nozzle assemblies for various colors and functions. This multi-functionality allows a single base body to work with multiple specialized nozzle assemblies, achieving ease of operation for color changes while distributing complexity across standardized components.

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

4Ease of operation

If an adjustable air duct is provided to change air throughput, then spray pattern consistency can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray pattern adjustabilityVSAvoidair duct adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air duct incorporates adjustable features that allow dynamic modification of air throughput and spray pattern characteristics. This may include variable diameter sections, adjustable positioning mechanisms, or expandable/collapsible elements that enable operators to optimize spray performance for different applications without requiring complex entire system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design enables problem-free color changes and prevents nozzle damage, ensuring uninterrupted performance with no pre-loading issues, while the adjustable air flow maintains a consistent spray pattern.

Implementation Method 1

The liquid droplets are entrained due to a negative pressure generated by a Venturi effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP1912745B1Method for spraying on pigmented liquids
Publication Date: 2009.10.14 KRIESMAIR BERND
  • EP1912745B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a device for spraying on pigmented liquids by means of an air flow. Said device comprises a base (1), a spray nozzle which is disposed on the front side of the base and in the center of which a needle (12) that is impinged by a spring (13) is arranged, a compressed air inlet (23) and an adjacent compressed air duct (24), and an inlet (17) for the pigmented liquid. A compressed air flow that can be regulated and is delivered via the compressed air duct (24) is conducted past an inlet for the pigmented liquid and is loaded with droplets of liquid, and said droplets of liquid are discharged by the spray nozzle as long as the compressed air flow is maintained. The nozzle (5) and the needle (12) sit in a nozzle support (10) which is provided with the inlet (17) for the pigmented liquid. Said nozzle support (10) can be removed or replaced as a whole.