Roof Dryer Nozzle Flow Deflection for Perpendicular Vehicle Drying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roof drying devices for vehicles do not achieve optimal drying results due to limitations in airflow direction and distribution, which can lead to incomplete drying of vehicle surfaces.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a flow deflection element within the nozzle body of the drying device, which deflects drying air in a specific arcuate manner to ensure it exits perpendicularly from the outlet opening, combined with a rotatable nozzle design and adjustable air guiding elements, allows for targeted and efficient airflow distribution across the vehicle surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If drying air is blown out in the direction of the vehicle to blow off cleaning liquid, then the vehicle surface can be dried, but the airflow does not achieve optimal drying results due to limitations in airflow direction and distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidairflow direction control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flow deflection element is designed with an arcuate shape that deflects the drying air flow in a curved path. The arcuate geometry redirects the air flow from the blower device to exit perpendicular to the vehicle surface, optimizing the drying effect by ensuring uniform airflow distribution across the surface being dried.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Speed

If the outlet opening is slot-shaped to achieve high flow velocity and create a directed flow curtain, then flow velocity is improved, but the airflow may not adapt optimally to different vehicle contours

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow velocityVSAvoidadaptability to vehicle contour
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle body is designed to be rotatable about an axis, allowing the slot-shaped outlet opening to change its orientation and direction. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the high-velocity airflow curtain to adapt to different vehicle contours and surfaces, maintaining optimal drying performance across various geometries while preserving the benefits of the slot-shaped design for velocity generation.

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 configuration enhances drying efficiency by ensuring airflow is directed perpendicular to the vehicle surface, leading to improved drying results and adaptability to different vehicle contours.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one nozzle body comprises or forms a flow deflection element upstream of the outlet opening in the inflow direction of the drying air flowing in from the at least one blower device, via which the drying air is transferred to the side of the flow channel facing the outlet opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow deflection:

Implementation Method 2

at least one blower device for providing drying air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 3

the flow deflection element, in particular a wall of the at least one nozzle body, extends in an arc shape on a side facing the outlet opening away from the plane of the outlet opening and then in the direction of the outlet opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow redirection:

Data Source

PatentEP4279343A1Drying device for a vehicle treatment system and vehicle treatment system having a drying device
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG
  • EP4279343A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4279343A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4279343A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a drying device for a vehicle treatment system (100), in particular a roof drying device (126, 230), comprising at least one blower unit (138) for providing drying air and a nozzle unit comprising at least one nozzle body (140), wherein the at least one nozzle body (140) is longitudinally extended and is flow-connected to the at least one blower unit (138), comprises a flow channel (166) and a slot-shaped outlet opening (168) for drying air, wherein the at least one nozzle body (140) comprises or forms a flow deflecting element (186) upstream of the outlet opening (168) in the direction of flow of the drying air flowing from the at least one blower unit (138).the drying air is deflected on the side of the flow channel (166) facing the outlet opening (168) in a direction away from a plane of the outlet opening (168) and then deflected back towards the outlet opening (168). The invention also relates to a vehicle treatment system (100).