Rotary Atomizer Turbine Drive With Independent Nozzle Feeds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing turbine drives for rotary atomizers in paint shops are not optimized for varying load points, leading to inefficiencies when painting interior and exterior vehicle components due to suboptimal operation.

Innovation Solution

The turbine drive features multiple drive nozzles supplied by separate gas feeds, allowing independent activation or deactivation based on load points, with optimized nozzle shapes and cross-sections for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the turbine is optimized for a specific load point with fixed nozzle geometry, then efficiency at that load point is improved, but efficiency at other load points deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveturbine efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to varying load points
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The turbine drive is segmented into multiple independent nozzle groups (first, second, third nozzle groups) that can be selectively activated. Each nozzle group contains nozzles with different geometries optimized for specific load conditions. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different nozzle configurations depending on the required load point, thereby maintaining high efficiency across varying operating conditions rather than being constrained to a single optimized configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The turbine drive system transitions from a static, fixed-nozzle configuration to a dynamic system where nozzle groups can be selectively activated and deactivated based on real-time operating conditions. The control system dynamically selects which nozzle groups to operate based on the required load point, enabling the turbine to adapt its characteristics to match varying demand conditions and maintain optimal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the turbine is optimized for exterior painting with large paint flow, then performance for exterior painting is improved, but efficiency for interior painting with small paint flow deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepainting performanceVSAvoidturbine efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Different nozzle groups are designed with locally optimized geometries tailored to specific painting applications. The first nozzle group may be optimized for interior painting with smaller paint flows, while the second or third nozzle groups are optimized for exterior painting with larger paint flows. Each nozzle group's geometry (cross-sectional area, angle, shape) is locally adapted to its intended application, ensuring high efficiency and performance for that specific painting scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple nozzle groups with different geometries are provided, then adaptability to varying load points is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to load pointsVSAvoidturbine structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The turbine drive system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating multiple nozzle groups that can serve different painting applications. The same turbine wheel and basic turbine structure are used across all configurations, while only the nozzle groups differ. This universal base structure with modular nozzle additions allows the system to handle both interior and exterior painting tasks without requiring completely different turbine designs for each application.

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

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

Enables the turbine to operate at optimal efficiency across varying load conditions by selectively activating nozzles tailored for interior or exterior painting, improving overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

at least two drive nozzles (3, 4) to supply the turbine blades (21) of the rotatable turbine wheel (19) with a drive gas (e.g. compressed air)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressed air expansion: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

compressed air, exiting from several drive nozzles distributed around the circumference of the turbine wheel, drives the rotary atomizer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas jet propulsion: Jet

Implementation Method 3

braking air is discharged in the opposite direction from a braking nozzle onto the turbine blades

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOpposing gas jet braking: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP4444475B1Turbine drive for a rotary atomizer and related method of operation
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 DUERR SYST AG
  • EP4444475B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4444475B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B
  • EP4444475B1 patent drawingFigure 4C

AI summary

A turbine drive for a rotary atomizer, with a rotatable turbine wheel with a plurality of turbine blades, a first drive nozzle (3) for outputting a drive gas, in particular compressed air, onto the turbine blades of the turbine wheel in order to drive the turbine wheel, a first drive gas supply (5) for supplying the drive gas to the first drive nozzle (3), and with a second drive nozzle (4) for outputting the drive gas onto the turbine blades of the turbine wheel in order to drive the turbine wheel. The invention additionally provides a second drive gas supply (6) for supplying the drive gas to the second drive nozzle (4), wherein the second drive gas supply (6) is separate from the first drive gas supply (5), with the result that the second drive nozzle (4) can be supplied with the drive gas independently of the first drive nozzle (3). The invention also relates to a corresponding operating method.