Rotatable Valve Nozzle Assembly Minimizing Pressure Losses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid delivery apparatuses experience undesirable pressure losses in piping, leading to reduced spray reach and coverage area, which is not effectively addressed by current technologies.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a rotatable valve and nozzle arrangement with a valve seat and closure in line with the nozzle discharge tube, a pressure-activated valve mechanism, and an air pump to minimize pressure losses, along with a drive system using a ratchet assembly and wireless communication for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If liquid is pressurised in a vessel and delivered through piping to an outlet, then liquid can be discharged under pressure, but pressure losses occur in the piping which reduce spray reach and coverage area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve and nozzle into a single integrated assembly where the valve is positioned immediately upstream of the nozzle discharge tube. This eliminates intermediate piping connections between the pressure vessel and nozzle, thereby minimizing pressure losses while maintaining the ability to discharge liquid under pressure over a larger coverage area
2Ease of operation
If a valve is used to control liquid flow from the vessel, then liquid discharge can be controlled, but pressure losses occur in the valve and connecting piping
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is integrated directly with the nozzle assembly, combining flow control and discharge functions in one unit. This eliminates separate valve piping connections and reduces the number of connection points, thereby maintaining ease of operation for controlling liquid discharge while minimizing pressure losses
Solution Approach 2:
The valve closure member acts as an intermediary that directly interfaces with the nozzle discharge tube. By positioning the valve closure immediately upstream of the nozzle opening, the design minimizes the distance liquid travels under pressure after valve opening, reducing pressure losses while maintaining effective flow control
3Device complexity
If the valve and nozzle are positioned separately with connecting piping, then the apparatus structure is simpler, but spray reach and coverage are reduced due to pressure losses
Solution Approach 1:
The valve and nozzle are merged into a single integrated assembly with the valve positioned immediately upstream of the nozzle discharge tube. This eliminates intermediate piping and connection points, maintaining relatively simple apparatus structure while maximizing spray reach by minimizing pressure losses in the liquid delivery path
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 the spray reach and coverage area while maintaining stability and reducing material costs, with improved rotational balance and reduced pressure losses, allowing for effective distribution of liquids like agricultural slurry.
Implementation Method 1
the respective effective surface areas of the moveable element and the closure member and the force of the biasing means are chosen such that the closure member is openable when the pressure of the liquid and air in the vessel reaches a predetermined level
Implementation Method 2
a vessel into which a liquid may be introduced via an inlet to partially fill the vessel and to pressurise the liquid that partially fills the vessel and the air that fills the remainder of the vessel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a liquid delivery apparatus comprising: a base assembly (7); a vessel (5) into which liquid may be introduced via an inlet to at least partially fill the vessel (5) and to pressurise the liquid in the vessel (5); a nozzle (11) comprising a discharge tube (17) and a nozzle outlet (17'), wherein the nozzle (11) is rotatable with respect to the base assembly (7), and the nozzle outlet (17') is provided at a distal end of the nozzle (11) via which said liquid may be discharged from the vessel (5) under the pressure of the liquid in the vessel (5); and a valve (9) between the vessel (5) and the nozzle (11) to control passage of liquid from the vessel (5) to the nozzle outlet (17'); wherein the valve (9) and nozzle discharge tube (17) are arranged so that they are substantially in line. A drive system (16) for a liquid delivery apparatus is also disclosed, wherein the drive system (16) is configured to drive rotation of the nozzle (11) with respect to the base assembly (7). The drive system (16) may be configured to propel the liquid delivery apparatus along the ground.