Rotating Nozzle Fluid Diffuser Velocity Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Rotating nozzle arrangements for high-pressure cleaning devices face challenges in initiating rotational movement and limiting rotational velocity to achieve optimal cleaning efficiency, as they require high fluid velocity to overcome friction and maintain a compact jet of cleaning fluid.

Innovation Solution

A rotating nozzle design featuring a nozzle house with a diffuser that causes fluid to rotate, initiating the nozzle member's rotation and limiting its velocity through strategically placed openings and protrusions on the nozzle member, which interact with the fluid to set a maximum rotational velocity between 2500 RPM to 3500 RPM, utilizing a stabiliser for inertia to maintain movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If high fluid velocity is used to initiate rotation and overcome friction, then rotational movement is achieved, but the jet becomes dispersed and cleaning efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid velocityVSAvoidcleaning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using a diffuser to pre-rotate the fluid before it reaches the nozzle member, creating a controlled rotational flow that initiates nozzle rotation at lower velocities. This pre-conditioning of the fluid flow prevents the need for high velocities that would cause jet dispersion, thereby maintaining cleaning efficiency while achieving the necessary rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Speed

If friction between nozzle member and nozzle house chamber is increased to limit rotational velocity, then maximum rotational velocity is controlled, but material selection becomes more restrictive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational velocityVSAvoidmaterial specificity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - the diffuser - that mediates between the fluid flow and the nozzle member. The diffuser creates a controlled rotational flow field that indirectly drives the nozzle member, allowing friction to be used for velocity control without requiring specific material combinations. This intermediary approach decouples the velocity control function from material selection constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If rotational velocity is limited to maintain compact jet, then jet coherence is improved, but initiation of rotation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejet coherenceVSAvoidfluid velocity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using the diffuser to pre-rotate the fluid and create a controlled rotational flow pattern before the fluid reaches the nozzle member. This preliminary conditioning of the fluid allows the nozzle to initiate rotation at lower velocities while maintaining a compact, coherent jet, as the rotational momentum is already established in the fluid flow itself rather than requiring high-velocity impact to overcome friction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 design effectively initiates and limits the rotational velocity of the nozzle member, ensuring a compact and efficient jet of cleaning fluid is maintained, enhancing cleaning efficiency while reducing material and friction coefficient specificity.

Implementation Method 1

a diffuser (5) sealed against the inner surface of the inlet chamber (4), wherein the diffuser (5) causes the fluid in the nozzle house chamber (7) to rotate about a longitudinal axis (X) of the nozzle house (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffuser-induced fluid rotation: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

The desired maximum rotational velocity of the nozzle member about its longitudinal axis is determined by the frictional force between the surface of the frusto-conical portion of the nozzle member and the corresponding portion of the inner wall of the nozzle house chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

a ball that due to the centrifugal force exerted on the ball during rotation of the nozzle member is urged against a contact surface provided at an adjacent longitudinal end of the nozzle house chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP2038067B1Rotating nozzle
Publication Date: 2017.11.29 NILFISK AS
  • EP2038067B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)
  • EP2038067B1 patent drawingFigure 1(b)
  • EP2038067B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a rotating nozzle for high-pressure cleaning devices comprising a nozzle house (2) provided with a fluid exit opening (15) comprising a seat (14) co-operating with a first end portion (13) of a nozzle member (8), such that the nozzle member (8) can undergo pivotal or rotational movement relative to a lon- gitudinal axis (X) through the nozzle house (2), the nozzle house (2) being provided with an inlet charnber(4), from which fluid flows through a diffuser (5) into a nozzle house chamber (7), in which said nozzle member (8) is provided, where the nozzle member (8) according to a specific embodiment of the invention, is furthermore provided with a second end portion (9) longitudinally opposite the first end portion (13) of the nozzle member (8), which second portion is provided with at least one opening (10) serving the dual purpose of initiating rotation of the nozzle member (8) and determining its maximum rotational velocity.