Rotating Nozzle Device Fluid-Driven Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotating nozzle devices experience wobbling rotational movements and limited speed regulation due to mechanical friction, making them unsuitable for fluids with varying viscosities and properties like gases, oils, and vapors, and posing challenges in maintaining hygienic conditions and operational stability.

Innovation Solution

A rotating nozzle device with off-centre, inclined fluid inlet openings on the inflow part that induce tangential fluid flows, creating a constant rotational moment independent of fluid pressure and flow rate, allowing for stable, non-wobbling rotor movement and adjustable speed control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a swirl-generating device with helical grooves is used to drive the nozzle body, then the nozzle can rotate, but the rotational movement becomes wobbly and mechanical friction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational speedVSAvoidrotational stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical swirl-generating device with a purely fluid-driven rotation system. Fluid jets are directed through off-center openings in the rotor part, creating tangential flows that generate rotational moment without mechanical contact. This eliminates mechanical friction and wobbling while maintaining controlled rotational speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses fluid dynamics to drive rotation instead of mechanical means. By directing fluid through strategically positioned openings, the fluid flow itself generates the rotational force through momentum transfer. This hydraulic/pneumatic approach eliminates the need for mechanical bearings and swirl-generating structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If nozzle openings are offset laterally in radial direction to enable rotation, then the nozzle can rotate, but speed regulation becomes limited and friction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational controlVSAvoidfriction surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical friction surfaces by using purely fluid-driven rotation. The rotor part rotates due to fluid momentum transfer through off-center openings, removing the need for defined friction surfaces on bearing elements. This simplifies the device while enabling better speed control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If tight dimensional tolerances are maintained for plain bearings to minimize wobble, then rotational stability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational stabilityVSAvoidbearing tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces mechanical bearings with a fluid-driven rotation system. By eliminating the need for plain bearings entirely, the patent removes the requirement for tight dimensional tolerances while maintaining rotational stability. The fluid flow itself provides the necessary precision and consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Speed

If the nozzle body is designed to oppose the rotating drive flow to create braking torque, then rotation is controlled, but mechanical friction and wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational speed controlVSAvoidfriction and wear
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical friction and wear by replacing the braking torque mechanism with fluid-driven control. The rotational speed is controlled by adjusting fluid flow parameters and nozzle geometry rather than through mechanical friction. This removes the harmful effects of friction while maintaining speed control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device achieves a stable, friction-reduced rotational movement and adjustable speed, suitable for diverse fluid properties, minimizing mechanical abrasion and ensuring hygienic operation, even with critical media like steam and viscous oils, while maintaining defined jet characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

The fluid flows through these openings in a jet-like manner into the at least one space between the rotor section and the inflow section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

the fluid to be sprayed sets the rotor of the nozzle device into rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMomentum transfer: Conservation of Momentum

Implementation Method 3

the fluid to be sprayed sets the rotor of the nozzle device into rotation, more precisely, the position of the actual nozzles on the rotor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP3513877B1Nozzle device for dispensing fluids
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 LAYHER MICHAEL
  • EP3513877B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3513877B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3513877B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A nozzle device (1) for the spatial application of fluids comprises an inlet section (3) through which a fluid to be sprayed enters the nozzle device, a rotor section (2) which is rotatably arranged relative to and encloses the inlet section (2), and a bearing element (4) adjacent to the inlet section (3) and rotor section (2) which serves for the rotatable mounting of the rotor section (2). The fluid flows through the eccentrically arranged openings (24) and (25) into the space between the rotor section (2) and the inlet section (3) and generates at least two flows with opposite directions (28) and (30). The direction (29) and speed of rotation of the rotor section are determined by the difference between these flows (28) and (30). The fluid is spatially applied through the nozzle openings (15) and (16) with an application-specific defined spray pattern.