Rotating Nozzle Holder Assembly for Flexible Spray Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spraying machine nozzle holder systems lack flexibility in selecting optimal nozzle configurations based on varying operating parameters, leading to inefficiencies in drop size control and increased complexity and cost, particularly with quadruple nozzle holders.

Innovation Solution

A multiple nozzle holder assembly with a main body and an additional body that can rotate or slide, featuring automatic membrane valves and multiple couplings for nozzle selection, allowing for flexible configuration and automatic actuation to optimize drop size control without requiring operator intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a quadruple nozzle holder is used to provide multiple nozzle configurations, then nozzle selection flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle selection flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle holder is divided into a main body and a rotatable additional body that can be independently configured. The additional body contains multiple couplings that can be rotated to different positions, allowing selective connection to outlets on the main body. This segmentation enables multiple nozzle configurations without requiring a completely complex quadruple holder structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The additional body is designed to be rotatable relative to the main body, transforming a static single-configuratio n holder into a dynamic multi-configuration system. This rotational movement allows the operator to switch between different nozzle arrangements (e.g., single nozzle, dual nozzles in parallel) without replacing the entire holder assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a quadruple nozzle holder is used to provide multiple nozzle configurations, then nozzle selection flexibility is improved, but space occupation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle selection flexibilityVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The additional body with its multiple couplings is nested within or adjacent to the main body structure. When not in use, the additional body can be positioned compactly, and the couplings can be folded or retracted. This nesting approach allows multiple nozzle configurations to be accommodated within a smaller overall footprint compared to a full quadruple holder.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual nozzle selection is required based on operator experience, then nozzle selection capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle selection capabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automatic actuation means that can autonomously select and activate the appropriate nozzle configuration based on pre-programmed parameters or sensor inputs. This self-service capability eliminates the need for the operator to manually calculate and select nozzles based on experience, while still providing access to multiple nozzle configurations. The automatic system handles the selection process, improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If travel speed varies during operation, then adaptability to different working conditions is improved, but drop size control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to working conditionsVSAvoiddrop size control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows changing of nozzle parameters (type, configuration, number of active nozzles) in response to variations in travel speed and other working conditions. By having multiple nozzle options available through the rotatable additional body and automatic actuation, the system can select the appropriate nozzle configuration to maintain optimal drop size across different operating speeds, thereby preserving precision despite parameter variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enhances flexibility and reduces costs and space occupation by enabling automatic nozzle selection and drop size control, minimizing accidental leaks, and simplifying operations compared to single, double, and quadruple nozzle holders.

Implementation Method 1

the duct (5) for the passage of the working liquid being sectioned by valve means (6) for flow control with automatic actuation, of the membrane type

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMembrane valve flow control: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP2911798B1Multiple nozzle holder assembly with increased operating flexibility
Publication Date: 2017.07.26 ARAG
  • EP2911798B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2911798B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2911798B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A multiple nozzle holder assembly (1) with increased operating flexibility, comprising a main body (2) provided with an inlet (3) for a working fluid and with at least two outlets (4) for the fluid, the inlet (3) having a fluid connection to each outlet (4) by means of a respective passage duct (5) that is sectioned by corresponding valve means (6) for flow control with automatic actuation, an additional body (16) being provided with at least three couplings (17) for connection to respective atomizing nozzles (U), which is associated with the main body (2) so that it can move among several operating configurations, at least two of which are delivery configurations in which selectively at least two of the at least three couplings (17) each have a fluid connection to one of the at least two outlets (4).