Rotating Spray Nozzle Ultrasonic Welding Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating spray nozzles have limitations in their multi-part construction and securing mechanisms, which can lead to inefficiencies in distributing the spray over a specific area within a vessel during cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A rotating spray nozzle design featuring a polymer nozzle body composed of two or more separate, mateable portions secured together about a stem using ultrasonic welding, with integral annular shoulders on the stem capturing the nozzle body for rotational stability and a passageway for liquid communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a multi-part construction with separate screw or retaining clip mechanisms is used to secure the nozzle body to the stem, then the nozzle can be assembled from multiple components, but the device complexity increases and the securing mechanism may lead to inefficiencies in spray distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the nozzle body and stem into a unitary one-piece construction, eliminating the need for separate securing mechanisms like screws or retaining clips. This merging of components resolves the technical contradiction by reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture through injection molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single molded body into functionally distinct regions: the stem portion with passageways and the nozzle body portion with spray outlets. This segmentation allows the complex geometry to be manufactured as a single piece while maintaining the functional benefits of multi-component design.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional multi-part construction with separate securing elements is used, then manufacturing of individual components is simplified, but the overall reliability of the nozzle assembly is reduced due to potential failure points in the securing mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the nozzle body and stem into a single molded component, the patent eliminates potential failure points associated with securing mechanisms (screws, clips, threads). This unitary construction significantly improves reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modern injection molding capabilities.
3Productivity
If the nozzle body is freely rotatable on the stem, then spray distribution over a specific area is improved, but the nozzle body may become unstable or misaligned during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a bearing surface that allows the nozzle body to rotate freely for optimal spray distribution, while the unitary construction ensures stability and prevents misalignment. The bearing surface provides controlled rotation capability, and the integrated design maintains proper alignment throughout the rotation range.
4Ease of repair
If separate securing mechanisms like screws or retaining clips are used, then assembly and disassembly is easier for maintenance, but the device complexity and potential points of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The unitary construction eliminates separate securing mechanisms, reducing device complexity. For maintenance, the entire nozzle assembly can be removed as a single component from the stem, providing ease of repair without requiring disassembly of multiple fastening elements.
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 design enhances the distribution of the spray by ensuring a secure and efficient rotation of the nozzle body, improving the coverage and effectiveness of the cleaning process while allowing for easy assembly and durability.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one outlet orifice being offset from the nozzle axis to impart a driving couple to the nozzle body to cause rotation thereof when a liquid from the supply pipe is communicated through the at least one outlet orifice
Implementation Method 2
the polymer nozzle body portions may be secured together about the stem by ultrasonic welding
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~5B
AI summary
A rotating spray nozzle (1), comprising an elongate stem (10) securable to a liquid-supply pipe, the stem (10) defining a passageway therethrough for communicating a liquid from the supply pipe, the passageway communicating at least one inlet opening (12) and at least one outlet opening (13) defined in the stem (10); and a polymer nozzle body (30) freely rotatably mounted on the stem (10) for rotation about a nozzle axis, the nozzle body (30) having an internal cavity (32) in communication with the at least one outlet opening (13) of the stem (10), and at least one nozzle (35,36) defined through the nozzle body (30) and communicating with the internal cavity (32), the at least one nozzle (35,36) being offset from the nozzle axis to impart a driving couple to the nozzle body (30) to cause rotation thereof when a liquid from the supply pipe is communicated through the at least one nozzle (35,36). The stem (10) defines a longitudinal portion (16) bounded at opposite ends thereof by integral annular shoulders (17,18) having diameters greater than the longitudinal portion (16). The polymer nozzle body (30) is comprised of two or more separate, mateable portions (31a,31b) which are secured together about the stem (10) so that the nozzle body (30) is rotatably captured on the longitudinal portion (16) of the stem (10) between the greater diameter annular shoulders (17,18).