Shape Memory Nozzle Control for Compact Sewer Cleaning Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewer cleaning systems require complex mechanical or electromechanical devices to control nozzle angles and states, leading to reduced flexibility and larger nozzle designs, limiting their use in small pipes and requiring multiple heads for different scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A sewer cleaning system with a nozzle featuring a shape memory element that adjusts the nozzle's operating state, cross-section, and outlet angle using a control means coupled to an adjusting mechanism, allowing for compact and flexible operation by changing shape in response to influencing variables like temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex mechanical or electromechanical devices are integrated into the rinsing head to control nozzle exit angle and operating status, then the nozzle control functionality is improved, but the rinsing head becomes larger and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electromechanical adjustment devices with a shape memory element that responds to temperature changes. The shape memory element directly adjusts the nozzle exit angle and operating status through thermal activation, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages, motors, or complex actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state or properties of the shape memory element by applying temperature influence. This parameter change (temperature) triggers the shape memory element to transform its shape, thereby controlling the nozzle characteristics without mechanical intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rinsing head is designed to be compact for small diameter pipes, then the adaptability to different pipe sizes is improved, but the space available for integrating mechanical adjustment means is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical adjustment systems with a shape memory element, the invention dramatically reduces the space required for adjustment mechanisms. This enables compact rinsing head designs that can be used in small diameter pipes while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory element functions as a flexible, thin-component actuator that can be integrated into compact structures. Unlike rigid mechanical components, the shape memory element can achieve significant control functions within minimal spatial constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different flushing heads are used for different application scenarios, then the versatility for various pipe diameters is improved, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory element enables a single rinsing head design to perform multiple functions by adjusting its shape in response to different temperature inputs. This allows one universal head to replace multiple specialized heads, as the same device can be configured for different pipe diameters and application scenarios through thermal control of the shape memory element.
4Volume of moving object
If shape memory elements are used to control the nozzle, then the rinsing head size is reduced, but the control mechanism becomes more sensitive to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a control device that monitors and regulates the temperature applied to the shape memory element. This feedback control ensures precise and reproducible nozzle positioning by adjusting the thermal input based on the desired configuration, compensating for the inherent sensitivity of the shape memory element to temperature variations.
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
Enables highly flexible and compact nozzle designs with reduced maintenance needs, allowing for efficient use in various pipe diameters without the need for multiple heads, while maintaining high adjustment forces with minimal material and space usage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one shape memory element is assigned to the nozzle, with which an operating state (open/closed/partially open), a cross section the fluid outlet opening of the nozzle and/or an outlet angle of the fluid emerging from the nozzle can be adjusted
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6(b)
Figure 7~9
AI summary
A device for controlling a nozzle (1), in particular a nozzle of a rinsing head of an inspection and/or cleaning system, is provided, wherein the nozzle (1) is associated with a shape memory element (20) with which an operating state (open/closed), a cross-section of the fluid outlet opening of the nozzle and/or an outlet angle of the fluid exiting the nozzle can be set.