Smart Spray Control System for Consistent Atomization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid spraying systems face challenges in achieving consistent atomization rates and spray patterns due to variations in fluid properties and spray tip characteristics, making it difficult for average consumers to determine the necessary conditions for an even spray pattern.

Innovation Solution

The fluid spraying system includes a fluid applicator with a tip that atomizes the fluid, a pump to deliver the fluid, and a control system that identifies the tip and fluid characteristics. The control system communicates with the pump to adjust operating characteristics, such as pressure and flow rate, based on the identified tip and fluid properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different fluids and spray tips are used, then the system can handle various application requirements, but the atomization rates and spray patterns become inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle different fluids and spray tipsVSAvoidconsistency of atomization rates and spray patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts pump operating parameters (pressure, flow rate) based on real-time identification of tip and fluid characteristics. The control system modifies operational settings adaptively to maintain consistent atomization despite variations in hardware components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system changes physical parameters (pressure, flow rate) of the pump operation based on identified tip and fluid properties. By adjusting these parameters, the system compensates for variations in hardware components and maintains consistent spray characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If manual adjustment of spray settings is used, then the system structure remains simple, but it is difficult for average consumers to determine the necessary conditions for an even spray pattern

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of system structureVSAvoidease of determining correct spray settings
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically identifies tip and fluid characteristics and adjusts pump settings without requiring user expertise. The control system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment, eliminating the need for consumers to manually determine complex spray parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates identification of tip and fluid properties to provide feedback to the control system, which then automatically adjusts operating parameters. This closed-loop approach ensures correct settings are applied without requiring user knowledge of optimal parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If automatic control based on tip and fluid identification is implemented, then spray consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of spray patternsVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system serves multiple functions: it identifies spray tips, identifies fluids, determines optimal operating parameters, and controls pump operation. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional controller, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining spray consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables the system to automatically or manually adjust settings to achieve desired atomization rates and spray patterns, improving consistency and efficiency in fluid application.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid applicator having a tip that atomizes a fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAtomization:

Implementation Method 2

a pump configure to pump the fluid from a fluid source to the tip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP3911446B1Smart control of a spray system
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 WAGNER SPRAY TECH CORP
  • EP3911446B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3911446B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3911446B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fluid spraying system (100) includes a fluid applicator (110) having a tip (116) that atomizes a fluid. The fluid spraying system (100) also includes a pump (102) configure to pump the fluid from a fluid source (124) to the tip (116), and a control system (600). The control system (600) identifies at least one characteristic of the tip (116) or the fluid and communicatively couples to the pump (102). The control system (600) also controls an operating characteristic of the fluid spraying system (100) based on a characteristic of the tip (116) or the fluid.