Spray Head Turret Assembly Nozzle Interchange Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray nozzle systems are cumbersome to operate and maintain, as they require inconvenient manipulation of handles and alignment pins to switch between different nozzles, and often fail to provide the exact spray pattern or flow rate desired, making it difficult to securely hold and interchange nozzles.
Innovation Solution
A spray head with a turret assembly that allows for linear and rotational movement of nozzles, secured by a latch mechanism with latching arms and a spring system, enabling easy selection and secure positioning of different nozzles for fluid discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nozzles are mounted on a turret that can be rotated to selectively align with a fluid source, then spray pattern versatility is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring handle manipulation and alignment pin removal
Solution Approach 1:
The turret assembly is designed to dynamically transition between a retracted position (where nozzles are aligned with the fluid source) and an extended position (where the turret can be rotated to select different nozzles). This dynamic positioning mechanism eliminates the need for manual handle manipulation and alignment pin removal, allowing operators to simply extend the turret, rotate to the desired nozzle, and retract to secure it.
Solution Approach 2:
A latch mechanism serves as an intermediary component that automatically secures the turret in the retracted position. The latch includes a latch member that engages with a recess in the turret shaft when the turret is retracted, providing automatic securing without requiring manual alignment pin manipulation. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between turret extension and secure nozzle positioning.
2Ease of operation
If a latch mechanism with latching arms and spring system is used to secure the turret assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the turret's position. When the turret is in the retracted position, the latch member automatically engages with the recess in the turret shaft, securing the nozzle without requiring additional manual intervention. The spring-loaded latching arms provide automatic resetting, allowing the operator to simply press a release button to change nozzles, eliminating the need for complex manual latching operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A spray head for discharging fluid includes a turret assembly in which a nozzle carrier is rotatable relative to a housing about an axis, and a plurality of nozzles mounted on the carrier radially outward from the axis. The carrier is mounted for linear movement relative to the housing along the carrier axis from a retracted position in which one of the nozzles is mated with an outlet in the housing for discharging fluid, to an extended position in which the carrier is rotatable about the carrier axis to align a different nozzle with the outlet, and back to the retracted position in which the different nozzle is mated with the outlet. A latch on the housing is moveable radially with respect to the carrier axis between a latching position holding the carrier in the retracted position and a release position allowing the carrier to move to the extended position.