Spray Nozzle Configuration via Fluid Performance Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for spray nozzle selection and performance optimization are limited by the need for complex parameter knowledge, particularly in accounting for fluid characteristics like viscosity and surface tension, and require manual calculation of spray injection parameters, which can lead to inaccurate nozzle configurations.

Innovation Solution

A computer-readable medium and system that automatically suggests spray nozzle configurations and calculates spray injection parameters based on user input, including fluid characteristics, using a fluid performance matching unit and problem geometry unit to determine necessary nozzle types and quantities, and performs initial spray cooling design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calculation and selection of spray nozzle parameters is used, then user control and flexibility are maintained, but accuracy and efficiency of spray system design are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray performance approximation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically calculating spray injection parameters and selecting optimal nozzle configurations based on fluid characteristics and application requirements, eliminating the need for manual expert analysis while improving accuracy through consistent algorithmic processing of viscosity, surface tension, and other fluid properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calculation methods with an automated computational system that uses software applications to perform fluid dynamics calculations, parameter optimization, and nozzle selection, substituting human expertise with algorithmic processing while maintaining design flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive fluid characteristics analysis is performed, then nozzle configuration accuracy is improved, but time and computational resources are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle configuration accuracyVSAvoiddesign time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating spray injection parameters and pre-selecting optimal nozzle configurations based on fluid characteristics before actual spray system implementation, allowing rapid deployment of accurate designs without time-consuming manual analysis during the design phase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying and analyzing multiple fluid properties (viscosity, surface tension, density, temperature) and their effects on spray performance, using computational models to evaluate different parameter combinations and identify optimal nozzle configurations efficiently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional spray nozzle selection methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but ability to account for fluid characteristics like viscosity and surface tension is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid characteristics considerationVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves universality by creating a multi-functional software application that simultaneously performs fluid characteristics analysis, spray injection parameter calculation, nozzle configuration optimization, and performance prediction, consolidating multiple specialized functions into a single integrated tool that adapts to various spray applications

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary computational model that mediates between fluid characteristics input and nozzle configuration output, translating complex fluid dynamics relationships into optimized design parameters through algorithmic processing, making the system both adaptable to different fluids and easy to operate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2355935B1Spray nozzle configuration and modeling system
Publication Date: 2018.02.28 SPRAYING SYSTEMS CO
  • EP2355935B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2355935B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2355935B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A spray injection analysis and nozzle configuration system is described having a user input unit that collects spray system input parameters and relays the collected parameters to a fluid performance matching unit and/or problem geometry unit for subsequent processing. The user inputs basic system parameters, including the desired spray fluid characteristics, to obtain suggested system configuration, including spray nozzle types and quantities. Accuracy of suggested spray nozzle type and configuration is increased via approximating the viscosity and/or surface tension parameters of the desired spray fluid with that of collected performance data. When a user already knows the desired spray nozzle type and associated system parameters, the user input unit routes this information to the problem geometry unit for creation of a problem geometry file, including calculation of the drop size distribution and spray velocity, and performance modeling via the fluid modeling unit.