Spray Nozzle With Slotted Deflector Cup for 360-Degree Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray nozzles face challenges such as clogging due to debris, limited spray coverage, and maintenance issues in industries like winemaking and brewing, where cleaning solutions are recirculated, and the need for sanitary, self-draining designs.
Innovation Solution
A spray nozzle with a body and deflector configuration that produces a 360-degree omni-directional spray pattern using large-diameter orifices and slotted deflection cups, which are self-flushing and crevice-free, preventing clogging and requiring minimal maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If small orifices are used in static spray ball nozzles, then spray coverage is improved, but the nozzle becomes prone to fouling or clogging when debris is present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of orifice size from small to large (at least 0.0625 inches in diameter), which reduces clogging susceptibility while maintaining spray coverage through the deflector cup geometry that directs multiple jets to cover the vessel interior surface
2Adaptability or versatility
If spiral geometry is used to achieve 360-degree spray coverage, then spray pattern is improved, but the nozzle cannot cover the downpipe or vessel ceiling due to 270 degree limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar spiral geometry to a three-dimensional deflector cup configuration with slots arranged at different angles and positions, enabling true 360-degree coverage including areas previously unreachable by spiral nozzles
3Area of stationary object
If nozzle manifold assemblies are used to achieve complete coverage, then spray coverage is improved, but the assembly becomes very large and bulky requiring exceptionally large vessel opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spray functions into a single integrated deflector cup component with multiple slots, eliminating the need for bulky manifold assemblies while achieving complete coverage through the cup's radial slot configuration
4Productivity
If reaction-driven rotating nozzles are used for quick spray coverage, then productivity is improved, but proper filtration is critical to avoid bearing wear and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the rotating mechanism and bearings from the nozzle design, using a static deflector cup instead, which removes the vulnerability to bearing wear and contamination while maintaining spray coverage effectiveness
5Reliability
If high impact geared rotating nozzles are used for self-cleaning capability, then reliability is improved, but complex internal mechanisms require proper filtration and can bind due to gear wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-cleaning capability through the simple open slot geometry of the deflector cup, where debris passes through the slots without binding mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex geared internal mechanisms while maintaining self-cleaning 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
The nozzle achieves complete vessel wall coverage in a shorter time, is more resistant to clogging, and meets sanitary requirements with its self-draining and maintenance-free design.
Implementation Method 1
A spray nozzle with a body and deflector configuration that produces a 360-degree omni-directional spray pattern using large-diameter orifices and slotted deflection cups
Implementation Method 2
slotted deflection cups, which are self-flushing and crevice-free, preventing clogging
Data Source
AI summary
A spray nozzle, which in some embodiments has a body and a deflector, the body having a fluid passageway and an outer wall including a plurality of fluid-flow orifices therethrough in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and spaced at least partly circumferentially around the outer wall, where the deflector is disposed at least partly circumferentially about and radially outwardly of the body in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid-flow orifices, and the body includes slots and fingers spaced at least partly circumferentially about the deflector. Some embodiments include a second deflector. In some embodiments, each finger and slot has a configuration that defines, at least in part, a flow trajectory, and the flow trajectory defined, at least in part, by one finger or slot is different from the flow trajectory defined by another finger or slot.