Spray Nozzle Duct Geometry for Stable Flat-Jet Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical detection system cleaning devices face variability in the angle of divergence of the cleaning fluid jet due to pressure and viscosity changes, affecting cleaning quality over time.

Innovation Solution

A spray nozzle design with an internal distribution duct and a ramp that controls the fluid's spreading before deflection, maintaining a calibrated maximum spreading angle to ensure consistent flat jet formation, reducing divergence angle variability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spray nozzle with a ramp is used to deflect fluid flow to create a flat jet, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the angle of divergence varies significantly with pressure and viscosity changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning quality consistencyVSAvoidangle of divergence stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the distribution duct (widening section with specific angle) to compensate for variations in fluid pressure and viscosity. This geometric modification ensures that the fluid jet maintains a consistent angle of divergence despite changes in operating conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and angle stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution duct with its widening section acts as an intermediary element between the fluid source and the ramp. This intermediary structure pre-conditioned the fluid flow by controlling its spreading angle before it reaches the ramp, thereby stabilizing the final jet angle and improving cleaning quality consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If fluid pressure is increased to improve cleaning power, then cleaning effectiveness increases, but the angle of divergence of the flat jet increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning powerVSAvoidjet divergence angle
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a widening section in the distribution duct with a specific angle parameter. This geometric parameter is designed to counterbalance the effect of pressure increases on jet divergence. When pressure increases, the widening section ensures that the fluid spreads at a controlled angle before reaching the ramp, maintaining a consistent final jet angle while preserving the increased cleaning power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the distribution duct passage section is increased to control fluid spreading, then angle of divergence stability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedivergence angle stabilityVSAvoidnozzle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution duct is segmented into distinct sections: a straight section, a widening section with a specific angle, and an outlet section. This segmentation allows each section to perform a specific function - the widening section specifically controls the spreading angle. This modular approach achieves angle stability without excessive complexity by dividing the duct into functional zones rather than redesigning the entire nozzle structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution provides a stable angle of divergence for the cleaning fluid jet, ensuring consistent cleaning quality despite changes in pressure and temperature, maintaining effective cleaning performance.

Implementation Method 1

a ramp (70) arranged on the path of the fluid at the outlet orifice... the ramp breaks the flow of the fluid to generate a flat jet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid deflection:

Implementation Method 2

The side walls are arranged at the distal end of the dispensing duct so as to move away from each other, said dispensing duct having a widening in the direction of the ramp... the passage section of the fluid in the distribution duct is increased in the vicinity of the ramp, so as to generate a spreading of the fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spreading:

Data Source

PatentEP3902723B1Fluid spray nozzle for a cleaning device of an optical detection system
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP3902723B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3902723B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3902723B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A nozzle for spraying (20) a fluid, suitable for being arranged on a body of a cleaning device of an optical detection system mounted on a motor vehicle, comprises an internal distribution duct which extends between a proximal end, suitable for being fluidly connected to a fluid distribution channel arranged in the body, and a distal end (38) forming a fluid outlet orifice, the distribution duct being defined at least by a back wall and two opposite lateral walls (64), the nozzle further comprising a ramp (70) arranged on the path of the fluid at the outlet orifice. The lateral walls (64) are arranged at the distal end (38) of the distribution duct so as to be distanced from one another, the distribution duct flaring in the direction of the ramp (70).