Spray Nozzle Flow Seal and Channel Alignment for Low Clearance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray nozzles face challenges in achieving even fluid distribution over a wide area while maintaining low ground clearance, leading to inefficiencies and potential leakage due to turbulent flow and complex two-phase fluid interface conditions, which complicates optimization and results in reduced lateral range and uneven flow.
Innovation Solution
A spray nozzle design featuring a nozzle body and head with aligned channels and an elastomer seal to create a fluid-tight interface, eliminating spurious flows and enhancing dispersion characteristics by directing fluid flow through a deflection ridge and impingement surface geometry, allowing for even distribution at low clearance heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a boom or arm with multiple nozzles is used to achieve even fluid distribution, then the dispersion characteristics improve, but the device complexity and ground clearance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into separate body and head sections that can be independently manufactured and assembled, with the spray head containing multiple spray outlets arranged to achieve even distribution without requiring a complex boom structure
Solution Approach 2:
A single nozzle assembly performs the function of multiple nozzles by incorporating multiple spray outlets in the head section, eliminating the need for a boom structure while maintaining even fluid distribution capability
2Ease of operation
If the nozzle is positioned at low ground clearance to improve maneuverability, then the ease of operation improves, but the lateral range and flow uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spray outlets are arranged in a specific three-dimensional configuration within the head section, with outlets positioned at different angles and orientations to achieve uniform flow distribution even when the nozzle is positioned at low ground clearance
Solution Approach 2:
The spray outlets have varying flow coefficients and orientations to compensate for the reduced clearance, with each outlet optimized to maintain uniform flow distribution across the spray pattern despite the low positioning
3Manufacturing precision
If metal-to-metal interfaces are used between nozzle body and head, then the manufacturing precision improves, but spurious flows and leakage occur
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric seal element is used at the interface between the nozzle body and head, providing a flexible sealing barrier that prevents fluid leakage while accommodating manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing interface combines rigid metal components with a flexible elastomeric material, creating a composite sealing system that leverages the dimensional stability of metal with the sealing flexibility of elastomers
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 design achieves improved evenness and efficiency in fluid distribution over a wide area, maintaining long-range coverage with reduced leakage, even at low clearance heights, by optimizing flow components and preventing fluid loss through the elastomeric seal.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomer sized to be receivable within said channels such that when emplaced within one of the channels, it extends into the other of said channels thereby creating an elastomeric seal between said nozzle body and head
Implementation Method 2
Flow through nozzles is typically quite turbulent
Data Source
AI summary
A two-part spray nozzle with body and head parts which are joined together is disclosed. The body and head include channels in planar surfaces which are ultimately joined with the channels in alignment. An elastomer, preferably having a cylindrical shape is inserted into the channel to provide a fluid tight seal between the head and body.