Pressure-Responsive Spray Nozzle for Proportional Liquid Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nozzles for spraying liquid media, such as crop protection agents and fertilizers, lack the ability to adjust the volume dispensed proportionally with pressure changes, requiring approximately four times the pressure to double the volume, which is inefficient in agricultural applications where varying amounts are needed.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design featuring a valve with variable flow resistance, utilizing a spring washer that deflects in response to liquid pressure to influence the passage cross-section and flow resistance, allowing for more proportional control over the volume dispensed based on pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional nozzles with constant flow resistance are used, then the structure is simple, but the volume dispensed cannot be adjusted proportionally with pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the constant flow resistance with a variable flow resistance that changes with pressure. The spring disc dynamically adjusts its position based on the liquid pressure, creating a flow resistance that varies proportionally with pressure. This allows the nozzle to adapt the dispensed volume to match pressure changes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the flow resistance parameter from constant to variable. The spring disc mechanism changes the effective flow resistance based on the applied pressure, creating a proportional relationship between pressure and dispensed volume. This parameter transformation enables precise control of liquid flow while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
2Quantity of substance
If pressure is increased four times to double the dispensed volume in conventional nozzles, then the dispensed volume can be adjusted, but the energy consumption and pressure requirements become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical relationship between pressure and flow (found in conventional nozzles) with a spring-mechanism-mediated system. The spring disc acts as a mechanical transducer that converts pressure changes into proportional flow resistance changes, creating a more efficient relationship where moderate pressure increases produce proportional increases in dispensed volume, reducing the excessive pressure energy requirements of conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow resistance parameter from constant to pressure-dependent, creating a proportional relationship between pressure and dispensed volume. This parameter transformation eliminates the need for four-fold pressure increases to double volume, as the variable flow resistance automatically adjusts to maintain proportionality, thereby reducing energy consumption.
3Measurement precision
If a valve with variable flow resistance is introduced to achieve proportional control, then the control precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring disc valve operates on self-service principle by automatically adjusting its position in response to pressure changes without external control mechanisms. The spring's elastic properties provide the necessary feedback and adjustment mechanism, allowing the valve to self-regulate the flow resistance based on the applied pressure. This self-adjusting mechanism achieves precise proportional control while avoiding the complexity of externally controlled valve systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a single parameter change - making the flow resistance variable through the spring disc mechanism - which automatically provides precise control over the dispensed volume. The spring disc's position, determined by the balance between spring force and liquid pressure, creates a natural proportional relationship that improves control precision without requiring complex control systems or multiple adjustment mechanisms.
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
Enables a greater change in the quantity of liquid dispensed with moderate pressure increases, achieving proportional dependency of the dispensed amount on liquid pressure, making it suitable for agricultural use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disc, wherein the spring disc can be acted upon by the liquid medium to be sprayed
Implementation Method 2
the spring disc can be acted upon by the liquid medium to be sprayed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a nozzle for spraying liquid media, in particular pesticides and liquid fertilizers, with a housing, wherein the housing has at least one liquid inlet, one outlet chamber and at least one outlet opening in flow communication with the outlet chamber, wherein a valve with variable flow resistance is arranged between the liquid inlet and the outlet opening, wherein the flow resistance of the valve depends on the liquid pressure.