Sprinkler Nozzle Central Inlet Debris Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sprinkler and oil burner systems face frequent blockages due to scale and debris accumulation, leading to reduced efficiency and premature nozzle failure, as traditional upstream screens can become blocked and inhibit fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle system with a central inlet and a secondary inlet with a particulate filter, positioned off-center, which directs debris to a container, ensuring that the main flow path remains clear and preventing blockages, while allowing smaller particles to pass through, thus maintaining fluid flow and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an upstream screen is used to block larger particles, then the nozzle is protected from large debris, but the screen itself becomes blocked and prevents fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by placing the inlet in the center of the pipeline rather than at the periphery, and positions the screen downstream of the inlet rather than upstream. This inversion allows the inlet to draw fluid from the clean central region while the screen protects the outlet without being exposed to the full force of incoming debris-laden flow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional perpendicular mounting arrangement to a longitudinal arrangement where the inlet extends into the pipeline along its length. This dimensional change allows the inlet to access the central clean zone while the screen is positioned downstream to protect the outlet, resolving the contradiction between protection and flow
2Ease of manufacture
If the nozzle inlet is placed at the periphery of the pipeline, then installation is simple, but debris accumulation on the inner edge blocks the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional peripheral mounting arrangement by placing the inlet in the center of the pipeline. This inversion allows the inlet to draw fluid from the clean central region where debris does not accumulate, while the outlet remains at the periphery for simple installation and debris collection
3Reliability
If a traditional upstream screen is used, then large particles are blocked, but maintenance frequency increases due to screen blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from upstream screen placement to downstream screen placement relative to the inlet. This dimensional repositioning allows the screen to be protected by the inlet's central drawing action, reducing screen blockage and maintenance frequency while still providing effective particle filtration
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet acts as an intermediary element that draws fluid from the clean central zone and delivers it to the downstream screen, protecting the screen from direct exposure to incoming debris while still enabling effective filtration
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 system effectively prevents blockages, allowing for continuous operation even with significant debris accumulation, and allows for periodic debris removal and weighing to assess pipework integrity, reducing maintenance and extending system lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
the inlet is provided in the centre of the pipeline... fluid that builds up in use on the inner edge of the pipeline will not block the nozzle apparatus
Implementation Method 2
The nozzle apparatus comprises a second inlet within the pipeline but outwith the centre of the pipeline, the second inlet comprising a particulate filter with at least one linear aperture therein
Data Source
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AI summary
A nozzle system comprising a nozzle apparatus (610) and a pipeline (614), the nozzle apparatus attached to the pipeline such that there is fluid communication therebetween, the nozzle apparatus having a first inlet (631), a second inlet (622) and an outlet, wherein the nozzle apparatus extends into the pipeline such that at least a portion of the first inlet (631) is in the centre of the pipeline, that is within 15% of the central axis of the pipeline; and the second inlet (622) is within the pipeline but outwith the centre of the pipeline, the second inlet comprising a filter with at least one, normally at least four, linear apertures (625) therein, often parallel to a main axis of the nozzle apparatus (610). Preferably the first inlet is a larger aperture than the second inlet, and is provided on an end of the nozzle apparatus and the second inlet is provided on a side of the nozzle apparatus. An advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that where debris builds upon an inside face of the pipeline (concentric corrosion), fluid can still flow through the inlet provided in the centre of the pipeline, and so nozzle apparatus as described herein are less liable to blockages.