Supersonic Air Knife Variable Flow Nozzle Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional supersonic air knives with fixed nozzles are not adaptable to varying compressor models or application demands, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage in tasks such as tree root excavation and trench rescue, where either excessive or insufficient air power is required.
Innovation Solution
A supersonic variable flow nozzle design that allows for continuous adjustment of power and mass flow rate through rotational positioning of an outer sleeve relative to an inner nozzle member, enabling a range of supersonic flow settings from low to high power, matching the requirements of different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed nozzle design is used in supersonic air knives, then the device is simple to manufacture and operate, but it cannot adapt to varying compressor models or application demands, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle incorporates an adjustable throat area mechanism that allows dynamic modification of the nozzle geometry during operation. The outer nozzle member can be rotated relative to the inner nozzle member to change the annular throat cross-sectional area, enabling adaptation to different compressor outputs and application requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the nozzle throat area by rotating the outer nozzle member to different angular positions. This parameter change allows the same nozzle structure to operate with different compressors and for different applications, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity
2Power
If a fixed nozzle with large throat area is used to handle high compressor power, then the nozzle can process maximum air flow, but it causes excessive air power and potential damage in applications requiring lower power
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable annular throat area allows the operator to dynamically reduce the nozzle opening when using high-power compressors for delicate tasks. By rotating the outer nozzle member to decrease the throat area, the system can handle high compressor power capabilities while preventing excessive air power from causing damage to tree roots, pipes, or other structures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the throat area parameter to match the power level required for each specific application. The same nozzle structure can operate at high power with a larger throat area for heavy-duty excavation or at low power with a reduced throat area for delicate work, eliminating the harmful effects of excessive air power
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed nozzle with small throat area is used for delicate tasks, then the air power is controlled and safe, but it cannot efficiently handle high compressor power or demanding excavation tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable annular throat area enables the operator to increase the nozzle opening when high compressor power is available and demanding excavation tasks are required. By rotating the outer nozzle member to enlarge the throat area, the system can efficiently utilize high-power compressors for rapid excavation while maintaining safety controls through the ability to reduce the opening when needed
4Adaptability or versatility
If a variable flow nozzle is implemented, then adaptability and efficiency are improved, but the nozzle structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is segmented into an inner nozzle member and an outer nozzle member that can rotate independently. This segmentation allows the variable flow capability to be achieved through a relatively simple rotational mechanism rather than a complex adjustable system, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity
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 variable flow nozzle provides a cost-effective and efficient solution by allowing operators to adjust air power settings manually or automatically, optimizing performance for various tasks without damaging structures or requiring excessive compressor power, thus enhancing the versatility and safety of supersonic air knives.
Implementation Method 1
compressed air, typically 90 to 100 psi, is converted to a supersonic jet while flowing through a nozzle especially designed for the purpose
Implementation Method 2
The maximum jet velocity that can be achieved is determined by the pressure available from the compressor
Implementation Method 3
as soon as the stream leaves the nozzle, it expands concentrically, since it is surrounded by atmospheric air
Implementation Method 4
this high velocity air penetrates the ground to a depth of about a foot, creating a momentary cavity of about a foot in diameter, in which the dirt is crumbled
Data Source
AI summary
A hand held supersonic air knife with a supersonic variable flow nozzle yields a continuously variable power mass flow rate (CFM) and pressure over a selectable power range, responsive to rotations of the nozzle exterior sleeve or outer nozzle member. The maximum power position identified as one end position and a second end position as the lowest power. The exterior sleeve can be rotated to any axial or circumferential position between start (low) and end (high). The result will be an intermediate power position. Any intermediate position will also be a supersonic nozzle of varying parameters between the start and end positions. Thus, a variable flow supersonic nozzle is provided by the manual sleeve rotation by an operator or a remotely controlled positioning of the sleeve.