Power Tool Fluid Delivery Manifold with Nozzle Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fluid delivery systems for power tools, such as backpack misters, face challenges with inconsistent broadcast capabilities and short operational run times due to high power consumption and orientation-dependent nozzle performance.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery system comprising a reservoir, a ring-shaped manifold with multiple nozzles, and a pump that supplies fluid to the nozzles, allowing for adjustable flow rates and orientation-independent operation by coupling with the airflow outlet of a power tool, enabling consistent broadcast over long distances with minimal power draw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-powered motors are used to generate high air velocity for fluid broadcast, then broadcast distance and efficiency are improved, but power consumption increases resulting in short operational run times
Solution Approach 1:
The single high-powered motor is segmented into multiple lower-powered motors distributed across multiple independent fluid delivery systems. Each motor powers its own fan and nozzle assembly, allowing the system to achieve sufficient total airflow through parallel operation of multiple units rather than relying on one high-power source, thereby extending operational run time while maintaining broadcast effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fluid delivery systems are nested within a common housing structure that provides shared components including the fluid reservoir, control circuitry, and structural support. This nested configuration allows each subsystem to operate independently with its own motor and fan while benefiting from shared resources, optimizing the balance between power consumption and broadcast performance
2Device complexity
If gravity fed nozzles are used for fluid delivery, then system simplicity is maintained, but orientation-dependent operation reduces reliability when proper positioning is not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on gravity to feed fluid downward through nozzles, the system inverts the approach by using upward-blowing fans to actively propel fluid upward and outward through nozzles positioned at the top of the housing. This inversion eliminates dependence on gravitational direction, allowing the device to function reliably regardless of its orientation while maintaining relatively simple nozzle architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces gravity-based fluid delivery with pneumatic propulsion using fans that generate airflow to transport fluid through the nozzles. This pneumatic mechanism ensures consistent fluid delivery independent of orientation, as the airflow force actively pushes fluid through the nozzles rather than relying on gravitational pull
3Device complexity
If single nozzle configuration is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but multiple nozzles would improve fluid distribution coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The single nozzle is segmented into multiple nozzles arranged in an array at the top surface of the housing. Each nozzle is associated with its own fan and fluid delivery channel, creating multiple distributed spray points that collectively cover a broader area. This segmentation of the nozzle function across multiple units improves fluid distribution coverage while maintaining modular simplicity in each individual nozzle assembly
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 provides consistent fluid broadcast capabilities with extended operational run times and flexibility across various power tools and applications, reducing power consumption and maintaining effective fluid distribution regardless of orientation.
Implementation Method 1
a pump configured to supply fluid from the reservoir to the manifold to dispense the fluid through at least some of the plurality of nozzles
Implementation Method 2
a manifold comprising a plurality of nozzles configured to be disposed at an airflow outlet of the power tool... dispense the fluid through at least some of the plurality of nozzles
Implementation Method 3
a power tool including a fan and an airflow outlet, the power tool being configured to generate an airflow through the airflow outlet
Data Source
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AI summary
Fluid delivery systems for use with power tools are provided. A fluid delivery system can include a reservoir configured to contain fluid; a manifold including a plurality of nozzles configured to be disposed at an airflow outlet of the power tool, the manifold being in fluid communication with the reservoir; a pump configured to supply fluid from the reservoir to the manifold to dispense the fluid through at least some of the plurality of nozzles; and an attachment element configured to selectively couple the manifold with the airflow outlet of the power tool.