Variable-Width Nozzle Assembly for Lower Vehicle Surface Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side drying devices in vehicle treatment systems, such as car washes, often fail to achieve satisfactory drying results due to varying vehicle sizes and geometries, particularly leaving lower side surface areas inadequately dried.
Innovation Solution
The nozzle device features a slot-shaped outlet opening with varying widths, where the width on the second side is greater than on the first side, allowing for increased airflow volume to better dry lower regions, and is designed with a continuous taper to accelerate air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a vertically slit-shaped outlet opening is used to cover the entire side of the vehicle, then the drying coverage is improved, but the lower side surface areas cannot be completely dried due to insufficient airflow volume
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet opening has a varying width along its vertical extension, with the width being greater at the downstream end (second side) than at the upstream end (first side). This creates different flow characteristics at different vertical positions, directing increased airflow volume toward the lower regions of the vehicle to improve drying in those areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet opening is designed with an asymmetric width distribution, where the width changes along the vertical direction. Specifically, the width at the second side (downstream) is greater than the width at the first side (upstream), creating an asymmetric flow pattern that directs more air toward the lower vehicle surfaces.
2Quantity of substance
If the outlet opening has a larger width at the second side to increase airflow volume, then the drying of lower regions is improved, but the nozzle device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The width parameter of the outlet opening is varied continuously or in sections along its vertical extension. By changing the width parameter from the first side to the second side, the airflow volume distribution is optimized without requiring additional mechanical components or complex 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
This configuration enhances drying efficiency by directing a larger volume of air to lower vehicle surfaces, ensuring comprehensive drying, especially in areas like the sill region.
Implementation Method 1
designed with a continuous taper to accelerate air flow
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a nozzle assembly (138) for a side-drying device (130) of a vehicle treatment system (100), which nozzle assembly (138) can be supplied with drying air flowing in an inflow direction and comprises or forms an outlet nozzle (176) comprising a slot-shaped outlet opening (178) extending from a first side (180) of the outlet nozzle (176) in the inflow direction to a second side (182) of the outlet nozzle (176) located downstream, wherein the outlet opening (178) has a width of varying size at least in sections along its extension from the first side (180) towards the second side (182). The present invention also relates to a side-drying device (130) and a vehicle treatment system (100).