Zero-Torque Orifice Mount Assembly for Fluid Jet Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prolonged use of fluid jet systems leads to wear on components, particularly the nozzle unit and interior surfaces, causing degradation and reduced performance, especially when abrasive particles are introduced, necessitating a cost-effective and efficient method for replacing individual components with minimal downtime.
Innovation Solution
A fluid jet system with a zero-torque orifice mount assembly that includes a retaining nut and an orifice mount made of wear-resistant materials like ceramic or carbide, featuring a face seal for high-pressure sealing and self-sealing mechanisms, allowing for easy insertion and removal without applying torque, and using coatings like diamond for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mounting methods are used to secure the orifice assembly, then the orifice assembly can be held in place, but torque must be applied during installation which increases the risk of component failure and requires more maintenance effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses high-pressure fluid to automatically seal the orifice assembly against the mounting surface without requiring external torque application. The fluid pressure itself provides the sealing force, making the system self-sealing and eliminating the need for torque-based fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic principles by using high-pressure fluid to create the sealing force. The fluid pressure acts on the orifice assembly to press it against the sealing surface, replacing mechanical torque application with hydraulic force generation.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If wear-resistant materials like ceramic or carbide are used for the orifice mount, then durability and resistance to wear improve, but the complexity of the assembly and difficulty of replacement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the orifice assembly into separable components that can be independently replaced. The orifice mount is designed as a distinct unit that can be removed from the main body without affecting other components, enabling easy replacement even of wear-resistant materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-pressure fluid system provides self-sealing functionality that simplifies the replacement process. When the orifice mount needs replacement, the system automatically handles sealing during installation and removal without requiring complex sealing mechanisms or torque application.
3Productivity
If abrasive particles are introduced into the fluid stream to enhance cutting capability, then cutting performance improves, but wear on seals and interior surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system designs the orifice assembly as a replaceable component that can be easily replaced when worn. This allows the use of wear-resistant materials in critical areas while accepting that other components will experience wear from abrasive particles and can be replaced when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material strategies by using wear-resistant materials such as ceramic or carbide for the orifice mount, combining materials with different wear properties to optimize both cutting capability and component durability in the abrasive environment.
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 maintains high-pressure integrity and prevents leaks, reducing wear and downtime by enabling self-sealing and easy replacement of orifice mounts, thus extending the system's operational effectiveness and reducing maintenance efforts.
Implementation Method 1
The face seal includes an upstream surface adapted to provide a high-pressure seal with the retaining nut while the orifice mount assembly is positioned in the mounting chamber and the system is pressurized
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid jet system (200) includes an upstream high-pressure body (202) having a high-pressure bore (308) axially positioned, a retaining nut (204) configured to couple to the upstream high-pressure body (202), and an orifice mount assembly (206). The retaining nut (204) includes a mounting chamber (216) configured to laterally receive the orifice mount assembly (206) without application of a torque while the retaining nut (204) is coupled to the upstream high-pressure body (202) and the system is at ambient pressure. A face seal (316) may be mounted in either a downstream portion of the high-pressure bore (308) or the orifice mount assembly (206) to provide a high-pressure seal while the system is pressurized.