Patent Application
20230302472
This application claims priority to and all advantages of European Patent Application No. 20290060.1 (EP20290060), filed on 10 Aug. 2020, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The present disclosure generally relates to cleaning systems and devices and, more specifically, to a washer nozzle assembly and related methods and systems.
Various cleaning devices are utilized across myriad industries, and frequently utilize washer nozzles to deliver fluids (e.g. cleaning/washing liquid, etc.) to surfaces. For example, most commercial vehicles include one or more washer nozzles connected to a fluid source and fixed proximal to various structures (e.g. windscreens, windows, headlight lenses, etc.), in order to spray cleaning/washing liquid onto an external surface of the structure to be cleaned. Washer nozzles are also utilized to clean exterior cameras and driver assistance sensors, which are increasing in popularity and frequently available as standard or optional equipment. Self-driving and autonomous vehicles, for example, which are also increasing in popularity and production, typically require an even greater number of cameras and sensors for navigation and guidance, driving and safety, and internal performance as compared to more traditional vehicles.
Unfortunately, however, conventional washer nozzles and related cleaning devices suffer from numerous drawbacks, including a requisite increase in manufacturing costs and labor, system weight, and number of individualized components needed (e.g. for new models/designs) associated with the solutions outlined above. For example, adjustable components may become decalibrated over time from normal operation, leading to decreased effectiveness of the cleaning process. These drawbacks are especially limiting with respect to cleaning systems for cameras and sensors, particularly those associated with self-driving and/or autonomous vehicular systems, which often require more effective cleaning due to the impact of environmental elements to connected systems that can lose effectiveness and, if uncorrected, lead to impairment of normal system function and/or vehicle operation.
For example, in order to optimize the cleaning process, conventional washer nozzles typically rely on kinetic energy to clean a substrate with a given cleaning fluid. To do so, such devices utilize a pressurized cleaning fluid, which is directed onto the surface of the structure to be cleaned (e.g. via a nozzle). Over time, especially during use of a vehicle in a high-soil environment, this normal operation requires the use of an overabundance of cleaning fluid for proper function, which is wasteful and may lead to premature consumption of the cleaning fluid between normal service intervals and, ultimately, an inability to safely operate the vehicle without service.
An improved nozzle assembly is provided. The nozzle assembly comprises a spray element that includes an outlet and an eductor. The eductor is adapted to direct a dual-media jet through the outlet, and comprises a mixing barrel and a diffusion portion. The diffusion portion comprises an injection port disposed about a central intake duct, and the mixing barrel extends along an axis between the diffusion portion and the outlet. The nozzle assembly also comprises an active conduit for directing a first media into the eductor of the spray element, and a passive conduit adapted for passage of a second media into the eductor. The active conduit comprises an inlet, which is adapted for receiving a pressurized stream of the first media, and a pair of constricted channels that each extend between the inlet and the injection port of the spray element. The passive conduit comprises an intake, which is adapted for receiving a passive feed of the second media, and a feed shaft that extends between the intake and the central intake duct of the spray element between the pair of constricted channels of the active conduit.
A system comprising the nozzle assembly is also provided. The system comprises a first media source operatively coupled to the active conduit of the nozzle assembly, a second media source operatively coupled to the passive conduit of the nozzle assembly, and a sensor disposed adjacent the outlet such that the dual-media jet directed from the outlet of the nozzle assembly will contact a surface of the sensor.
These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, when viewed in accordance with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.
An improved nozzle assembly is provided. As described herein, the nozzle assembly is configured to be connected to at least two media sources, one active/motive and one passive, and disposed near a surface to be cleaned, and is adapted to prepare and direct a jet of combined media onto on the surface. As will be appreciated from the description herein, the nozzle assembly has multiple applications, but is suitable for installation on a vehicle (e.g. proximate a sensor, camera, light, lens, window/windscreen, etc.) to deliver a flow of cleaning media to a surface thereof. Moreover, the unique design and material construction of the nozzle assembly allows for increased cleaning efficiency and efficacy, decreased calibration and/or maintenance, increased useability and convenience, reduced number of parts, as well as other benefits that will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art in view of the embodiments shown and described herein. For example, by utilizing the particular media and configurations described herein, the nozzle assembly prepares an entrained cleaning media having the requisite kinetic energy for effective cleaning, while reducing consumption of cleaning fluid by up to or greater than 90% as compared to other single and/or dual-media cleaning nozzles.
Referring generally to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the nozzle assembly is illustrated and generally designated at 20. The nozzle assembly 20 may be monolithic in construction (i.e., comprise but one piece, or multiple pieces that are permanently joined together) or, alternatively, may comprise multiple pieces that are releasably, removeably, or semi-permanently coupled or connected together, such that the nozzle assembly 20 may also be described or otherwise defined as the “nozzle 20”, “nozzle system 20”, “nozzle apparatus 20”, etc. Certain features of the nozzle assembly 20 are functional, but can be implemented in different aesthetic configurations.
In general, the nozzle assembly 20 comprises three primary components: a spray element 22, an active conduit 38, and a passive conduit 44, which components are adapted to be integrally formed or otherwise operatively connected together, optionally in a releasable manner, as described in further detail below. These structures, features, and functions of the nozzle assembly 20 are described in further detail herein and illustrated by the particular embodiments shown in the Figures and described below. Like the nozzle assembly 20 as a whole, certain features of the spray element 22, the active conduit 38, and the passive conduit 44, individually, are functional, but can be implemented in different aesthetic configurations.
As introduced above, the nozzle assembly 20 includes a spray element 22. In general, the spray element 22 is configured to receive and combine together at least two different media (e.g. cleaning media) from at least two separate media sources, and adapted to form and channel a spray (e.g. a jet) of the combined media away from the nozzle assembly 20 (e.g. onto a surface to be cleaned) from an outlet 24. To do so, the spray element 22 includes an eductor 26 upstream from the outlet 24.
The eductor 26 of the spray element 22 generally comprises a mixing barrel 28 and a diffusion portion 30. As described below, the diffusion portion 30 comprises inlets through which media may be supplied to the mixing barrel 28 and, subsequently, to the outlet 24. As such, the mixing barrel 28 generally extends between and is in fluid communication with the diffusion portion 30 and the outlet 24.
As will be understood by those of skill in the art, an eductor (e.g. the eductor 26) is a jet pump designed to make use of Bernoulli's principle by flowing a jet of a working fluid (i.e., the “motive fluid”) through a constriction point along a flow path (e.g. a Venturi tube, orifice plate, etc.) to increase the velocity of the motive fluid and thus produce a low pressure area along the flow path after the constriction (i.e., the “Venturi effect”). When a supply of a passive fluid is connected to the flow path via an intake located proximal to the low pressure area, the low pressure area may be utilized to draw the passive fluid into the flow path of the motive fluid (e.g. via suction, atmospheric pressure acting on the passive fluid supply, etc.). It will be appreciated that the general principles utilized in such eductors are shared with other fluid devices, including certain inspirators, aspirators, aerators, steam siphons, etc., designed around the Venturi effect. As such, while the term “eductor” is utilized herein in reference to the general function of certain portions of the spray element 22 of the nozzle assembly 20, such reference is not to limit the scope or design of the nozzle assembly 20. Rather, as will be understood by those of skill in the art in view of the drawings and description herein, the unique design of the nozzle assembly 20 in general, as well as the spray element 22 specifically, provides particular advantageous/improvements over conventional nozzle designs, e.g. in terms of operational efficiency and effectiveness (among others).
With further regard to the eductor 26, the mixing barrel 28 is not particularly limited, and may be implemented in various configurations. In general, the mixing barrel 28 is adapted to receive and direct a turbulent flow of media from the diffusion portion 30 to the outlet 24. Owing to the configuration of the media inlets of the diffusion portion 30, described further below, the mixing barrel 28 need not comprise specific mixing elements (e.g. baffles, mixing blades, etc.), but may instead be configured in the form of a simple conduit or tube defining a channel extending between the diffusion portion 30 to the outlet 24. In such embodiments, the baffleless/bladeless design may minimize disruption to the flow of media through the spray element 22 and this increase the efficiency of the nozzle assembly 20. However, in other embodiments, the mixing barrel 28 may comprise one or more mixing elements (not shown) in order to increase the homogenization of media flowing therethrough. For example, such embodiments may be utilized when the nozzle assembly 20 will be operating in confined spaces such that the spray element 22 is configured with a minimal length. In certain embodiments, the mixing barrel 28 is linear, alternatively substantially linear, and extends between the diffusion portion 30 and the outlet 24 along a central axis (not shown). In other embodiments, the mixing barrel 28 is nonlinear and describes a curved flow path.
The diffusion portion 30 of the eductor 26 is generally adapted to receive separate media flows in the form of a motive fluid and a passive fluid, and configured to prepare a single turbulent flow of media therefrom, as described in further detail below. The diffusion portion 30 of the eductor 26 is generally disposed opposite the outlet 24 about the mixing barrel 28. However, the diffusion portion 30 may be integral with the mixing barrel 28 (i.e., the diffusion portion 30 may simply describe the portion of the mixing barrel 28 distal the outlet 24), so long as otherwise configured as described herein.
As will be understood by those of skill in the art, the term “diffuser” with regard to fluid devices (e.g. eductors) generally denotes a device, or portion thereof, that increases the pressure of a fluid by slowing it down, as opposed to a “nozzle” which generally denotes a device that increases the velocity of a fluid at the expense of pressure in the same context. With regard to the diffusion portion 30, however, the term “diffusion” is used to refer to the general function of the indicated portion of the spray element 22 where separate media flows are combined, e.g. due to the Venturi effect produced by the configuration of the eductor 26. As such, the diffusion portion 30 may be separate from or, alternatively, may overlap with the mixing barrel 28. Regardless, as illustrated in the drawings, the diffusion portion 30 of the eductor 26 refers to the portion of the eductor 26 where media is introduced, and subsequently combined, within the spray element 22.
The diffusion portion 30 of the eductor 26 comprises an injection port 32 adapted for directing a motive fluid into the mixing barrel 28. More specifically, the injection port 32 is configured as a channel for receiving and directing an active (e.g. pressurized) flow of media into the mixing barrel 28. So configured, the injection port 32 may be linear or curved with respect to the flow path of the channel, and may be substantially consistent in cross-sectional area or tapered (e.g. constricting/expanding along the flow path). For example, in certain embodiments, the injection port 32 decreases in diameter along the flow path into the mixing barrel 28 proximal the diffusion portion 30. In other embodiments, the injection port 32 comprises a constant, alternatively a substantially constant, diameter along the flow path into the diffusion portion 30. In yet other embodiments, the injection port 32 increases in diameter along the flow path into the mixing barrel 28. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, in order to achieve the desired function of the eductor 26, the particular configuration of the injection port 32 will be selected in view of the components of the nozzle assembly 20 upstream from the injection port 32, which components are described below. Typically, the injection port 32 is configured as an axial duct to direct the active flow of media annularly about a central axis (not shown) extending along the flow path into the mixing barrel 28. In some such embodiments, the injection port 32 is configured to annularly direct the active flow of media through the diffusion portion 30 along a flow path coaxial with the mixing barrel 28. So configured, the injection port 32 allows for passage of a passive media into the center of the active flow of media, as described below, for increased mixing and, optionally entrainment, of the passive media in the active media (e.g. to give a homogenous, alternatively substantially homogeneous two-phase flow of media).
In some embodiments, the spray element 22 comprises a radial diffuser 34 composed of a series of blades, vanes, fins or other protrusions (generally referred to herein as “vanes” for simplicity) disposed in the flow path of the injection port 32 at the diffusion portion 30. Such vanes and like features are generally used to provide impingement surfaces, which function to both break apart a stream of media into droplets, as well as to direct the flow of the media (e.g. in the form of droplets) into a particular flow pattern For example, in certain embodiments, as shown in
As described above, the configuration of the radial diffuser 34 is not particularly limited, and may be varied to provide the nozzle assembly 20 with a desired spray pattern. For example, in some embodiments, the vanes of the radial diffuser 34 comprise a center pitch of from 5° to 50°, such as a pitch of 10°, 20°, or 30°. Likewise, some such embodiments, the vanes of the radial diffuser 34 comprise a swirl of from 15° to 25°, such as a 20° swirl. Dimensions outside these ranges may also be utilized. As such, it will be appreciated that the radial diffuser 34 provides the nozzle assembly 20 with a variable component that may be used to selectively adjust the angle of a spray cone produced during operation of the nozzle assembly 20 as described herein (e.g. via selecting the degree of pitch of the vanes of the radial diffuser 34). While particular embodiments of the nozzle assembly 20 include the radial diffuser 34, other types of spray-directing/patterning elements may be used in addition to, or in place of the radial diffuser 34.
The diffusion portion 30 of the eductor 26 comprises an intake duct 36 adapted for directing a passive fluid (e.g. a media) into the mixing barrel 28. More specifically, the intake duct 36 is configured as a channel for receiving and directing a flow of media into the mixing barrel 28. So configured, the intake duct 36 may be linear or curved with respect to the flow path of the channel, and may be substantially consistent in cross-sectional area or tapered (e.g. constricting/expanding along the flow path). For example, in certain embodiments, the intake duct 36 decreases in diameter along the flow path into the mixing barrel 28 proximal the diffusion portion 30. In other embodiments, the intake duct 36 comprises a constant, alternatively a substantially constant, diameter along the flow path into the mixing barrel 28. In yet other embodiments, the intake duct 36 increases in diameter along the flow path into the mixing barrel 28. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, in order to achieve the desired function of the eductor 26, the particular configuration of the intake duct 36 will be selected in view of the components of the nozzle assembly 20 upstream and/or parallel from the intake duct 36, such as the injection port 32, which components are described herein. Typically, the intake duct 36 is configured as a linear channel adapted to direct the passive flow of media along a central axis (not shown) extending along the flow path into the mixing barrel 28. In some embodiments, the intake duct 36 is configured to direct the passive flow of media through the diffusion portion 30 along a central flow path coaxial with the mixing barrel 28. So configured, the intake duct 36 may direct the passive media into the center of the active flow of media, e.g. when the injection port 32 is configured as the axial duct as described above. In this configuration, the intake duct 36 may be referred to as the central intake duct 36. When the central intake duct 36 is utilized in this fashion, the eductor 26 provides for increased mixing and, optionally entrainment, of the passive media in the active media (e.g. to give a homogenous, alternatively substantially homogeneous two-phase flow of media).
As introduced above, the spray element 22 comprises the outlet 24 downstream from the mixing barrel 28. The size and/or shape of the outlet 24 is not limited, and will be generally selected based on the dimensions of the other components of the spray element 22 (e.g. the diameter, length, and/or volume of the mixing barrel 28, etc.) in order to expel media passed therein as a jet from the outlet 24. As such, the outlet 24 can be configured to produce various spray patterns, e.g. a fan spray, a jet spray, etc. For example, in certain embodiments, a spray-building element (e.g. an insert, limiter, director, rotator, etc. (not shown)) can be provided at the outlet 24 to achieving or otherwise configure/produce particular spray patterns (e.g. focused/directed jet sprays, oscillating sprays, combinations of jet and fan sprays, etc.). In these or other embodiments, the outlet 24 may be adapted to work in concert with another component of the spray element 22 (e.g. the radial diffuser 34) to direct a spray of media therefrom. As such, it will be understood that the outlet 24 may be an isolable component of the spray element 22, or may instead refer to an end of the mixing barrel 28 open to outside of the nozzle assembly 20.
As introduced above, the nozzle assembly 20 includes an active conduit 38. In general, the active conduit 38 is configured to receive an active (i.e., pressurized) media (e.g. from a media source), and adapted to channel and inject the active media into the diffusion portion 30 of the spray element 22 via the injection port 32.
As shown in
As shown in
In certain embodiments, each of the channels 42 decreases in cross-sectional area (i.e., reduces in diameter) along the flow path from the inlet 40 to the injection port 32. In other embodiments, each of the channels 42 comprises a constant, alternatively a substantially constant, diameter along the flow path into the injection port 32. Typically, the channels 42 each comprise a cross-sectional area that is less than the cross-sectional area of the active conduit 38 at the inlet 40. In such embodiments, the channels 42 may be referred to as the constricted channels 42. In certain embodiments, the constricted channels 42 comprise a collective cross-sectional area that is less than the cross-sectional area of the active conduit 38 at the inlet 40.
Typically, each of the channels 42 describes a curved path coplanar with the flow path of the active conduit 38 at the injection port 32, such that the channels 42 diverge away from one another along the flow path proximal the inlet 40 so as to form a space therebetween, and then converge with one another proximal the injection port 32. In such embodiments, as shown in
As introduced above, the nozzle assembly 20 includes a passive conduit 44. In general, the passive conduit 44 is configured to facilitate passage of a passive (i.e., non-pressurized) media therethrough, e.g. from a media source to the intake duct 36 of the spray element 22.
As shown in
The passive conduit 44 generally comprises a feed shaft 48 that extends between the intake 46 and the intake duct 36 of the spray element 22. The feed shaft 48 is generally adapted to channel media along a flow path from the intake 46 to the intake duct 36, and is otherwise not particularly limited. In particular, the feed shaft 48 may comprise any dimensions suitable for use in connection with the other components, and functions thereof, of the nozzle assembly 20, as described herein. As such, the size (e.g. diameter, volume, etc.) of the feed shaft 48 may be independently selected, e.g. to control the rate at which media may be passed into the spray element 22 via the intake duct 36. For example, the feed shaft 48 may be substantially consistent in cross-sectional area or tapered (e.g. constricting/expanding along the flow path to intake duct 36). In certain embodiments, the feed shaft 48 decreases in cross-sectional area (i.e., reduces in diameter) along the flow path from the intake 46 to the intake duct 36.
Typically, the feed shaft 48 describes a curved path, such that the flow path at the intake 46 is substantially perpendicular to the flow path at the intake duct 36. In this fashion, such as in the embodiments illustrated in
With regard to the active conduit 38 and the passive conduit 44 (collectively, the “media conduits”), as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the particular dimensions are not limited, and will typically be independently selected based on the function of the components described herein and an intended use of the nozzle assembly 20. As such, the media conduits may independently be of any length, width, diameter, etc. Regardless of the overall shape, however, it will be understood that the media conduits adapted for axial flow of media (e.g. fluid) therethrough, such that each of the media conduits defines an internal duct through with media may flow into the spray element 22. Typically, the media conduits are substantially tubular in shape in order to facilitate efficient and effective passage of media (e.g. axial flow of fluid) therethrough. Likewise, each media conduit may independently comprise an interior surface (e.g. of the internal duct) that is bare, or coated/treated, e.g. to modify (i.e., increase/decrease) a property thereof, such as lubricity, chemical resistance, toughness, etc.
In addition to the primary components described above, the nozzle assembly 20 typically comprises a housing 50. The housing 50 serves as an exterior body to house and/or define certain components of the nozzle assembly 20 and, optionally, to connect the nozzle assembly 20 to other components and/or systems. In particular, the housing 50 is typically adapted to enclose the spray element 22, the channels 42 of the active conduit 38, and the feed shaft 48 of the passive conduit 44. In certain embodiments, the housing 50 encloses the spray element 22, the active conduit 38, and the passive conduit 44.
As will be understood by those of skill in the art in view of this disclosure, aside from the particular features described herein, the housing 50 is not particularly limited (e.g. in terms of shape, dimension, additional functions, etc.), and will be selected and/or configured by those of skill in the art, e.g. in view of the particular spray element 22 utilized, a planned use of the nozzle assembly 20, etc. The housing 50 may be monolithic in construction (i.e., comprise but one piece, or multiple pieces that are permanently joined together) or, alternatively, may comprise multiple pieces that are releasably, removeably, or semi-permanently coupled or connected together. When the housing 50 comprises multiple pieces/components, the housing may be assembled by coupling together the pieces/components using any suitable mechanical coupling or other interlock, such as a snap fit coupling or joint. In certain embodiments, one or more pieces/components of the housing 50 can be integrally formed with one another, such as by plastic injection molding, additive manufacturing, etc.
In certain embodiments, as shown with particularity in
Aside from the particular features described herein, the adapter 52 is not particularly limited (e.g. in terms of shape, dimension, additional functions, etc.), and will be selected and/or configured by those of skill in the art, e.g. in view of the configuration of the intake 46, one or more portions/components of the housing 50, other external components to be connected thereto, etc. Typically, when utilized, the nozzle assembly 20 comprises the adapter 52 as a separate component releasably coupled to and in sealed relation with the housing 50 proximal the intake 46. As such, in particular embodiments, the adapter 52 comprises connection means (not shown), which is/are means for securing the adapter 52 to the housing 50. In such embodiments, suitable connection means include fasteners (e.g. threaded fasteners such as bolts, screws, etc., push fasteners, clamp fasteners, etc.) connectors (e.g. quick connectors, threaded connectors/connections, etc.), couplings (e.g. male-female couplings, press-couplings, etc.) clamps, adhesives, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the housing 50 of the nozzle assembly 20 may also comprise connection means, which, together with the connection means of the adapter 52, may be cooperatively adapted to engage one another to couple/connect together the adapter 52 and the housing 50.
As will be appreciated from the description herein, the adapter 52 is configured for fluid passage therethough, i.e., such that media can be passed through the adapter 52 and to the intake 46. As such, the adapter 52 itself comprises an internal duct 54 that passes therethrough. In certain embodiments, the adapter 52 comprises a check valve configured for unidirectional flow into the housing 50, and ultimately the intake 46 of the passive conduit 44, i.e., for preventing backflow from the passive conduit 44 through the adapter 52. Aside from this function, the check valve is not particularly limited, and may comprise any components and/or configurations suitable for use in/as a check valve known in the art.
In certain embodiments, as illustrated in
While described above in terms of a single spray element 22, the nozzle assembly 20 may comprise more than one spray element 22, such as two, three, four, or five separate spray elements 22, which may be independently configured and located about the housing 50. For example, as shown in
The various component parts of the nozzle assembly 20 described above (e.g. the spray element(s) 22, the media conduits 38, 44, the housing 50, etc.), and portions of such component parts (e.g. the inlet 40 and channels 42 of the active conduit 38, etc.) may be manufactured of the same or different material(s), such as any one or more of the materials described below.
For example, in some embodiments, the spray element 22 is monolithic in construction and substantially homogeneous in composition with respect to the outlet 24, the eductor 26, the injection port 32, the intake duct 36 and, when present, the radial diffuser 34. Likewise, in some embodiments, the active conduit 38 is monolithic in construction and substantially homogeneous in composition with respect to the inlet 40 and the channels 42, and the passive conduit 44 is monolithic in construction and substantially homogeneous in composition with respect to the intake 46 and the feed shaft 48. In these or other embodiments, the housing 50 is monolithic in construction and substantially homogeneous in composition with the active conduit 38 and/or the passive conduit 44. However, it is to be appreciated that any component, such as the housing 50, may independently comprise multiple component parts of varying compositions joined together. Moreover, each component part may itself comprise a combination of different materials, and thus may not comprise a homogeneous composition throughout. For example, in certain embodiments, the nozzle assembly 20 comprises the adapter 52 as an individual (e.g. isolable) component joined to a monolithic construction comprising the housing 50.
In general, materials suitable for use in or as the nozzle assembly 20 and/or the component parts thereof include metals (e.g. steels, aluminums, alloys, etc.), resins (e.g. thermoset and/or thermoplastic resins), and combinations thereof. However, myriad materials may be used to manufacture the component parts and various elements of the nozzle assembly 20, with each typically being selected as a function of availability, cost, performance/end use applications, etc. As such, metals, metal alloys, and resins are not exhaustive of suitable materials that may be used. Additionally, it is to be appreciated a surface or portion thereof of a particular component part of the nozzle assembly 20 may be coated, painted, and/or impregnated with a material having desired characteristics including, but not limited to, those described above or below. Moreover, one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that particular materials will be selected based on the features and/or functions of the nozzle assembly 20 or particular component parts thereof (e.g. the flexibility and resiliency of the elastically deformable sleeve 58, etc.).
In various embodiments, the nozzle assembly 20 comprises a resin. Examples of suitable resins typically comprise the reaction product of a monomer and a curing agent, although resins formed of self-polymerizing monomers (i.e., those acting as both a monomer and a curing agent) may also be utilized. It is to be appreciated that such resins are conventionally named/identified according to a particular functional group present in the reaction product. For example, the term “polyurethane resin” represents a polymeric compound comprising a reaction product of an isocyanate (i.e., a monomer) and a polyol (i.e., a chain extender/curing agent). The reaction of the isocyanate and the polyol create urethane functional groups, which were not present in either of the unreacted monomer or curing agent. However, it is also to be appreciated that, in certain instances, resins are named according to a particular functional group present in the monomer (i.e., a cure site). For example, the term “epoxy resin” represents a polymeric compound comprising a cross-linked reaction product of a monomer having one or more epoxide groups (i.e., an epoxide) and a curing agent. However, once cured, the epoxy resin is no longer an epoxy, or no longer includes epoxide groups, but for any unreacted or residual epoxide groups (i.e., cure sites), which may remain after curing, as understood in the art. In other instances, however, resins may be named according to a functional group present in both the monomer and the reaction product (i.e., an unreacted functional group).
In some embodiments, the resin is selected from thermoset resins and thermoplastic resins. Examples of suitable thermoset and/or thermoplastic resins typically include polyamides (PA), such as Nylons; polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalates (PET), polybutylene terephthalates (PBT), polytrimethylene terephthalates (PTT), polyethylene naphthalates (PEN), liquid crystalline polyesters, and the like; polyolefins such as polyethylenes (PE), polypropylenes (PP), polybutylenes, and the like; styrenic resins; polyoxymethylenes (POM) such as acetal homopolymer; polycarbonates (PC); polymethylmethacrylates (PMMA); polyvinyl chlorides (PVC); polyphenylene sulfides (PPS); polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polyphenylene ethers (PPE); polyimides (PI); polyamideimides (PAI); polyetherimides (PEI); polysulfones (PSU); polyethersulfones; polyketones (PK); polyetherketones (PEK); polyetheretherketones (PEEK); polyetherketoneketones (PEKK); polyarylates (PAR); polyethernitriles (PEN); resol-type; epoxy resins, urea-type (e.g. melamine-type); phenoxy resins; fluorinated resins, such as polytetrafluoroethylenes; thermoplastic elastomers, such as polystyrene types, polyolefin types, polyurethane types, polyester types, polyamide types, polybutadiene types, polyisoprene types, fluoro types, and the like; and copolymers, modifications, and combinations thereof. Particular resins will be selected by those of skill in the art, e.g. based on material to be mixed, environment in which the nozzle assembly 20 is to be used, the manufacturing method(s) and/or technique(s) selected to prepare the nozzle assembly 20 and/or the component parts thereof, etc.
The nozzle assembly 20 is not limited to any particular application, or with regard to any particular media, so long as such media is compatible with the materials composing the nozzle assembly itself. Typically, the media is a fluid media (or simply a “fluid”). Suitable fluids include liquids, air, and mixes thereof, as well as fluid suspensions comprising solid particles. Examples of such fluid media include various cleaning compositions and fluids known in the art, such as cleaning solutions (e.g. comprising soaps, surfactants, solvents, etc.), rinsing solutions (e.g. comprising water, rinsing aids, drying aids, etc.), drying fluids (e.g. air, etc.) and the like, as well as derivatives, modifications, and combinations thereof.
Typically, the nozzle assembly 20 is utilized in connection with two different media sources. More specifically, the active conduit 38 is typically adapted for directing a pressurized stream of a first media (the “active media”) and the passive conduit 44 is adapted for passage of a second media (the “passive media”). The active media and passive media, which may also be referred to as the “active fluid” and “passive fluid”, respectively, are independently selected, and are typically different from each other.
For example, in certain embodiments, the nozzle assembly 20 is adapted for using a compressed gas as the active fluid, and a liquid composition (e.g. solution, emulsion, suspension, etc.) as the passive fluid. In some such embodiments, the nozzle assembly 20 is adapted for using compressed air as the active fluid and a liquid cleaning solution as the passive fluid. In these embodiments, the nozzle assembly 20 provides unique benefits by utilizing compressed air as a carrier (i.e., the active fluid) to provide a spray of media having the kinetic energy required for cleaning a surface. The cleaning solution (i.e., the passive fluid) is supplied passively to the media via the eductor 26 of the spray element 22, which is designed to provide a flow of a homogeneous two-phase cleaning fluid comprising air and fluidic droplets. In this fashion, the spray provides both beneficial kinetic energy (i.e., via the air) as well as solvent effects (i.e., via the cleaning solution) to maximize cleaning efficacy and performance while minimizing the consumption of cleaning fluid via utilizing the passive supply. Moreover, the unique design of the nozzle assembly 20 provides means for rapid adaptation to a wide variety of substrate geometries via inclusion of optional vanes (e.g. via the radial diffuser 34), which may be included to provide a spray cone with a larger angle, or to otherwise alter/tailor the spray pattern of the nozzle assembly 20.
The nozzle assembly 20 may be used in myriad applications to deliver diverse types of media to a variety of surfaces. As but one exemplary application, the nozzle assembly 20 is suitable to use as, or in connection with, a cleaning system (e.g. for cleaning sensors, windows, etc.). For example, the design of the nozzle assembly 20 provides for a compact and efficient cleaning device suitable for use in cleaning a variety of different vehicular surfaces. As such, a method for cleaning a surface with the nozzle assembly 20 is provided. The method comprises providing a passive supply of a second media (e.g. a cleaning solution) to the passive conduit 44 of the nozzle assembly 20 via the intake 46. The method also comprises delivering a pressurized stream of a first media (e.g. compressed air) to the active conduit 38 of the nozzle assembly 20 via the inlet 40, such that the first media is flowed through the eductor 26 and entrains a portion of the second media to give a two-phase media, which is expelled from the outlet 24.
A system 60 comprising the nozzle assembly 20 is also provided, and illustrated schematically in
In certain embodiments, the passive fluid flow path 68 supplies the passive fluid to the intake 46 of the passive conduit 44 via the adapter 52 described above. In some such embodiments, the adapter 52 comprises the check valve, also described above, to control the flow of the passive fluid through the nozzle assembly 20 (e.g. to prevent backflow).
The system 60 may comprise any number of additional components aside from those particularly described herein. For example, any number of conduits, ducts, tubing, hoses, fluid connectors, valves, controllers, and/or manifolds (not shown) may also be utilized to fluidly couple the various components of the system 60 together and/or other provide the fluid flow paths 64, 68 from the fluid sources 62, 66 to the inlet 40 and intake 46, respectively. Likewise, it is to be appreciated that the active fluid utilized during operation of the nozzle assembly 20 is typically put under pressure via an external system, e.g. a pump or compressor (not shown). As such, the system 60 may comprise a compressed air supply, an air compressor, a pump, or the like. The specific pressures suitable for use with the nozzle assembly 20 (e.g. in the system 60) are not particularly limited, and will be selected in view of the configuration of the nozzle assembly 20 being utilized, e.g. the pressure/volume/flowrate necessary to draw passive fluid into the flow path via the eductor 26, provide enough kinetic energy for effective cleaning, etc. For example, the operating pressures may be from greater than 0 to 20 bar, such as from 1 to 15, alternatively from 1 to 10 bar, inclusive. However, it is to be appreciated that pressures outside these ranges may also be utilized. In certain embodiments, the system 60 comprises a heating element (not shown) for heating the cleaning fluid before it is applied to the surface 72.
The system 60 may comprise but one of the nozzle assembly 20, such as illustrated by the schematic of the system 60 shown in
In certain embodiments, the system 60 comprising the nozzle assembly 20 is adapted or otherwise configured for cleaning a surface 72 of a component 70 a vehicle, such as the vehicle illustrated schematically and generally designated at 74 in
It is to be appreciated that the operation of the nozzle assembly 20 and/or the system 60 comprising the same may be initiated, controlled, and or terminated by various methods and techniques known in the art. For example, while not shown, the system 60 may comprise a valve connected to a controlled power supply, such that an open/close status of the valve can be controlled on demand from a control unit (not shown). In this fashion, the supplies of fluids/media to the nozzle assembly 20 can be automated (e.g. with compressed air supplied automatically at predetermined intervals or on an as-needed basis), manual (e.g. via operation of a switch (e.g. in a cabin of the vehicle 112) actuatable by an operator/driver), or both.
The above description relates to general and specific embodiments of the disclosure. However, various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. As such, this disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the disclosure or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. Any reference to elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Further, it is to be understood that the terms “right angle,” “orthogonal,” and “parallel” are generally employed in a relative, and not an absolute sense, if/when employed herein.
Likewise, it is also to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to express and particular compounds, compositions, or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary between particular embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush groups relied upon herein for describing particular features or aspects of various embodiments, different, special, and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each member of the respective Markush group independent from all other Markush members. Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and or in combination and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.
Further, any ranges and subranges relied upon in describing various embodiments of the present invention independently and collectively fall within the scope of the appended claims, and are understood to describe and contemplate all ranges including whole and/or fractional values therein, even if such values are not expressly written herein. One of skill in the art readily recognizes that the enumerated ranges and subranges sufficiently describe and enable various embodiments of the present invention, and such ranges and subranges may be further delineated into relevant halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, and so on. As just one example, a range “of from 0.1 to 0.9” may be further delineated into a lower third, i.e., from 0.1 to 0.3, a middle third, i.e., from 0.4 to 0.6, and an upper third, i.e., from 0.7 to 0.9, which individually and collectively are within the scope of the appended claims, and may be relied upon individually and/or collectively and provide adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, with respect to the language which defines or modifies a range, such as “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “no more than,” and the like, it is to be understood that such language includes subranges and/or an upper or lower limit. As another example, a range of “at least 10” inherently includes a subrange of from at least 10 to 35, a subrange of from at least 10 to 25, a subrange of from 25 to 35, and so on, and each subrange may be relied upon individually and/or collectively and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. Finally, an individual number within a disclosed range may be relied upon and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. For example, a range “of from 1 to 9” includes various individual integers, such as 3, as well as individual numbers including a decimal point (or fraction), such as 4.1, which may be relied upon and provide adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20290060.1 | Aug 2020 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2020/062486 | 12/28/2020 | WO |
