3
having a water rotating device. However, the presen
t invention differs in many
respect when compared to the device discussed in WO
2017136209. Unlike the
device mentioned in WO2017136209, the present inven
tion operates at low
pressure for carrying out atomization and offers in
finite number of flow rate
combinations in spray mode i.e. a lower flow rate f
or washing purpose and
maximum flow rate for processes like filling a glas
s jug. Additionally, the present
invention can be attached to various types of tap h
eads for installation. Unlike the
device mentioned in WO 2017136209, in the present i
nvention, the mode
changes because of the rotation of the nozzle on th
e thread causing a vertical
displacement of supply holes with respect to the no
zzle itself. Moreover, the
present invention imparts overall security to the d
evice by providing internal
locking mechanism preventing any undue rotations of
the device in any one of
the modes. Additionally, unlike WO2017136209, the p
resent invention offers a
spray cone angle of 60 degree at 0.2 bar of pressur
e which particularly enables
the user to wash their hands even at 5, 6 cm below
the tap with a wider coverage
thus improving the overall utilitarian aspect of th
e device itself. Therefore,
offering a substantial improvement over the existin
g prior arts in this field.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005]
It is an object of the present invention to ove
rcome, or substantially
ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of the
prior art, or to provide a
useful alternative.
4
[0006]
According to an aspect of the present invention
; there is provided a low,
pressure atomizer nozzle with spray mode and mist m
ode respectively. The
device fits into already existing tap heads to redu
ce the amount of water wastage
in day to day chores. The present invention offers
a spray cone angle of 60 degree
at 0.2 bar of low pressure which particularly enabl
es the user to wash their hands
as close as 5, 6 cm below the tap giving a wider co
verage for washing purpose.
[0007]
According to yet another aspect of present inven
tion, there is provided a
flow rate switch mode for the applications of high
mass flow rate of water. In the
present invention, the atomization of water occurs
at a minimum pressure
gradient of 0.18 bar.
[0008]
According to another aspect of present inventio
n, the design of the
present nozzle is compact and compatible and can be
attached to all kinds of
domestic tap heads.
[0009]
According to yet another aspect of present inve
ntion, the mode changes
because of the rotation of the nozzle on the thread
causing a vertical displacement
of supply holes with respect to the nozzle, hence a
llowing water to leak through
O,ring. Additionally, the present invention imparts
overall security to the device
5
by providing a locking mechanism preventing any und
ue rotations of the device
in any one of the abovementioned modes.
[0010]
According to yet another aspect of present inve
ntion, infinite number of
flow rate combinations are available in spray mode
along with varying spray
cone angles in mist mode.
[0011]
According to another aspect of present inventio
n, the stationary water
rotating device of the atomizer nozzle with respect
to the head results in overall
lower vibrations and lower noise during the usage.
[0012]
The features and advantages of the present inventio
n will become
further apparent from the following detailed descri
ption of preferred
embodiments, provided by way of example only, toget
her with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] Figure 1
shows the top perspective view of the nozzle.
[0014]
Figure 2
shows yet another top perspective view of the nozz
le.
[0015] Figure 3
shows bottom plan view of the nozzle.
[0016]
Figure 4
shows the cross,sectional view of the nozzle.
6
[0017] Figure 5
shows cross sectional view of the lower part of th
e nozzle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018]
Figure 1
show the nozzle
130
with water inlet port
110
wherein the
radial and axial flow starts the atomization proces
s in the nozzle. The nozzle
130
has base
140
and external male screw threads
120
for connecting to various tap
heads. The outer periphery of nozzle
130
has outer peripheral holes
300 (refer
FIG. 3)
for spray mode. The peripheral hole’s (peripheral)
diameter is Da, and
length is La. The ratios hold the following values:
Ds/D0 = 5.5, Ls/Ds=0.68,
L0/D0 < 1, La/Da= 12. In spray mode, water is saved
by reducing the pressure
gradient in the spray mode through turbulence and f
riction provided by the
supply hole
440
of the stem
430 (refer FIG. 4)
and due to friction of outer
peripheral holes
300 (refer FIG. 3)
. When the nozzle
130
is brought to the
topmost level the required geometric ratios are ach
ieved and the nozzle is sealed
from the upper side. When nozzle
130
drops down, the sealing provided by the
two “O” rings
420
open
(refer FIG. 4
), and the water is supplied by outer
peripheral holes
300
and the orifice
310
(refer FIG. 3)
, saving up to 75% of
water.
[0019]
Figure 2
shows the top perspective view of the nozzle
130
. The nozzle
130
consists of peripheral holes
210
which give radial motion to the water
7
passing through it.. The nozzle 130 also consists o
f female internal screw threads
220
for connecting to various tap heads
.
[0020] Figure 3
shows the bottom plan view of the nozzle
130
, with outer
peripheral holes
300
to supply water in spray mode and orifice
310
for supplying
water in mist mode respectively.
[0021]
Figure 4
shows the cross sections of the nozzle
130
. Head
400
of the
nozzle
130
supports nozzle with the tap and also provides cha
nges in modes of
operation of nozzle
130
through threads
520 (refer FIG.5).
The type of atomizer
used herein is a Pressure Swirl Atomizer that has a
n advantage of low operation
pressure. Here, the atomization of water occurs at
a spray cone angle of 60 degree
and a low pressure head of 0.2 bar which particular
ly enables the user to wash
their hands even at 5, 6 cm below the tap with a wi
der coverage thus improving
the overall utilitarian aspect of the device itself
. The pressure swirl atomizer
consist of three main parts i.e. inlet port
(refer 110 in FIG. 1),
swirl chamber
(
refer 430 in FIG. 5)
and discharge orifice
( refer 310 in FIG. 3)
. In the present
invention, the energy available is due to the press
ure overhead storage tank.
Water passes through above 3 parts, getting higher
relative velocity w.r.t
atmosphere and because of these interactions, the s
urface of water gets unstable
and breaks into smaller droplets. In the present in
vention, the minimum pressure
head is assumed to be 5 ft. which provides the gros
s pressure head of 0.2 bar.
Hence, the nozzle needs to atomize the water at a l
ow pressure. Additionally, the
8
present invention offers infinite number of flow ra
te combinations in spray or
normal mode. The nozzle top
410
can be attached to different type of tap heads
for installation and the mode changes because of th
e rotation of the nozzle on the
thread causing vertical displacement of supply hole
440
with respect to nozzle.
There are 2 “O” rings
420
acting as the sealant. In spray mode, water is sav
ed by
reducing the pressure gradient through turbulence a
nd friction provided by the
supply hole
440
of the stem
430
and peripheral holes (300)
.
The supply slot
450
makes acute angle with the horizontal axis.
[0022]
Figure 5
shows the cross section of the lower part of the no
zzle
130
with protruding male screw threads
520,
orifice
310
and the extensions
510
of the
outer peripheral holes
(refer 300 in FIG. 3).
The rotation of the nozzle
130
on
the protruding male screw threads
520
causes a vertical displacement of supply
holes with respect to the nozzle itself
.
[0023]
There are different Spray Patterns which can be
obtained in single fluid
atomizers like flat spray, full cone, hollow cone e
tc. But according to our
requirements, full cone or hollow cone atomizers ar
e required. As hollow cone
nozzles are high performance nozzles. It is observ
ed that a person washes his
hands 5,6 cm below the tap. Hence, in order to cove
r the entire palm, spray cone
angle (2 Qm) is taken as 60
0
. Let the axial velocity and tangential velocity be
Va
and Vt respectively. Then;
(Vt/Va )= tan(Qm)
9
= tan (30)
= (1/sqrt(3))
Giffen and Muraszew analysed the flow in a swirl at
omizer for a non,viscous
fluid. That analysis gave a relation of half spray
cone angle with other
geometrical ratios. It led to the following express
ion:
wherein K = Ap/Dsd0 and X = Aa/A0.
To eliminate one of these variables, Giffen and Mur
aszew (1953) derived the
following expression for K in terms of X:
Above two equations are solved to give the expressi
on: ,
In the above equation, the spray cone angle is a fu
nction of atomizer dimensional
ratios only, as embodied in the relationship K = Ap
/Ds da, and is independent of
liquid properties, ambient air properties, and inje
ction pressure. Rizk and
Lefebvre's studied (1958) the effects of liquid pro
perties, atomizer dimensions,
and injection pressure on film thickness enabled th
em to derive the following
equation for the mean spray angle:
Assuming the result, Qm= 400
10
Del(p)= 0.18bar, Density= 1000Kg/m3, Viscosity=8.90
x10,4 Poise,
We get,
D0 = 2mm
[0024]
There are different spray parameters which have
to be controlled to
achieve the required spray. Those parameters are sp
ray pattern, spray cone angle
and droplet size. Drop size is determined by Sauter
Mean Diameter (SMD),
which is defined as the diameter of drop whose surf
ace to volume ratio is same as
that of entre spray. For effective washing, every d
rop should have sufficient
kinetic energy. Hence, there has to be a balance fo
r SMD also. For effective
washing application, a balance has to be there betw
een Cone Angle, SMD and its
impact. In the normal flow mode, water is saved by
introduction of obstructions
and friction to water which in turn reduces the pre
ssure gradient from source to
the output. The increase in singe phase pressure dr
op due to the presence of a
flow obstruction may be expressed as:
Wherein ∆ P the pressure drop due to the obstructi
on, K
ob
is the pressure loss
coefficient for the obstruction p
L
is the density of the liquid, V
o
is the average
velocity in the channel f
ob
is the friction factor of the obstruction , t is t
he
thickness of the obstruction , De
ob
is the equivalent hydraulic diameter of the
11
obstruction, Vo is the velocity of flow across the
obstruction f
ob
is the friction
factor of the channel , D
e
is the equivalent hydraulic diameter of the channe
l.
Life expectancy of the product is around 10,000 Hrs
.
[0025]
While a number of preferred embodiments have bee
n described, it will
be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that n
umerous variations and/or
modifications may be made to the invention without
departing from the spirit or
scope of the invention as broadly described. The pr
esent embodiments are,
therefore, to be considered in all respects as illu
strative and not restrictive.

Claims:WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A low pressure atomizer nozzle comprising:
a nozzle (130) with water inlet port (110) wherein the radial and axial flow starts the atomization process in the nozzle (130);
the nozzle (130) has base (140) with external screw threads (120) for connecting to various tap heads;
the outer periphery of nozzle (130) has outer peripheral holes (300) for spray mode and orifice (310) for mist mode;
the nozzle (130) consist of female internal screw thread (220), peripheral holes (210), extensions and protruding male screw thread (520);
the nozzle (130) consist of head (400) to support faucet with the tap, the nozzle top (410) can be attached to different types of tap heads;
the nozzle (130) further consists of two O-rings (420), supply hole (440), stem (430) and supply (450).

2. A low pressure atomizer nozzle wherein the dual flow rate modes are spray mode and mist mode respectively. The mode changes because of the rotation of nozzle (130) on the thread (520) causing the vertical displacement of supply holes (440) with respect to the nozzle (130). An internal locking mechanism in the nozzle (130) prevents any undue rotations of the device in any one of the operating modes i.e. spray mode or mist mode respectively.

3. A low pressure atomizer nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the two O-rings (420) act as sealant regulating the flow of water in the nozzle (130).

4. A low pressure atomizer nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the lower part of the nozzle (130) has protruding male screw threads (520), orifice (310) and the extensions (510) of the outer peripheral holes (300). The rotation of the nozzle (130) of the protruding male screw thread (520) causes the vertical displacement of supply hole (440) with respect to the nozzle itself, hence facilitating the change of the modes.

5. A low pressure atomizer nozzle wherein an infinite number of flow rate combinations in spray mode are possible and a spray cone angle of 60 degree at 0.2 bar of pressure is achieved which particularly enables the user to wash their hands even at 5- 6 cm below the tap with a wider coverage.

6. A low pressure atomizer nozzle according to claim 4, wherein water is saved by reducing the pressure gradient in the spray mode through turbulence and friction provided by the supply hole (440) of the stem (430) and peripheral holes (300). The supply slot (450) makes acute angle with the horizontal axis.

7. A low pressure atomizer nozzle according to claim 5, wherein there is provided a flow rate switch mode for the applications of high mass flow rate of water wherein the atomization of water occurs at a minimum pressure gradient of 0.18 bar.

8. A low pressure atomizer nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the stationary water rotating device (430) of the atomizer nozzle (130) with respect to the head (400) results in overall lower vibrations and lower noise during the usage.

, Description:LOW PRESSURE ATOMIZER NOZZLE

SPECIFICATION

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a low-pressure atomizer nozzle. The device fits into already existing taps to reduce the amount of water wastage in day to day life.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

[0002] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed in India or elsewhere before the priority date of this application.

[0003] Needless to say that water is a basic necessity. Despite of the fact that water is an essential element in our day to day lives, many developing countries are still struggling for the best resources to save drinking water and make its access widely available. The present invention targets this problem by providing a nozzle undergoing atomisation wherein the process of atomisation refers to the process of breaking up bulk liquids into droplets. The device easily fits into already existing tap units to reduce the amount of water wastage in day to day life, thus aiming at creating a balanced ecosystem. While there are inventions like Rotary cold, hot atomizer adjusting water Faucet as described in patent application CN104879524A and Double mode water outlet tap as described in patent application CN 202708208U and ultra-low water output eddy flow atomizing water tap for washing hands as described in patent application CN 201090834Y but none of these inventions provide a compact device that readily enables atomization of water at a low pressure head and easily fits into already existing, conventional tap units to reduce the amount of water wastage as well as provide a flow rate switch mode for the applications of high mass flow rate of water.

[0004] Another patent application WO2017136209 describes a water saving nozzle mountable on a faucet. The application further describes a method to discharge water through a faucet providing a nozzle attachable to a faucet and the nozzle being switchable between a spray-mode and a mist-mode, the nozzle having a housing, having an inner cavity defined therein and the inner cavity having a water rotating device. However, the present invention differs in many respect when compared to the device discussed in WO2017136209. Unlike the device mentioned in WO2017136209, the present invention operates at low pressure for carrying out atomization and offers infinite number of flow rate combinations in spray mode i.e. a lower flow rate for washing purpose and maximum flow rate for processes like filling a glass jug. Additionally, the present invention can be attached to various types of tap heads for installation. Unlike the device mentioned in WO 2017136209, in the present invention, the mode changes because of the rotation of the nozzle on the thread causing a vertical displacement of supply holes with respect to the nozzle itself. Moreover, the present invention imparts overall security to the device by providing internal locking mechanism preventing any undue rotations of the device in any one of the modes. Additionally, unlike WO2017136209, the present invention offers a spray cone angle of 60 degree at 0.2 bar of pressure which particularly enables the user to wash their hands even at 5- 6 cm below the tap with a wider coverage thus improving the overall utilitarian aspect of the device itself. Therefore, offering a substantial improvement over the existing prior arts in this field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or substantially ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention; there is provided a low-pressure atomizer nozzle with spray mode and mist mode respectively. The device fits into already existing tap heads to reduce the amount of water wastage in day to day chores. The present invention offers a spray cone angle of 60 degree at 0.2 bar of low pressure which particularly enables the user to wash their hands as close as 5- 6 cm below the tap giving a wider coverage for washing purpose.

[0007] According to yet another aspect of present invention, there is provided a flow rate switch mode for the applications of high mass flow rate of water. In the present invention, the atomization of water occurs at a minimum pressure gradient of 0.18 bar.

[0008] According to another aspect of present invention, the design of the present nozzle is compact and compatible and can be attached to all kinds of domestic tap heads.

[0009] According to yet another aspect of present invention, the mode changes because of the rotation of the nozzle on the thread causing a vertical displacement of supply holes with respect to the nozzle, hence allowing water to leak through O-ring. Additionally, the present invention imparts overall security to the device by providing a locking mechanism preventing any undue rotations of the device in any one of the abovementioned modes.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of present invention, infinite number of flow rate combinations are available in spray mode along with varying spray cone angles in mist mode.

[0011] According to another aspect of present invention, the stationary water rotating device of the atomizer nozzle with respect to the head results in overall lower vibrations and lower noise during the usage.
[0012] The features and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, provided by way of example only, together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] Figure 1 shows the top perspective view of the nozzle.
[0014] Figure 2 shows yet another top perspective view of the nozzle.
[0015] Figure 3 shows bottom plan view of the nozzle.
[0016] Figure 4 shows the cross-sectional view of the nozzle.
[0017] Figure 5 shows cross sectional view of the lower part of the nozzle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Figure 1 show the nozzle 130 with water inlet port 110 wherein the radial and axial flow starts the atomization process in the nozzle. The nozzle 130 has base 140 and external male screw threads 120 for connecting to various tap heads. The outer periphery of nozzle 130 has outer peripheral holes 300 (refer FIG. 3) for spray mode. The peripheral hole’s (peripheral) diameter is Da, and length is La. The ratios hold the following values: Ds/D0 = 5.5, Ls/Ds=0.68, L0/D0 < 1, La/Da= 12. In spray mode, water is saved by reducing the pressure gradient in the spray mode through turbulence and friction provided by the supply hole 440 of the stem 430 (refer FIG. 4) and due to friction of outer peripheral holes 300 (refer FIG. 3). When the nozzle 130 is brought to the topmost level the required geometric ratios are achieved and the nozzle is sealed from the upper side. When nozzle 130 drops down, the sealing provided by the two “O” rings 420 open (refer FIG. 4), and the water is supplied by outer peripheral holes 300 and the orifice 310 (refer FIG. 3), saving up to 75% of water.

[0019] Figure 2 shows the top perspective view of the nozzle 130. The nozzle 130 consists of peripheral holes 210 which give radial motion to the water passing through it.. The nozzle 130 also consists of female internal screw threads 220 for connecting to various tap heads.

[0020] Figure 3 shows the bottom plan view of the nozzle 130, with outer peripheral holes 300 to supply water in spray mode and orifice 310 for supplying water in mist mode respectively.

[0021] Figure 4 shows the cross sections of the nozzle 130. Head 400 of the nozzle 130 supports nozzle with the tap and also provides changes in modes of operation of nozzle 130 through threads 520 (refer FIG.5). The type of atomizer used herein is a Pressure Swirl Atomizer that has an advantage of low operation pressure. Here, the atomization of water occurs at a spray cone angle of 60 degree and a low pressure head of 0.2 bar which particularly enables the user to wash their hands even at 5- 6 cm below the tap with a wider coverage thus improving the overall utilitarian aspect of the device itself. The pressure swirl atomizer consist of three main parts i.e. inlet port (refer 110 in FIG. 1), swirl chamber (refer 430 in FIG. 5) and discharge orifice ( refer 310 in FIG. 3). In the present invention, the energy available is due to the pressure overhead storage tank. Water passes through above 3 parts, getting higher relative velocity w.r.t atmosphere and because of these interactions, the surface of water gets unstable and breaks into smaller droplets. In the present invention, the minimum pressure head is assumed to be 5 ft. which provides the gross pressure head of 0.2 bar. Hence, the nozzle needs to atomize the water at a low pressure. Additionally, the present invention offers infinite number of flow rate combinations in spray or normal mode. The nozzle top 410 can be attached to different type of tap heads for installation and the mode changes because of the rotation of the nozzle on the thread causing vertical displacement of supply hole 440 with respect to nozzle. There are 2 “O” rings 420 acting as the sealant. In spray mode, water is saved by reducing the pressure gradient through turbulence and friction provided by the supply hole 440 of the stem 430 and peripheral holes (300). The supply slot 450 makes acute angle with the horizontal axis.

[0022] Figure 5 shows the cross section of the lower part of the nozzle 130 with protruding male screw threads 520, orifice 310 and the extensions 510 of the outer peripheral holes (refer 300 in FIG. 3). The rotation of the nozzle 130 on the protruding male screw threads 520 causes a vertical displacement of supply holes with respect to the nozzle itself.

[0023] There are different Spray Patterns which can be obtained in single fluid atomizers like flat spray, full cone, hollow cone etc. But according to our requirements, full cone or hollow cone atomizers are required. As hollow cone nozzles are high performance nozzles. It is observed that a person washes his hands 5-6 cm below the tap. Hence, in order to cover the entire palm, spray cone angle (2 Qm) is taken as 60 0. Let the axial velocity and tangential velocity be Va and Vt respectively. Then;
(Vt/Va )= tan(Qm)
= tan (30)
= (1/sqrt(3))
Giffen and Muraszew analysed the flow in a swirl atomizer for a non-viscous fluid. That analysis gave a relation of half spray cone angle with other geometrical ratios. It led to the following expression:

wherein K = Ap/Dsd0 and X = Aa/A0.
To eliminate one of these variables, Giffen and Muraszew (1953) derived the following expression for K in terms of X:

Above two equations are solved to give the expression: -

In the above equation, the spray cone angle is a function of atomizer dimensional ratios only, as embodied in the relationship K = Ap/Ds da, and is independent of liquid properties, ambient air properties, and injection pressure. Rizk and Lefebvre's studied (1958) the effects of liquid properties, atomizer dimensions, and injection pressure on film thickness enabled them to derive the following equation for the mean spray angle:

Assuming the result, Qm= 400
Del(p)= 0.18bar, Density= 1000Kg/m3, Viscosity=8.90x10-4 Poise,
We get,
D0 = 2mm

[0024] There are different spray parameters which have to be controlled to achieve the required spray. Those parameters are spray pattern, spray cone angle and droplet size. Drop size is determined by Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD), which is defined as the diameter of drop whose surface to volume ratio is same as that of entre spray. For effective washing, every drop should have sufficient kinetic energy. Hence, there has to be a balance for SMD also. For effective washing application, a balance has to be there between Cone Angle, SMD and its impact. In the normal flow mode, water is saved by introduction of obstructions and friction to water which in turn reduces the pressure gradient from source to the output. The increase in singe phase pressure drop due to the presence of a flow obstruction may be expressed as:

Wherein ? P the pressure drop due to the obstruction, Kob is the pressure loss coefficient for the obstruction pL is the density of the liquid, Vo is the average velocity in the channel fob is the friction factor of the obstruction , t is the thickness of the obstruction , Deob is the equivalent hydraulic diameter of the obstruction, Vo is the velocity of flow across the obstruction fob is the friction factor of the channel , De is the equivalent hydraulic diameter of the channel. Life expectancy of the product is around 10,000 Hrs.

[0025] While a number of preferred embodiments have been described, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

**********