Fluidic Oscillator

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes an improved fluidic oscillator component, a device that generates an oscillating stream of fluid (liquid, gas, or multiphase). A key novelty is the inclusion of at least one filter element positioned specifically between the chamber where the fluid flows and the means that periodically changes the direction of the flow (such as feedback channels). This filter placement prevents particles from clogging crucial flow-directing channels but does not require the entire fluid flow to be filtered, avoiding pressure loss. The design also benefits from a self-cleaning effect, utilizing the changing flow directions to clean the filter elements.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Dishwashers and washing machines to provide effective, non-clogging spray nozzles or jets for thorough cleaning.
• Steam cleaners, steam ovens, and sterilization equipment handling dirty or particle-laden water/steam flows.
• Industrial and commercial cleaning systems, including high/low pressure washing, conveyor washing lines, and spray cleaning units where water or cleaning fluids may contain debris.
• Agricultural irrigation devices and plant protection spraying systems that must handle contaminated water without blockages.
• Surface treatment systems, e.g., painting or galvanizing lines, that use spray jets and require reliable operation even with contaminated fluids.
• Mixing, cooling, heating, or reactor systems (chemical, bio-reactors) using fluids that may contain solids or suspended particles.
• Firefighting or water treatment applications where water may be sourced from rivers, lakes, or sea and contain particulates.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Prevents clogging of critical flow control channels even when the fluid is contaminated with particles or foreign objects, thus maintaining reliable function.
• Reduces pressure loss compared to traditional full-flow filtration, as only part of the flow is filtered, improving energy efficiency.
• Self-cleaning effect ensures the filter does not become blocked with debris over time, thanks to the oscillating flow that dislodges and flushes away trapped particles.
• Simplifies installation and lowers system cost versus conventional upstream or inlet filters, since dedicated filters are not needed before every device.
• Increases lifetime and reduces downtime for fluidic devices exposed to dirty or particle-laden fluids.
• Allows for robust operation in a broad range of industries, including household appliances, industrial systems, agricultural equipment, and environmental applications.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a fluidic component (1) comprising a flow chamber (MC) with at least one inlet opening (PN) and at least one outlet opening (EX), wherein, in the flow chamber (MC), a main flow (10) of a fluid can occur from the at least one inlet opening (PN) to the at least one outlet opening (EX), and comprising at least one means (FC) for targeted direction change of the main flow (10), in particular a periodic reversal of the main flow (10). The fluidic component (1) is characterised by at least one filter element (FE) between the means (FC) for targeted direction change of the main flow (10) and the flow chamber (MC), in particular a means for producing a varied inflow direction for the main flow (10).