Variable flow resistance

Abstract

A fluid-carrying conduit achieves variable resistance to flow. An elongate, hollow body casing has at least one chamber containing either a dilatant fluid or an electroactive polymer. In the case of the dilatant fluid, a reduction in an effective flow cross section of the fluid line occurs in reaction to an increase in the shear rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid line. In the case of the electroactive polymer, a reduction in an effective flow cross section of the fluid line occurs in reaction to an electric current being applied to the body casing. The conduit may be configured for use as a degassing line in a cooling system of an internal combustion engine. The conduit may have a reinforcement encircling the electroactive polymer. The conduit may have an electrically conductive connecting surface adjacent to the electroactive polymer. The electroactive polymer may be an ionic electroactive polymer.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority from German Patent Application No. 102012205262.3 filed on March 30, 2012, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. technical field [0003] The present disclosure relates to variable flow resistance, and in particular to varying the flow resistance of fluid lines in internal combustion engines. Background technique [0004] In internal combustion engines, since the cooling system may exhibit high pressures due to pressurization and high temperature, one or more purge lines may be provided to relieve the pressure in the cooling system. Failure to relieve such high pressures can result in degradation of cooling system operation. It may further be desirable to regulate the pressure of gas or other fluid flowing through the purge line. [0005] US Patent No. 7,637,892 discloses an implantable variable perfusion pump system having flow resistance o...

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Problems solved by technology

Failure to relieve such high pressures could result in a degradation of cooling system operation

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