3D Tortuous Flow Path Design for Flexible Flow Control Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-dimensional and three-dimensional design methods for flow control elements are inefficient, requiring repetitive processes, straining computer resources, and lacking flexibility in organizing flow paths and fine-tuning.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional design methodology where the flow path is initially created as a solid element and then subtracted from the host body to form flow paths, allowing for faster and more flexible design processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional two-dimensional design methods are used to create tortuous path trims, then the design process can be completed with basic CAD tools, but the flow paths cannot be easily organized into three-dimensional arrangements and require repetitive processes for different plate sizes and flow directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional plate design to three-dimensional solid modeling. The flow paths are created as three-dimensional solid elements that can be directly arranged in three-dimensional space within the flow control element body, eliminating the need for repetitive two-dimensional extrusion processes and enabling flexible three-dimensional organization of multiple flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating hollow voids by subtracting two-dimensional extrusions from plates, the patent inverts the approach by creating three-dimensional solid flow path elements and using them to define the flow channels directly. This inversion allows for more intuitive design and easier modification of flow path geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing three-dimensional methods are used where solid physical geometry is explicitly defined to create hollow voids as flow paths, then three-dimensional flow paths can be created, but the flow path is not directly defined making it difficult to fine-tune, change, or standardize and straining computer system resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow path geometry as a separate, independently definable solid element rather than creating it indirectly through complex void definitions. This extracted solid flow path model can be easily modified, standardized, and reused without straining computer resources, as it represents only the essential flow path geometry without the complexity of the surrounding solid body.
3Productivity
If conventional two-dimensional design methods are used with digital extrusion, then plates can be created with flow paths, but the process requires repetition for different plate sizes and flow direction reversals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a master three-dimensional solid flow path element that can be copied and reused for different plate sizes and configurations. Once the flow path geometry is designed as a three-dimensional solid, it can be replicated and adapted to various applications without requiring repetitive two-dimensional design and extrusion processes, significantly reducing design time.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-dimensional solid flow path element serves multiple functions: it can be used as-is, scaled to different sizes, mirrored to reverse flow direction, and combined with different host body geometries. This universal design approach eliminates the need for separate design processes for different plate sizes and flow directions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of designing a three-dimensional flow control element includes creating a first computer aided design representative of a flow configuration having a first end and a second end. A second computer aided design of a host body is created. The design of the flow configuration is digitally inserted into the design of the host body such that the two designs define an overlapping region. The first computer aided design and the portion of the second computer aided design in the overlapping region is subtracted from a remainder of the second computer aided design to produce a third computer aided design of a flow control element having a fluid pathway extending therethrough. The fluid pathway is associated with the overlapping portions of the first and second computer aided designs.