Adjustable Control Gap Flow Regulator for Constant Flow Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow rate regulators require changes to the injection mold to adjust the flow rate, making it difficult to adapt to customer-specific requirements or compensate for manufacturing tolerances without significant retooling.
Innovation Solution
The support elements in the flow rate regulator are made movable relative to the main body, allowing for adjustment of the control gap width and enabling the setting of different flow rates without changing the injection mold, including the option to set a flow rate of zero or achieve a reliable closure function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the support elements are made movable relative to the main body, then the adaptability to customer requirements is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are designed to be movable relative to the main body, transforming from a static to a dynamic configuration. This allows the control gap width to be adjusted by changing the position of support elements, enabling adaptation to different customer requirements without requiring multiple fixed designs or complex reconfiguration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into movable support elements that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows flexible adjustment of the control gap by repositioning individual support elements, providing adaptability while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
2Manufacturing precision
If the injection mold is changed to set a different flow rate, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring different injection molds for different flow rates, the invention uses movable support elements that can be repositioned to change the control gap width. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the same mold to produce regulators with different flow rate settings, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming mold changes while maintaining precise flow rate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate is controlled by changing the position parameter of the support elements rather than changing the physical geometry of the mold. By adjusting the distance between support elements and the main body, the control gap width varies, thereby changing the flow rate parameter without requiring different manufacturing tools.
3Reliability
If the support elements are positioned to close the drain opening, then the reliability of closure function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements can be dynamically positioned to completely close the drain opening, providing a reliable closure function. The movability of the support elements allows them to reach positions where they block the drain opening entirely, ensuring complete flow cessation when required, while using the same simple mechanical structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for easy, cost-effective, and quick adaptation of the flow rate regulator to meet customer requirements or compensate for manufacturing tolerances, ensuring precise control over the flow rate across a wide pressure range.
Implementation Method 1
the regulator body deforms in a pressure-dependent manner and closes the control gap such that a constant flow rate (usually always with regard to a unit of time) is set overall over a regulating range of the pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a flow rate controller in which a clear width (6) of a control gap (4) between a main part (3) and a control element (2), which is deformable according to the pressure in order for the flow rate through the control gap (4) to be kept constant, can be adjusted as a result of the fact that at least one supporting element that adjusts the clear width (6) of the control gap (4) is designed to be movable relative to a main part (3).