Adjustable Flow Restrictor Using Overlapping Obstructers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flow restrictors are designed for specific flow rate limitations, requiring multiple restrictors for applications needing varied flow rates, which increases costs and may result in inaccuracies due to off-the-shelf restrictors not meeting high enough tolerances.

Innovation Solution

A flow restrictor with a movable first obstructer and a second obstructer, allowing variation in the overlap between their areas to adjust the blocked area of the flow path, thereby adjusting the flow rate limitation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different flow restrictors are used to provide different flow rate limitations, then the required flow rate control for different appliances is achieved, but the cost and administrative burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of different parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single flow restrictor device incorporates multiple obstructers with different flow rate characteristics, allowing one device to perform multiple flow control functions for different appliances (GWDU, hot beverage maker, tap, water heater) instead of requiring separate restrictors for each application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow restrictor is divided into multiple separate obstructers (first obstructer, second obstructer, etc.), each capable of being independently positioned or removed, allowing selective configuration for different flow rate requirements while maintaining a single device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If off-the-shelf flow restrictors are used to reduce cost, then purchasing costs decrease, but the flow rate accuracy and tolerance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidflow rate tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flow restrictor allows dynamic adjustment of flow characteristics by enabling the selective positioning or removal of different obstructers, permitting optimization of flow rate accuracy for specific applications while maintaining cost-effective manufacturing through standardized components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables changing of flow control parameters by selecting different obstructer configurations or positions, allowing the same physical device to achieve different flow rate limitations with appropriate precision for various appliances without requiring custom-manufactured restrictors for each application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250163943A1Flow restrictor

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 BE AEROSPACE INC

AI summary

A flow restrictor having a flow path. The flow restrictor having: a first obstructer arranged to occupy a first area of the flow path; and a second obstructer arranged to occupy a second area of the flow path. The first obstructer is movable relative to the second obstructer so as to vary an amount of overlap between the first area and the second area and thereby vary the area of the flow path that is blocked by the combination of the first obstructer and the second obstructer.