Adjustable Fluidic Oscillator Chamber Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic oscillators require either replacing the device or altering the supply pressure to change the frequency of fluid flow, which can be energy-intensive and lead to undesirable changes in velocity or momentum, and may not provide sufficient frequency adjustment for dynamic control in fluid flow systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic oscillator design with a structure and chamber that allows the volume to change, enabling frequency adjustment of the fluid flow without altering the input pressure, using secondary chambers and actuators to modify the chamber volume and control the fluid flow's frequency and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the frequency of fluid flow is changed by replacing the fluidic oscillator, then the frequency adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the chamber volume adjustable rather than fixed. The fluidic oscillator includes a chamber whose volume can be dynamically changed during operation, allowing frequency adjustment without replacing the device. This transforms a static system into a dynamic one where the key parameter (chamber volume) can be modified to achieve different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the chamber volume as the key parameter to control oscillation frequency. Instead of changing the entire device or replacing components, the invention changes a specific parameter (chamber volume) to achieve frequency adjustment. This allows continuous or discrete frequency variation while maintaining the same fluidic oscillator structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the frequency is changed by altering the supply pressure, then the frequency adjustment is achieved, but the energy consumption increases and fluid flow characteristics change undesirably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being adjusted from supply pressure to chamber volume. By modifying the chamber volume rather than the supply pressure, the system achieves frequency control without the energy penalties associated with pressure changes. This parameter substitution allows frequency adjustment while maintaining constant energy input and preserving desirable fluid flow characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber volume acts as an intermediary parameter between the energy input and the output frequency. Instead of directly controlling frequency through supply pressure (which consumes more energy), the invention introduces chamber volume as an intermediate variable that can be adjusted to achieve frequency control with minimal energy expenditure. This intermediary mechanism decouples frequency control from energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the supply pressure is increased to change frequency, then the frequency adjustment is achieved, but the velocity and momentum of fluid flow change undesirably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chamber volume change for supply pressure change as the frequency control mechanism. Since chamber volume does not directly affect fluid velocity or momentum in the same way pressure does, this parameter change allows frequency adjustment while maintaining relatively constant fluid flow velocity and momentum characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the control function by separating frequency control from velocity control. By using chamber volume as the control parameter for frequency, the system independently manages frequency without inadvertently changing velocity. This segmentation of control functions allows frequency adjustment while preserving desirable velocity characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic oscillator includes a structure having an input port and an output port. A chamber within the structure is configured to channel a fluid from the input port to the output port. A volume of the chamber is configured to change so as to change to change a frequency at which the fluid flows out of the output port.