Adjustable Force Accumulator for Fluid Flow Regulation Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for controlling fluid flow in channels lack sensitivity in responding to changing air flows, limiting their effectiveness in adjusting to varying conditions.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates an adjustable force accumulator, such as a coil spring, connected to a bracket and an articulation element, with an eccentric mechanism that allows for adjustable tension and improved pivot range, enhancing the sensitivity of the response to air flow changes. This setup includes a clamping plate, a rotary element with toothing, and a push rod connected to a wheel and bracket, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the flap's position relative to the channel axis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed bracket with a coil spring is used to return the closure cover, then the device structure is simple, but the sensitivity and adjustability to changing air flows is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability to changing air flowVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is made dynamically adjustable through the eccentric mechanism. The slide allows the bracket to be repositioned along the clamping plate, changing the lever arm length and thus the tension characteristics of the coil spring. This enables the device to adapt to different air flow conditions by adjusting the mechanical parameters of the return mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tension characteristic of the return mechanism is adjusted by changing the position parameter of the bracket relative to the pivot bearing. By moving the bracket along the clamping plate using the slide, the effective lever arm changes, which modifies the counteracting force generated by the coil spring for a given air flow pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the bracket position is fixed relative to the channel, then the device structure is simple, but the sensitivity of response behavior to air flow changes is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse sensitivityVSAvoidadjusting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slide acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed clamping plate and the movable bracket. It provides a simple yet effective means to adjust the bracket position along the clamping plate, enabling precise control of the lever arm length without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism introduces a new degree of freedom by allowing the bracket to move along the clamping plate in a direction perpendicular to the pivot bearing axis. This additional dimensional adjustment capability enables fine-tuning of the response sensitivity to air flow changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The solution significantly enhances the sensitivity and responsiveness of the device to changing air flows by providing a counteracting force proportional to the air flow pressure, enabling precise control of fluid flow through the channel.

Implementation Method 1

The force accumulator can be adjusted in its tension. For this purpose, the force accumulator is connected at one end to the bracket and at its other end to an articulation element.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a coil spring is probably preferred. This force accumulator ensures that the bracket is always returned to its desired starting position or that a counterforce is counteracted to a changing air flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

An improved embodiment, however, an eccentric is arranged which engages the bracket approximately in the middle. The bracket rests eccentrically on this eccentric, so that the bracket can be pivoted when the eccentric rotates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP2940396B1Device for regulating a through-flow of a duct with a fluid
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 SCHAKO METALLWARENFABRIK FERDINAND SCHAD KG
  • EP2940396B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

In a device for regulating the flow of a fluid, in particular air, through a channel (1), the cross-section of the channel (1) is to be variable by means of an actuating device on a mounting plate (8) by means of an element (2) moving in the channel. A bracket (11) is to be associated with the element (2) moving in the channel, which is connected at one end to the element (2) moving in the channel and at the other end to a pivot element (23) on the mounting plate (8) via a force storage device (24), with the bracket (11) being supported between the two connections.