Angled Diffuser Assembly for Hydraulic Reservoir
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic systems face issues with cavitation, noise, and fluid loss due to high velocity and turbulence when returning fluid to the tank, and existing diffusers are prone to damage from pressure spikes, especially in high-velocity/high-pressure applications.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser assembly with multiple diffusers positioned at angles relative to the inlet axis, ranging from 60° to 120°, which communicates hydraulic fluid from an inlet tube to a reservoir, reducing velocity and turbulence while trapping particles and eliminating the need for separate baffles, thereby enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a diffuser is used to reduce fluid velocity and turbulence, then fluid loss and cavitation are reduced, but the diffuser is prone to damage from pressure spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is divided into multiple segments or sections along its length, allowing it to flex and absorb pressure spikes without catastrophic failure. The segmented structure maintains the diffuser's velocity-reducing function while improving durability against pressure surges.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser geometry is modified by changing parameters such as angle, length, and cross-sectional area distribution along its length. These parameter changes optimize the diffuser's ability to handle pressure spikes while maintaining its effectiveness in reducing fluid velocity and turbulence.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If baffles are used to control fluid flow, then turbulence is reduced, but space in the tank is consumed and design possibilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle function is extracted and integrated into the diffuser structure itself. The diffuser is designed to perform both velocity reduction and turbulence control functions that were previously required separate components (diffuser plus baffle), thereby eliminating the need for additional space-consuming baffles.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously reduces fluid velocity, controls turbulence, and guides flow direction. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate elements including baffles, maximizing tank space and design flexibility.
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 effectively reduces fluid velocity, turbulence, and noise, prevents fluid loss, and protects downstream components by using angled diffusers that are less susceptible to damage from fluid flow spikes, improving system efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The middle portion of the inlet tube may be connected to first and second diffusers for communicating fluid from the inlet tube to the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The first and second diffusers may each include a conduit having a proximal end connected to the middle portion of the inlet tube and a closed distal end with a plurality of openings disposed between the proximal and distal ends
Implementation Method 3
The first and second diffuser axes may be disposed at angles relative to the inlet axis ranging from about 60° to about 120°
Data Source
AI summary
A diffuser assembly for a hydraulic reservoir is disclosed. The diffuser assembly includes an inlet tube for connection to the inlet to the reservoir. A middle portion of the middle tube is connected to a plurality of diffusers. The diffusers are disposed at an angle with respect to an axis of the inlet tube and the axis of the inlet to the reservoir so that fluid flowing into the reservoir must change flow directions for entering and exiting the diffusers. The disclosed diffuser assembly is less prone to damaged cause by fluid flow spikes and is particularly useful for high flow/high pressure applications.