Coiled Fluid Conduit Layout for Compact Closed-Loop Flow Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for converting rotation to fluid flow and vice versa are not compact and energy-efficient enough, necessitating improvements in design and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A coiled fluid conduit apparatus with a support arrangement that creates a vertical offset between the inlet and outlet, utilizing a pressure differential to transport fluids efficiently, and an intrastage flow channel for closed-loop return of second fluid, reducing the need for additional tubing and enhancing compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a coiled fluid conduit is used to transport fluids, then fluid transport capability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid transport system is divided into distinct functional segments: a coiled fluid conduit for pressurizing and transporting fluid, a support arrangement for positioning, and a fluid separator for separating fluids. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve efficient fluid transport without excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The support arrangement is positioned within or alongside the coiled fluid conduit, and the fluid separator is integrated into the system architecture. This nested configuration reduces the overall device footprint and minimizes the space required for fluid transport operations
2Use of energy by moving object
If vertical offset distance is introduced between inlet and outlet, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a vertical dimension by positioning the inlet at a higher vertical level than the outlet, creating a vertical offset distance. This dimensional change enables the fluid to flow downward under gravity, reducing the energy required for fluid transport while maintaining effective pressurization and separation functions
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical offset configuration allows the system to utilize gravitational force to assist fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet, reducing the energy input required from external sources. The pressure differential generated during fluid transport automatically facilitates the return flow, creating a self-sustaining energy-efficient system
3Use of energy by moving object
If intrastage flow channel is added for closed-loop return, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intrastage flow channel creates a continuous closed-loop system that returns separated fluid from the outlet back to the inlet. This continuous circulation ensures that fluid is constantly processed and separated, maximizing energy efficiency by eliminating dead zones and ensuring complete fluid utilization without requiring additional energy input for pumping
Solution Approach 2:
The intrastage flow channel acts as an intermediary pathway that connects the inlet and outlet through the fluid separator. This intermediate flow path enables the pressure differential to drive fluid through the separation process and back, facilitating efficient closed-loop operation without requiring direct complex piping arrangements
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 apparatus achieves improved energy efficiency and compact design by utilizing the pressure differential to convert fluid flow into rotation or vice versa, with a closed-loop return system that prioritizes second fluid transport, resulting in a more efficient and compact fluid flow conversion system.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizing the first fluid and the second fluid to provide a pressure differential between the outlet and the inlet
Implementation Method 2
a vertical level of a center of a circle formed by the inlet when the coiled fluid conduit is rotated around the rotational axis is higher than a vertical level of a center of a circle formed by the outlet
Implementation Method 3
a first fluid separator configured to receive the batches of the first fluid and the batches of the second fluid from the outlet of the coiled fluid conduit of the first stage, and separate the first fluid and the second fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for converting rotation into fluid flow and/or fluid flow into rotation. The apparatus comprises a coiled fluid conduit having an inlet and an outlet, a support arrangement holding the coiled fluid conduit such that the inlet is higher/lower the outlet, a first fluid separator configured to receive batches of first fluid and batches of second fluid output from the outlet of the coiled fluid conduit and separate the first fluid and the second fluid, and an intrastage flow channel connecting the first fluid separator with the inlet of the coiled fluid conduit to allow second fluid separated by the first fluid separator to be transported back towards the inlet of the coiled fluid conduit.