Compliant Flow Path Structure for Constant Flow Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow rate control systems in liquid rocket projectiles are complex and unreliable, requiring multiple valves and regulators to maintain a constant flow rate, which complicates the system and reduces reliability and economic efficiency, especially during ground tests where simulating flight conditions is limited due to varying pressure and temperature.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate control device with a compliant structure that adjusts its cross-sectional area in response to fluid pressure, using a main plate, sub-plate, and expansion and contraction flow path to maintain a constant flow rate without additional manipulation, formed integrally for simplicity and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a regulator or multiple control valves are used to maintain constant flow rate, then flow rate control is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow rate control function from complex external control systems (regulators and multiple valves) and integrates it into a simple flow rate control device formed inside the pipe. The compliant structure with expansion and contraction flow path inherently controls flow rate through pressure-responsive geometric changes, eliminating the need for separate control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate control device operates autonomously using the pressure of the fluid itself to drive the compliant structure's expansion and contraction. The structure automatically adjusts its geometry in response to pressure changes, maintaining constant flow rate without external control signals or additional energy input, making the system self-regulating.
2Ease of operation
If traditional control systems are used, then flow rate can be controlled, but the system requires additional manipulation and complex components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow rate control function with the pipe structure itself by forming the control device inside the pipe. The main plate, sub-plate, and expansion and contraction flow path are integrated into a single unit that combines flow guidance and control functions, eliminating the need for separate control valves and regulators.
Solution Approach 2:
The device operates automatically using the fluid's own pressure to drive the compliant structure. No external control manipulation is needed - the structure self-adjusts its geometry in response to pressure changes, maintaining constant flow rate through inherent pressure-responsive behavior.
3Reliability
If ground tests are performed without simulating flight conditions, then testing is simpler, but the test results do not accurately reflect real flight situations
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant structure changes its geometric parameters (cross-sectional area of flow path) in response to pressure changes. This allows the device to adapt to different operating conditions and maintain constant flow rate across varying pressures, enabling accurate simulation of flight conditions during ground tests without complex external control systems.
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 ensures a constant flow rate is maintained regardless of pressure changes, simplifying the system, increasing reliability, and closely simulating flight conditions during ground tests without the need for complex control systems.
Implementation Method 1
an expansion and contraction flow path having a shape of a column connecting the through hole and a circumference of the sub-plate to each other, discharging the fluid through a plurality of holes formed in a circular shape or a polygonal shape in a side surface thereof, and expanded and contracted by a pressure applied to the sub-plate
Data Source
AI summary
The flow rate control device includes a main plate corresponding to an inner diameter and including a through hole which is formed at the center thereof and through which a fluid flows, a sub-plate corresponding to a size of the through hole, disposed in front of the main plate, and applied with a pressure of the flowing fluid, and an expansion and contraction flow path formed to connect the through hole and a circumference of the sub-plate to each other and expanded and contracted by the pressure applied to the sub-plate. The expansion and contraction flow path includes a plurality of holes which are formed in a side surface thereof and through which the flow flows, and has a cross-sectional area changed by the pressure to control a flow rate.