Concrete Element Substitution in Fluid Flow Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Convergence problems and calculation failures occur in computational simulations of fluid-flow process engineering apparatuses due to nonlinear calculations of body contact and large deformations, especially in heat exchangers, leading to insurmountable obstacles in achieving accurate simulations.

Innovation Solution

Replace elements made of materials like solder or steel with concrete elements in the simulation, which have comparable force transmission properties, allowing for the simulation of compressive forces and setting a threshold for tensile forces to prevent cracking, thereby enabling reliable stress analysis without convergence issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a procedural apparatus is used to deliver fluid to a patient, then the fluid can be delivered through a catheter, but the catheter may become clogged with thrombus or emboli forming in the catheter lumen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid delivery capabilityVSAvoidcatheter patency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously circulating fluid through the catheter before and during the procedure to prevent thrombus and emboli formation. The fluid circulation is maintained proactively to keep the catheter lumen clear, preventing clogging before it occurs rather than addressing it after formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor fluid flow, pressure, and other parameters to detect changes in catheter patency. This feedback information is used to adjust the fluid circulation rate and pressure to maintain optimal conditions for preventing thrombus and emboli formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If fluid is circulated through the catheter to prevent clogging, then catheter patency is maintained, but the system complexity increases with additional pumps and sensors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatheter patencyVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid circulation system is designed to serve multiple functions: it delivers medication, maintains catheter patency, and provides a mechanism for removing thrombus and emboli. By making the fluid circulation system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the patient's own blood as the circulating fluid, eliminating the need for external fluid reservoirs and complex filtration systems. The blood naturally circulates through the catheter, and the system simply maintains flow and pressure, reducing overall system complexity while achieving catheter patency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the catheter tip is positioned near the heart, then effective drug delivery is achieved, but the risk of emboli entering the arterial system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrug delivery effectivenessVSAvoidemboli entry risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously circulating fluid through the catheter before and during the procedure to prevent thrombus and emboli formation. The fluid circulation is maintained proactively to keep the catheter lumen clear, preventing clogging before it occurs rather than addressing it after formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor fluid flow, pressure, and other parameters to detect changes in catheter patency. This feedback information is used to adjust the fluid circulation rate and pressure to maintain optimal conditions for preventing thrombus and emboli formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3870924B1Method for theoretical analysis of a procedural apparatus with fluid flowing through it
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 LINDE AG
  • EP3870924B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3870924B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for the theoretical analysis of a process apparatus through which fluid flows, wherein a theoretical, in particular numerical simulation of the apparatus or of at least one part of the apparatus is carried out (201), wherein at least one element of the apparatus which does not comprise concrete as a material is replaced in the theoretical simulation by at least one concrete element which is manufactured from concrete (202), and wherein a load analysis of the apparatus is carried out (204) with the aid of the theoretical simulation.