Fluid Connector Mouth Portion Design for Flow Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid containers with cylindrical connectors experience turbulence, increased internal fluid friction, noise, gas bubble formation, and dirt accumulation at high volumetric flows and throughflow rates, which affect the reliability and efficiency of hydraulic brake systems.
Innovation Solution
The connector is designed with a mouth portion that forms a wide inflow funnel with an encircling bead raised towards the internal chamber, providing a dam effect to prevent dirt suction and featuring a concave internal profile for improved flow, along with a substantially rotationally symmetrical configuration and an axial recess for fluid extraction, enhancing flow optimization and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cylindrical connector with narrow cross section is used, then the connector can be simple in structure and easy to manufacture, but it causes turbulence, increased internal fluid friction, noise, and gas bubble formation at high volumetric flows
Solution Approach 1:
The mouth edge of the connector is designed with a specific radius of curvature instead of a sharp edge. This curved geometry guides the fluid flow smoothly into the connector, eliminating turbulence and vortex formation at the inlet. The curvature radius is specifically dimensioned to ensure laminar flow even at high volumetric flow rates, thereby reducing noise and preventing gas bubble formation while maintaining a simple cylindrical connector structure
Solution Approach 2:
The connector cross-sectional area is increased by optimizing the dimensional parameters of the cylindrical connector. By enlarging the cross-section and adjusting the length-to-diameter ratio, the flow velocity is reduced and the Reynolds number is kept in a range that promotes laminar flow. This parameter optimization allows the connector to handle high volumetric flows without turbulence, noise, or gas bubble formation, while still being easy to manufacture
2Reliability
If the connector mouth edge is radiused to improve flow behavior, then turbulence and noise are reduced, but dirt particles can accumulate and be deposited over time in the pressurizing medium container
Solution Approach 1:
The mouth edge is given a specific radius of curvature that serves dual purposes: it smooths the fluid flow to eliminate turbulence and noise, while simultaneously creating a geometric configuration where dirt particles cannot accumulate. The curved surface directs flow in a manner that prevents particles from settling in corners or dead zones, and the specific curvature radius ensures that even at high flow rates, the flow pattern remains clean and particle-free
Solution Approach 2:
The dimensions of the connector, particularly the cross-sectional area and the radius of the mouth edge, are optimized to achieve a flow pattern that is both laminar and self-cleaning. The parameter optimization ensures that the flow velocity and direction prevent particle deposition while maintaining smooth flow behavior, thus addressing both the flow quality and contamination prevention requirements
3Productivity
If a larger cross section is provided in the connector, then high volumetric flows can be handled without turbulence, but the connector height and stability must be designed to ensure reliable holding and sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The connector dimensions are optimized by adjusting the cross-sectional area, length, and wall thickness parameters. The cross-section is enlarged to accommodate high volumetric flows with laminar flow regime, while the length and wall thickness are dimensioned to provide sufficient structural strength and sealing capability. This parameter optimization allows the connector to simultaneously handle high flow rates and maintain reliable holding and sealing performance
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the connector is designed to prevent dirt suction, then contamination of downstream apparatus is reduced, but the production complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mouth edge curvature serves a dual function: it improves flow behavior to prevent turbulence and noise, and simultaneously creates a geometric configuration that prevents dirt particle accumulation and suction. This single geometric feature addresses both flow quality and contamination prevention without requiring additional components or complex structures, thus maintaining production simplicity while achieving dirt prevention
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
This design significantly reduces flow resistance, minimizes dirt entry, and ensures reliable sealing and fluid extraction, even at high flow rates, while maintaining production simplicity and mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
the suctioning of deposited contaminants into the connector is prevented
Implementation Method 2
the mouth portion in relation to a container wall region that directly surrounds the mouth portion is at least in portions designed so as to be raised in the direction of the internal chamber... a type of dam by way of which the suctioning of deposited contaminants into the connector is prevented
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid container having at least one internal chamber for receiving a fluid, and having at least one connector for hydraulically connecting the internal chamber to a downstream hydraulic apparatus, wherein the connector at the end thereof toward the internal chamber has a mouth portion. In order to propose an improved fluid container by way of which high volumetric flows can also pass through the connector at high throughflow rates with low losses and reduced resistance, it is proposed that an escape value of the connector is provided so as to be larger than 0.82, and the mouth portion in relation to a container wall region that directly surrounds the mouth portion is at least in portions designed so as to be raised in the direction of the internal chamber.