Convoluted Flow Restricting Passage for Compact Laminar Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laminar flow elements (LFEs) face challenges due to their large size, intricate machining, and complex assembly requirements, leading to increased manufacturing costs and extended lead times, making them unsuitable for compact applications.
Innovation Solution
A flow restricting fluid component with a monolithic body featuring convoluted flow passages of various shapes, such as helical, spiral, and undulating ribbon designs, which reduces the size while maintaining a high length-to-diameter ratio, allowing for laminar flow and integration into smaller systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional laminar flow elements are used to maintain laminar flow, then flow measurement accuracy is improved, but device size and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restricting passage is configured in a convoluted pattern (helical, spiral, or undulating ribbon shape) that extends through three-dimensional space, achieving a high length-to-diameter ratio without increasing the overall device footprint. This dimensional arrangement allows laminar flow to be maintained while keeping the device compact and manufacturable
2Measurement precision
If conventional laminar flow elements are used to maintain laminar flow, then flow measurement accuracy is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The convoluted configuration of the flow restricting passage utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to achieve the required length-to-diameter ratio within a compact volume, allowing the device to maintain laminar flow characteristics without occupying excessive space
3Measurement precision
If conventional laminar flow elements are used, then flow measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing costs and lead times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restricting passage is formed as an integral part of the monolithic body through additive manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate components, complex assembly operations, and extensive machining, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and lead time while maintaining flow measurement accuracy
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 compact design enables the creation of smaller, cost-effective laminar flow elements that can be seamlessly integrated into smaller enclosures and existing systems, reducing manufacturing complexities and costs while maintaining flow rate accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a conventional laminar flow element operates by producing a differential pressure that is proportional to the velocity of the gas passing through a section of the laminar flow element, which is specifically configured to maintain the gas flow in a laminar state
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid component includes a cross-shaped body having laterally extending first and second flow ports and axially extending first and second access ports. The first flow port connected in fluid communication with the first access port by a first branch port. The second flow port connected in fluid communication with the second access port by a second branch port. The first and second access ports are connected in fluid communication by a convoluted flow restricting passage extending generally axially from the first access port to the second access port.