Thermally Deformable Channel Walls for Smooth Fluid Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid flow control methods suffer from undesirable side effects such as pressure drop, turbulence, cavitation, noise, and vibration, leading to secondary issues like part failure and sub-optimal operation.

Innovation Solution

A fluid conductor with thermally-deformable walls that change geometry in response to temperature changes, controlled by a heater/cooler system to achieve desired flow rates, minimizing these side effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional fluid flow control methods are used, then flow rate can be controlled, but pressure drop, turbulence, cavitation, noise, and vibration occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate controlVSAvoidpressure drop, turbulence, cavitation, noise, and vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the channel wall material from rigid to thermally deformable, allowing the wall geometry to change continuously in response to temperature variations. This enables smooth adjustment of flow characteristics without the harmful effects associated with conventional control methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical flow control mechanisms (such as valves or moving parts) with a thermal field-based control system. By using heaters or coolers to deform the channel wall thermally, the system achieves flow control without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating turbulence, cavitation, noise, and vibration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If thermally deformable portion is added to fluid conductor, then fluid flow control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow control capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the flow control function directly into the fluid conductor wall by making a portion of the wall thermally deformable. This integration eliminates the need for separate control valves or mechanical components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective flow control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermally deformable portion serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural wall of the fluid conductor and the active control element for flow regulation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Effectively controls fluid flow without pressure drop or turbulence, reducing noise and vibration, thus enhancing operational stability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The thermally-deformable portion has a geometrical form that changes in response to changes in temperature of the thermally deformable portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS12474721B2Controlling flow of a fluid using thermally deformable channel

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

Apparatus and associated methods relate to control of flow of a fluid within a fluid conductor having fluid-impenetrable walls surrounding a lumen. The fluid impenetrable walls have a rigid portion, a thermally-deformable portion, and a thermal heater and/or cooler thermally coupled to the thermally-deformable portion. The thermally-deformable portion has a geometrical form that changes in response to changes in temperature of the thermally deformable portion. A flow controller receives a signal indicative of a desired flow rate and controls the thermal heater so as to cause the thermally-deformable portion to deform thereby controlling the fluid flow to the desired flow rate.