Diaphragmatic damper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems require complex and costly components for fluid flow control, which are prone to faults and manual intervention, increasing maintenance needs and risks.
Innovation Solution
An automatic fluid flow control device comprising perpendicular channels with a diaphragm that uses elastomeric materials to control flow based on gravitational and atmospheric pressure, allowing for binary or graded flow control without the need for multiple mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sensors, electrical signaling, valves, switches, and mechanical components are used for fluid flow control, then flow control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex electrical and mechanical components (sensors, valves, switches, motors) from the fluid flow control system, retaining only the essential diaphragm structure that provides flow control through pure mechanical means driven by fluid dynamics
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm structure performs flow control autonomously by responding to fluid pressure differentials and flow conditions, eliminating the need for external control systems, power sources, or manual intervention
2Ease of operation
If multiple mechanical and electrical components are used for fluid flow control, then flow control capability is provided, but maintenance requirements and failure risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm automatically adjusts fluid flow based on pressure differentials and flow conditions without requiring external control systems, power sources, or manual intervention, thereby achieving automatic operation with minimal maintenance and reduced failure risk
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 device provides reliable, automatic, and cost-effective fluid flow control by utilizing a diaphragm that adjusts flow based on pressure forces, reducing the risk of component failure and manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The material of the diaphragm may be an elastomeric material, either natural or synthetic, such as rubber
Implementation Method 2
control flow based on gravitational and atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 3
control flow based on gravitational and atmospheric pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control device including a first channel, a second channel, and a diaphragm positioned between the first channel and the second channel, wherein the diaphragm includes a first side and a second side that faces an opposite direction as the first side. The diaphragm is configured and arranged to alternatively operate in both: a closed condition in which flow from the first channel to the second channel is impeded, and an open condition in which flow from the first channel to the second channel occurs. The diaphragm is also configured and arranged to change from the closed condition to the open condition when a force of a positive fluid flow through the first channel towards the first side of the diaphragm exceeds a combination of a gravitational force and a force of atmospheric pressure upon the second side of the diaphragm.