Digital Flow Control Assembly with Serial Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid flow control devices typically rely on a single point of restriction, which limits their ability to dynamically adjust to changing conditions and achieve precise control over volumetric flow rates, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in fluid management.
Innovation Solution
A digital flow control assembly featuring multiple serially-arranged flow nodes along a fluid conduit, with adjustable resistance and actuation mechanisms that allow for precise control of fluid flow, enabling rapid adjustments and high-resolution regulation of volumetric flow rates in response to external signals or conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single point of restriction is used in flow control devices, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to dynamically adjust and achieve precise control over volumetric flow rates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device is divided into multiple independent flow nodes arranged in series along the conduit. Each node can be independently adjusted to control the local flow resistance, allowing precise cumulative control of the total volumetric flow rate through digital or analog adjustment of individual node positions
Solution Approach 2:
The flow nodes are designed with adjustable positions that can be dynamically changed during operation. Each node incorporates movable components such as pins, rollers, or adjustable orifices that allow real-time modification of flow resistance, enabling adaptive flow control in response to changing system conditions
2Productivity
If multiple serially-arranged flow nodes are used, then precise and rapid flow rate adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flow nodes share common structural features and adjustment mechanisms. Each node follows a standardized design with similar components (conduit sections, flow restriction elements, adjustment mechanisms), allowing the system to achieve complex flow control functionality through repetition of modular units rather than requiring entirely separate components for each node
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates flow sensors and control mechanisms that monitor the actual volumetric flow rate and provide feedback to adjustment mechanisms. This allows automatic or semi-automatic adjustment of flow node positions to maintain desired flow rates, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying operation despite the multiple nodes present
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A digital flow control assembly (100) for controlling the volumetric flow rate of fluids includes a fluid flow conduit (105), a plurality of serially-arranged flow nodes (120) positioned along a length of the fluid flow conduit, and a device (155) for generating a signal. The device for generating a signal is used to adjust one or more of the plurality of serially arranged flow nodes to maintain a desired volumetric flow rate of fluid in the fluid flow conduit. A method for controlling the volumetric flow rate of fluids includes providing a fluid flow conduit, providing a plurality of serially-arranged flow nodes positioned along a length of the fluid flow conduit, and providing a feedback signal to adjust one or more of the plurality of serially-arranged flow nodes to maintain a desired volumetric flow rate of fluid in the fluid flow conduit.