Distribution Header with Integrated Strainer and Self-Cleaning Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow-path devices face challenges in preventing foreign substance clogging and require frequent maintenance to remove adhering substances, which is burdensome and often necessitates a large, pressure-resistant strainer.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow-path device with a distribution header and partition member that separates the flow path into upstream and downstream spaces, using a fluid passable portion to allow target fluid flow while blocking foreign substances, and includes introduction and discharge ports for washing fluid to remove adhering substances without detaching the partition member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strainer is arranged in the pipe to prevent passage of foreign substance, then foreign substance removal function is improved, but maintenance burden increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service maintenance by allowing washing fluid to be introduced through the introduction port to automatically flush foreign substances through the strainer mesh and discharge them via the discharge port, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution header body serves multiple functions: it acts as a pressure-resistant structural component, provides a mounting surface for the strainer, and incorporates washing fluid introduction and discharge ports to enable self-cleaning functionality, consolidating multiple roles into a single integrated component
2Reliability
If a strainer with sufficient mesh area is arranged to prevent foreign substance passage, then foreign substance removal function is improved, but device complexity increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The strainer is merged with the distribution header body as an integrated assembly, where the strainer is mounted directly on the header and washing fluid ports are incorporated into the same structure, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device
3Reliability
If a pressure-resistant strainer is designed to withstand fluid pressure, then reliability is improved, but weight increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-resistant function is merged into the distribution header body which is already designed as a pressure-containing component, allowing the strainer to be a lighter, non-pressure-resistant element mounted on the header, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining pressure resistance
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
Facilitates easy maintenance by allowing washing fluid to remove adhering substances from the partition member without stopping fluid flow, reducing maintenance burden and eliminating the need for a thick, pressure-resistant strainer.
Implementation Method 1
having a fluid passable portion allowing the target fluid supplied into the distribution space through the supply port to flow to the downstream-side space from the upstream-side space while preventing a foreign substance contained in the target fluid from flowing to the downstream-side space from the upstream-side space
Implementation Method 2
washing fluid for discharging the foreign substance adhering to the fluid passable portion from the inside of the space to the outside of the distribution header is supplied to the downstream-side space through the introduction port and passes through the fluid passable portion in a direction from the downstream-side space toward the upstream-side space to remove the foreign substance adhering to the fluid passable portion
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow-path device facilitates a maintenance operation to remove a foreign substance adhered to a member, to prevent passage of the foreign material. The fluid flow-path device has a distribution header including a partition member and a header body in a flow-path formation body. The partition member partitions a distribution space of the distribution header into an upstream-side space that communicates with a supply opening in the header body, and a downstream-side space that communicates with a plurality of flow paths in the flow-path formation body. The partition member includes a region that prevents a foreign substance in a fluid from flowing from the upstream-side space to the downstream-side space, while allowing the fluid to flow. The header body has an opening that allows a washing fluid to flow into the downstream-side space, and an opening that allows the washing fluid to be discharged from the upstream-side space.