Downdraft Element with Damper Receptacle to Reduce Flow-Induced Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downdraft elements in kitchen settings generate significant noise due to flow-induced vibrations, particularly when made of sheet metal, which is amplified by the deflection of fluid through them.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a damper material receptacle with a curved damper and a guide body between the flow openings, along with a two-shell design and latching mechanisms, to reduce noise by smoothing fluid transition and minimizing pressure drop, while allowing for easy assembly and connection to pipe systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a downdraft element is made of sheet metal to achieve structural strength and durability, then the structural integrity is improved, but noise pollution increases due to flow-induced vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
A damper element is introduced as an intermediary component between the sheet metal walls of the downdraft element. This damper absorbs flow-induced vibrations and converts them into heat energy, thereby reducing noise pollution while allowing the sheet metal structure to maintain its structural integrity and durability
Solution Approach 2:
The internal surface properties of the downdraft element are modified by adding a damper layer with different material parameters (damping coefficient, surface roughness) compared to the sheet metal. This parameter change reduces vibration amplitude and noise generation while preserving the overall structural strength of the sheet metal construction
2Volume of moving object
If the downdraft element deflects flow at a sharp angle to achieve compact design, then the device size is reduced, but noise and pressure drop increase due to flow separation
Solution Approach 1:
The sharp angular deflection surfaces are replaced with curved surfaces that guide the flow smoothly around the bend. This curvature eliminates flow separation and reduces turbulence, thereby decreasing noise generation while maintaining the compact geometry of the downdraft element
Solution Approach 2:
The flow deflection, which initially causes noise through sharp turns and flow separation, is redesigned so that the same deflection function is achieved through curved paths that reduce turbulence. The harmful noise-generating flow separation is converted into beneficial smooth flow attachment
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a damper is added to reduce noise, then noise pollution is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
A thin flexible damper layer is applied to the internal surfaces of the downdraft element. This thin film provides effective vibration damping and noise reduction while adding minimal structural complexity and maintaining the simplicity of the overall device design
Solution Approach 2:
The damper element is designed to be self-adhering or self-retaining through friction and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for additional fasteners, adhesives, or complex mounting mechanisms. The damper serves both its damping function and its own retention function
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 solution effectively reduces noise pollution and increases the durability of connections between downdraft elements and pipe systems by minimizing vibrations and pressure losses, enhancing the overall operational quietness and longevity of the system.
Implementation Method 1
The damper or a surface of the damper may be curved. The damper inserted into the damper receptacle may be shaped or curved to correspond to or form a portion of a fluid crossed inner surface or inner wall of the downdraft member
Data Source
AI summary
A downdraft element having a first flow opening and a second flow opening, wherein the first flow opening is arranged relative to the second flow opening at an angle 45°≤α≤135°, preferably substantially of 90°, so that at least the average flow direction of a fluid entering the first flow opening and exiting the second flow opening or vice versa is deflectable, characterized in that the downdraft element comprises at least one damper material receptacle on an inner side between the first flow opening and the second flow opening and at least one damper inserted into the damper material receptacle. The invention further relates to a corresponding assembly.