Ejector Diffuser Outlet Flow Path Tapered Angle Ratio

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ejectors experience performance degradation due to changes in discharge pressure limits, leading to reduced suction flow rates of the second fluid, which is influenced by the dimensions of the diffuser's flow path, making it challenging to maintain optimal performance across varying operation conditions.

Innovation Solution

The ejector design includes a diffuser with a narrowed, parallel, and expanded flow path, where the ratio of tapered angles is adjusted by replaceable attachments to maintain optimal suction flow rates, allowing for changes in discharge pressure limits without degrading performance, by setting the tapered angle ratio higher as the parallel flow path's sectional area decreases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the discharge pressure limit is increased to ensure sufficient suction flow rate of second fluid, then the suction flow rate is improved, but the discharge pressure becomes too high causing performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction flow rateVSAvoidperformance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the diffuser geometry adjustable through replaceable attachments. The tapered angle ratio of the outlet flow path can be changed to adapt to different discharge pressure conditions, allowing the system to maintain optimal performance across varying operation conditions rather than being fixed at a single configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes geometric parameters of the diffuser, specifically the tapered angle ratio of the outlet flow path. By adjusting this parameter through different attachments, the system can optimize performance for different discharge pressure limits and usage conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the dimensions of the diffuser flow path are changed to adapt to different operation conditions, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation condition adaptabilityVSAvoiddiffuser structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the diffuser into modular components, with the outlet flow path formed as a separate replaceable attachment. This allows different geometric configurations to be produced as independent parts that can be swapped out, simplifying the manufacturing of each individual component while providing variety through multiple attachments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal diffuser body that can work with multiple different attachments. The main diffuser structure serves multiple functions by accommodating various outlet flow path configurations, reducing the need for completely different diffuser designs for different operation conditions

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

This configuration enables the ejector to maintain a consistent suction flow rate of the second fluid even at increased discharge pressures, reducing performance degradation and allowing for adaptable operation across different specifications.

Implementation Method 1

a nozzle configured to eject first fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-to-kinetic energy conversion: De Laval Nozzle

Implementation Method 2

suction chamber configured to house the nozzle and to suck second fluid by negative pressure generated by ejection of the first fluid from the nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure generation: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 3

an expanded flow path connected to a downstream end of the parallel flow path and having a second tapered surface expanded toward downstream. When the fluid mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid flows in the expanded flow path, the velocity of the fluid mixture decreases, and the pressure of the fluid mixture increases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectKinetic-to-pressure energy conversion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3438466B1Ejector, ejector production method, and method for setting outlet flow path of diffuser
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 TLV CO LTD
  • EP3438466B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3438466B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3438466B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An ejector 10 includes a nozzle 20, a suction chamber 30, and a diffuser 40. An outlet flow path 50 includes a narrowed flow path 51 having a first tapered surface 54 narrowed toward downstream, a parallel flow path 52 having a constant sectional area, and a parallel flow path 52 having a second tapered surface 55 expanded toward downstream. The diffuser 40 further includes an attachment 42 configured to change the dimensions of the outlet flow path 50. The attachment 42 changes the dimensions of the outlet flow path 50 such that the ratio of the tapered angle α of the first tapered surface 54 to the tapered angle β of the second tapered surface 55 is higher as the sectional area, i.e., the inner diameter D, of the parallel flow path 52 is smaller.