Elastic Paddle Wheel for Bidirectional Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impeller designs for fluid conveying devices are not optimized for alternating directions of rotation, leading to reduced efficiency and increased energy consumption in applications like tumble dryers, where the direction of rotation alternates, resulting in longer treatment times and higher energy use.
Innovation Solution
The impeller blades, made of elastic material with connecting webs, deform to adapt to operational loading and direction of rotation, mimicking the 'fin ray effect' to optimize shape and flow, ensuring efficient fluid conveyance in both directions with reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the impeller blades are made symmetric with respect to the vertical axis, then the impeller can convey the same volumetric flow in both directions of rotation, but the blade contour is not optimized in terms of flow technology and delivery efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the blade contour to be asymmetric with respect to the vertical axis, optimizing the blade shape for one main direction of rotation to achieve better flow technology and delivery efficiency, while accepting reduced performance in the opposite direction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the blades flexible instead of rigid, allowing them to deform elastically under operational loading. This dynamic adaptation enables the asymmetric blade design to function effectively in both rotation directions, as the blades can adjust their shape to accommodate the flow conditions regardless of rotation direction
2Productivity
If the impeller is optimized for the main direction of rotation with bent or curved blade shape, then volume flow is increased in that direction, but the same volume flow cannot be achieved in the secondary direction of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the blades flexible so they can dynamically adapt their shape during operation. When rotation direction changes, the flexible blades deform to adjust to the new flow conditions, enabling the impeller to maintain good performance in both the main and secondary directions of rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the blades from rigid to flexible, allowing them to undergo elastic deformation. This parameter change enables the blades to adapt their curvature and orientation based on operational conditions, maintaining effectiveness across different rotation directions
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid blades are used in the impeller, then structural stability is maintained, but the blade shape cannot adapt to operational loading to optimize flow and pumping capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static rigid blades to dynamic flexible blades that can adapt their shape during operation. The flexible blades maintain structural integrity while allowing elastic deformation to optimize their contour under operational loading, thereby enhancing pumping capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction with a rigid basic structure (fiber-reinforced plastic) providing structural stability and an elastomer coating providing flexibility. This composite approach allows the blades to maintain structural integrity while adapting their shape to optimize flow and pumping capacity
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 design enhances pumping capacity and reduces energy consumption by optimizing blade shape for specific loads and alternating directions of rotation, allowing for a smaller drive dimension and shorter treatment times, aligning with 'green technology' goals.
Implementation Method 1
the blade walls (20, 21) are made of an elastic material which permits elastic deformation (curvature) of the blade (14, 15) when subjected to operational loading or pressure
Implementation Method 2
the inner sides of the blade walls (20, 21) facing one another are each connected to at least one force-transmitting element (connecting web) (24, 25, 26)... the elastic blade walls move in a force-coupled manner through the connecting web
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a paddle wheel 8 for a fluid delivery device 1 having a plurality of paddles 14, 15 which are distributed over the circumference 9 of the wheel and each have paddle walls 20, 21 which taper in the direction of the paddle tip 14b, 15b. At least one force-transmitting connecting web 24, 25, 26 is connected in an articulated manner to the mutually facing inner faces 20a, 21a of the paddle walls 20, 21 and the elasticity of the paddle walls 20, 21 is dimensioned in such a way that, when pressure is applied 32 to an outer face 20b of a paddle wall 20b, 21b during operation, the paddle tips 14b, 15b move in the direction of the side 33 on which pressure is applied 32, with elastic bending of the paddles 14, 15.