Exhaust Coupling Non-Linear Conduit Noise Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust couplings for rotating machines, such as pumps, often emit noise nuisance when not coupled to downstream conduits, and existing noise reduction methods are inadequate in performance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an exhaust coupling with an inlet and outlet chamber connected by a non-linear inter-chamber conduit, featuring bends and flow restrictors to break the direct noise path, with the conduit's geometry and positioning optimized for noise attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional linear exhaust coupling is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but noise emission is high when not coupled to downstream conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust coupling employs a non-linear inter-chamber conduit with bends instead of a straight linear path. The conduit includes at least one bend that redirects fluid flow, creating a curved path between the inlet and outlet chambers. This curvature disrupts noise propagation while maintaining functional effectiveness, directly addressing the noise emission problem without requiring complex active noise control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust coupling is divided into separate functional chambers (inlet chamber, outlet chamber, and intermediate chambers) connected by the non-linear conduit. This segmentation allows each chamber to serve a specific purpose in noise attenuation while the overall structure remains relatively simple. The division creates multiple interfaces where noise can be dampened without requiring a completely complex design.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing noise reduction methods are applied, then some noise attenuation is achieved, but performance is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The non-linear inter-chamber conduit with its bends creates a more effective noise attenuation path compared to conventional linear designs. The curved geometry disrupts noise propagation patterns and increases the path length for noise transmission, providing superior attenuation performance while adding minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-linear inter-chamber conduit acts as an intermediary element between the inlet and outlet chambers. It mediates the fluid flow and noise transmission, using its curved geometry to attenuate noise while allowing functional fluid passage. This intermediary structure provides effective noise reduction without requiring complex active noise control systems or multiple components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a non-linear inter-chamber conduit with bends is used, then noise is significantly attenuated, but the conduit geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The non-linear inter-chamber conduit incorporates bends and curves to disrupt noise propagation paths. The conduit geometry includes at least one bend that redirects fluid flow, creating a non-linear path between chambers. This curved geometry effectively attenuates noise while maintaining manufacturability and functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit geometry parameters (bend angles, curvature radius, path length) are optimized to achieve effective noise attenuation. By carefully selecting and adjusting these geometric parameters, the design achieves superior noise reduction performance while keeping the structure manufacturable and relatively simple.
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 significantly reduces noise emission by up to 23.7 dB compared to conventional designs, effectively dampening noise within the chambers and preventing direct noise propagation, while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
noise from the pump is abated since it is initially dampened when received in the inlet chamber, then dampened further by the non-linear inter-chamber conduit, before being dampened yet further within the outlet chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An exhaust coupling for a pump is disclosed. The exhaust coupling for a pump, comprises: an inlet chamber defining a coupling inlet for receiving a fluid from said pump; an outlet chamber defining a coupling outlet for outputting said fluid from said exhaust coupling; and a non-linear inter-chamber conduit fluidly coupling said inlet chamber with said outlet chamber for conveying said fluid from said inlet chamber to said outlet chamber. In this way, noise from the pump is abated since it is initially dampened when received in the inlet chamber, then dampened further by the non-linear inter-chamber conduit, before being dampened yet further within the outlet chamber prior to being emitted through the coupling outlet. The presence of the non-linear inter-chamber conduit ensures that there is no direct, linear path along which the noise can travel from the coupling inlet to the coupling outlet.