Exhaust Flow Distribution Device with Variable Aperture Plate

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exhaust flow distribution devices either impede fluid flow, causing increased backpressure or fail to distribute flow uniformly across exhaust aftertreatment devices, leading to reduced operational efficiency and shorter device lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A flow distribution device with a plate featuring a plurality of apertures that are largest at the periphery and smallest at the center, designed to distribute exhaust gas flow uniformly across the upstream end of an aftertreatment device without generating excessive backpressure, by using a tapered inlet conduit and a plate configuration that directs flow radially outward.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flow distribution device is used to create a more uniform velocity flow profile, then the useful life and efficiency of exhaust aftertreatment devices are prolonged, but backpressure increases undesirably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuseful life of aftertreatment deviceVSAvoidbackpressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The plate features apertures with varying sizes distributed across its surface, with larger apertures in regions where natural flow velocity is slower and smaller apertures where flow velocity is faster. This non-uniform aperture distribution creates local flow adjustments that achieve overall uniform flow distribution without excessive backpressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The aperture size parameter is varied across the plate surface to compensate for the natural parabolic velocity profile. By changing the aperture size parameter spatially, the device achieves uniform flow distribution while minimizing the pressure drop across the plate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If existing flow distribution devices are used to distribute flow uniformly, then operational efficiency is improved, but backpressure increases causing fluid flow impediment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiency of aftertreatment deviceVSAvoidbackpressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The plate features apertures with varying sizes distributed across its surface, with larger apertures in regions where natural flow velocity is slower and smaller apertures where flow velocity is faster. This non-uniform aperture distribution creates local flow adjustments that achieve overall uniform flow distribution without excessive backpressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The aperture size parameter is varied across the plate surface to compensate for the natural parabolic velocity profile. By changing the aperture size parameter spatially, the device achieves uniform flow distribution while minimizing the pressure drop across the plate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7997071B2Exhaust flow distribution device

Publication Date: 2011.08.16 DONALDSON CO INC

AI summary

The disclosure is directed to a flow distributor for use to maximize the efficiency and working life of a catalytic converter. The flow distributor is configured such that it directs the gas flow in the center of the exhaust gas stream to the periphery of the gas stream thereby resulting in a more uniform velocity flow pattern.