Flexible Conduit Flow Modifier Using Rotational Flow Through Bends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bends in fluid flow conduits cause frictional losses and increased backpressure due to laminar flow, which reduces flow velocity and increases head loss and heating.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow modifying device with a tubular body and helical flow diverters made from resilient polymeric materials, which transforms laminar flow to rotational flow, reducing frictional losses and backpressure by creating a rotational flow profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bends are introduced in flexible fluid flow conduits to facilitate routing, then adaptability and routing flexibility are improved, but frictional losses and backpressure increase due to enhanced laminar flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a curved flow passage within the device that redirects fluid flow at an oblique angle rather than requiring external bends in the conduit. This internal curvature mechanism allows the conduit to remain straight while achieving the desired flow direction change, thereby maintaining routing flexibility without the energy penalties associated with external bends
Solution Approach 2:
The device acts as an intermediary component inserted within the straight conduit to perform the flow redirection function. Instead of bending the conduit itself (which causes frictional losses), the intermediary device with its curved passage internally redirects the flow, separating the routing function from the conduit structure and eliminating the associated energy losses
2Adaptability or versatility
If bends are introduced in flexible fluid flow conduits, then routing capability is improved, but flow velocity decreases due to amplified fluid interaction with interior surface
Solution Approach 1:
The curved passage within the device provides a smooth, continuous flow path that maintains higher flow velocities compared to sharp bends. The gradual curvature reduces flow separation and turbulence, allowing fluid to change direction while maintaining kinetic energy and velocity, thus improving routing capability without sacrificing flow speed
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional straight flowing fluid is used through bent conduits, then laminar flow is maintained, but backpressure increases due to frictional losses
Solution Approach 1:
The device serves as an intermediary that enables straight conduit configuration while achieving flow redirection. By inserting this component with an internal curved passage, the system maintains laminar flow stability through smooth internal geometry while eliminating the backpressure increases that would result from external conduit bends
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 device increases flow velocity and reduces backpressure by minimizing frictional interactions between the fluid and the conduit surface, enhancing flow efficiency through bends in fluid flow conduits.
Implementation Method 1
Laminar flow results from frictional between the interior surface of a fluid flow conduit and a generally straight flowing fluid
Implementation Method 2
a fluid flow modifying device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosures made herein enables flow of flowable material (e.g., a liquid) within a flow passage of a fluid flow conduit to have a rotational flow profile
Implementation Method 3
Each of the respective resilient polymeric material have a resiliency enabling flexibility of the respective portion of the fluid flow modifying device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed fluid flow modifying devices are useful with flexible fluid flow conduits. Such devices are adapted for mitigating adverse flow considerations arising from one or more bends in flexible fluid flow conduits. These adverse flow considerations are generally characterized as enhanced laminar flow and associated increased backpressure arising from reduced flow velocity caused by the one or more bends. Beneficially, disclosed fluid flow modifying devices cause flow of flowable material (e.g., a liquid) within a flow passage of a fluid flow conduit to have a rotational flow profile. Such a rotational flow profile advantageously reduces frictional losses associated with laminar flow and with directional change of fluid flow.