Flow Control Assembly With Adjustable Gasket Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customization of vortex flow control devices and other flow control modules in collection chambers is costly and time-consuming, and not easily altered once installed, limiting their adaptability to specific hydraulic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A flow control assembly featuring a mounting bracket, a detachable flow control module, and a gasket with adjustable openings that can be cut or selected to tailor hydraulic characteristics, allowing for quick and cost-effective adjustment of flow rates without altering the module's geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vortex flow control devices are customized by varying dimensions of the device, then the flow rate control is tailored to specific applications, but the customization becomes costly and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a standardized vortex flow control module and interchangeable gaskets with different opening dimensions. This segmentation allows the main module to be manufactured once in standard sizes, while customization is achieved by selecting different gaskets, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and time for customized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the physical dimensions of the vortex chamber or inlet/outlet structures, customization is achieved by changing the parameter of the gasket opening size. This allows flow rate control to be tailored to specific applications by simply selecting gaskets with appropriate opening dimensions, without requiring costly and time-consuming modifications to the main device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vortex flow control devices are customized by varying dimensions, then specific hydraulic conditions are addressed, but the customization is not easily altered once installed
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket opening size, which controls the flow rate, is made changeable rather than fixed. The detachable gasket design allows the opening dimension to be adjusted dynamically by removing the old gasket and installing a new one with the appropriate opening size, enabling post-installation modification to adapt to changing hydraulic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is designed as a replaceable component that can be discarded and replaced. When hydraulic conditions change or flow rate adjustments are needed, the existing gasket is removed and replaced with a new gasket of different opening dimensions, allowing easy post-installation customization without altering the main device structure.
3Productivity
If standard manufacturing is used for flow control modules, then production efficiency is improved, but adaptability to specific applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a standardized flow control module that can be manufactured once and reused multiple times, combined with interchangeable gaskets that provide customization. This allows the main module to be produced efficiently through standard manufacturing processes while the gaskets provide application-specific adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized flow control module is designed to be universal and compatible with multiple applications. By combining this universal module with various gasket options having different opening sizes, a single module design can serve multiple different flow rate requirements, thereby maintaining manufacturing efficiency while achieving application-specific customization.
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
Enables rapid and economical customization of flow control devices, such as vortex flow control devices, by using a gasket to restrict flow and seal the module, allowing for standard manufacturing with adjustable features that can be easily modified or replaced.
Implementation Method 1
the gasket is disposed between the flow control module and the mounting bracket so as to seal the flow control module against the mounting bracket
Implementation Method 2
the opening of the gasket aligned with the outlet of the flow control module and the opening of the mounting bracket so as to restrict flow out of the flow control module
Implementation Method 3
water enters through the inlet with enough energy to create a vortex in the vortex chamber which results in a significant pressure drop between the inlet and the outlet, thus restricting flow through the outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A flow control assembly (2) comprising: a mounting bracket 4 attachable to a wall of a collection chamber, the mounting bracket (4) having an opening (12) extending therethrough; a flow control module (6) detachably coupled to the mounting bracket (4), the flow control module (6) having an inlet (26) and an outlet (30), the outlet (30) being aligned with the opening (12) of the mounting bracket (4); and a gasket (36) having an opening (38) extending therethrough, the opening (38) being smaller than the outlet (30) of the flow control module (6) and the opening (12) of the mounting bracket (4). The gasket (36) is disposed between the flow control module (6) and the mounting bracket (4) so as to seal the flow control module (6) against the mounting bracket (4), with the opening (38) of the gasket (36) aligned with the outlet (30) of the flow control module (6) and the opening (12) of the mounting bracket (4) so as to restrict flow out of the flow control module (6). Also described is a corresponding kit of parts and method of installation.