Flow Divider with Annular Channel for Uniform Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow dividers in atomization devices face challenges in maintaining uniform flow distribution due to intensified interferences between outlets, leading to fluctuating flow rates and high coefficients of variation, and their complex assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A flow divider design featuring a main body with a central annular channel and inclined segments that gradually decrease in width, allowing for uniform fluid divergence and simpler configuration, with configurations adapting to fluid type and flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple diverging passages are arranged in conventional flow dividers, then the fluid can be distributed to multiple outlets, but the interferences between outlets intensify and flow distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar arrangement of diverging passages to a three-dimensional conical structure. The fluid distribution chamber is formed as a cone with the inlet at the apex and outlets distributed on the conical surface, utilizing spatial dimensionality to separate flow paths and reduce interference between adjacent outlets while maintaining uniform flow distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The conical fluid distribution chamber is segmented into multiple outlet regions positioned at different angular locations around the cone surface. Each outlet is independently positioned to optimize flow separation, with the conical geometry naturally segmenting the fluid stream into distinct paths that minimize mutual interference
2Manufacturing precision
If misalignment between upper and lower layer diverging passages is implemented, then flow interference may be reduced, but the assembly process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid distribution chamber and the outlet structure into a single integrated conical component. The outlets are directly formed on the conical surface rather than being separate assembled parts, eliminating the need for complex multi-layer alignment while maintaining optimal flow distribution geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The conical fluid distribution chamber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the fluid distribution chamber, provides the outlet structure, defines the flow paths, and ensures uniform flow distribution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and complex assembly procedures
3Strength
If fixedly interconnected metal frames and metal tubes are used, then structural strength is ensured, but the assembly process becomes rather complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple structural elements (fluid distribution chamber, outlet structure, and support framework) into a single integrated conical component. This eliminates the need for fixedly interconnected metal frames and tubes, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining structural integrity through the monolithic conical geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural approach from discrete interconnected components to a continuous conical surface. The conical geometry provides inherent structural strength through its distributed load-bearing surface, eliminating the need for complex framed structures while allowing for simpler manufacturing and assembly
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 proposed design achieves stable and uniform flow distribution with reduced fluctuations and simpler assembly, as demonstrated by computational fluid dynamics simulations, maintaining flow uniformity across varying outlet slit dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a generally annular channel and an inclined segment... The width of the annular channel decreases gradually from the start measurement to the end measurement along a rotational direction with respect to the central axis
Implementation Method 2
the inclined segment extends outwardly with respect to the central axis and toward the second side surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A flow divider for diverging a fluid includes a main body (2) that includes first and second side surfaces (21, 22) being opposite to each other along a central axis (a) of the main body (2). The first side surface (21) has a central segment (211) transversely intersecting the central axis (a), and having an inlet channel (2111) recessed toward the second side surface (22), a generally annular channel (212) surrounding the central segment (211), recessed toward the second side surface (22), and spatially communicated with the inlet channel (2111) at a junction space, and an inclined segment (213) surrounding the annular channel (212). A width of the annular channel (212) decreases gradually from a start measurement (Wx) to an end measurement (Wo) along a rotational direction (R1) with respect to the central axis (a).