Flow Resistance Insert With Slotted Ring Discs for Precise Laminar Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow resistance inserts for flow rate measuring and control means are difficult to manufacture accurately and require complex assembly, leading to challenges in achieving precise flow resistance.
Innovation Solution
A flow resistance insert composed of alternating closed and slotted ring discs, where the slotted discs form radial flow ducts, allowing for accurate manufacturing and assembly, with connecting webs enhancing stability and preventing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional flow resistance inserts are manufactured using multiple separate parts, then assembly flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision and alignment accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate parts (first disc, second disc, and radial flow duct components) into a single integrated flow resistance insert. The radial flow ducts are formed as integral parts of the insert body, eliminating the need for separate components and assembly operations. This merging approach ensures precise alignment and positioning of all flow paths while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through the monolithic structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flow resistance inserts require complex assembly of multiple components, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow resistance insert into functional zones (central axial flow duct, radial flow ducts, first disc, second disc) that are integrated into a single replaceable unit. This allows the entire insert to be replaced as one component for adaptability, while the internal segmentation provides the necessary flow control functions. The connecting web further segments the radial flow ducts into multiple independent paths within the unified structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If radial flow ducts are formed using separate assembled parts, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but flow resistance precision and laminar flow quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The radial flow ducts are merged with the insert body as integral features formed directly in the second disc. The connecting web is also formed as an integral part that divides the central axial flow duct and connects to the radial flow ducts. This merging eliminates gaps, misalignments, and assembly tolerances that would affect flow resistance precision, while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through the unified structure.
4Ease of manufacture
If disc thicknesses are made equal for simplicity, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but flow stability and pressure loss control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thicknesses to different discs based on their specific functional requirements. The first disc has a thickness optimized for the central axial flow duct section, while the second disc has a different thickness optimized for the radial flow duct section. This local differentiation ensures proper flow stability and pressure loss control in each zone, while the overall design remains manufacturable with these specified thickness variations.
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 solution enables the manufacture of flow resistance inserts with precise radial ducts, ensuring stable and accurate flow resistance, reducing assembly complexity and maintaining laminar flow, while preventing unwanted leaks and pressure loss.
Implementation Method 1
uses pressure differential measurement. Usually, two ducts are branched off from a main flow duct between which a flow resistance insert, at which a defined pressure drops, is arranged in the main flow duct.
Implementation Method 2
The connecting web then naturally divides the central axial flow duct over its axial length into two or more flow ducts depending on the number and the course of the connecting webs.
Implementation Method 3
inserts consisting of contiguous discs which form not only a central axial flow duct but also one or more radial flow ducts which branch off from the at least one central axial flow duct and deflect the flow radially outwards.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow resistance insert of a flow rate measuring or flow rate control has contiguous discs between which at least one central axial flow duct is formed from which radial flow ducts branch off. The discs include alternating first discs and second discs. While the first discs are circumferentially closed ring discs, the second discs are circumferentially slotted one-piece ring discs.