Flow-Path Forming Block Gasket Recess for Low Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reducing the size of fluid control devices and flow-path forming blocks increases pressure loss and resistance due to smaller angles between flow paths, which reduces the effective cross section of the flow path.
Innovation Solution
A flow-path forming block configuration with a first block, a second block attached to the first block, and a gasket with a recessed portion that allows communication between the flow paths, ensuring the effective cross section even at smaller angles, and reducing the size of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the distance between two flow paths is reduced to minimize device size, then the device size is reduced, but the effective cross section of the flow path is reduced causing increased pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a recessed portion in the gasket that extends in the depth direction (third dimension) to create a communication portion between flow paths. This dimensional approach allows the flow paths to communicate effectively even when their horizontal distance is reduced, thereby maintaining adequate effective cross-section and reducing pressure loss while enabling compact device sizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket with its recessed portion acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates communication between the first and second flow paths. The recessed portion creates a communication portion that serves as an intermediate channel, allowing fluid to transition between flow paths without requiring large horizontal spacing, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and adequate flow capacity.
2Volume of moving object
If the angle between two flow paths is made smaller to reduce device size, then the device size is reduced, but the effective cross section of the flow path is reduced causing increased resistance to fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the depth direction through the recessed portion in the gasket, the invention creates a communication portion that allows flow paths to connect effectively even at small angles. This dimensional approach compensates for the reduced angular separation, maintaining adequate effective cross-section and reducing flow resistance while enabling compact device configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed portion in the gasket creates a localized region with enhanced flow communication properties. This local structural modification ensures adequate effective cross-section at the critical connection point between flow paths, allowing the overall device to be compact without suffering from reduced flow capacity at the flow path intersection.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow-path forming block includes: a first block; a second block attached to the first block, the second block having a first flow path and a second flow path; and a gasket provided between the first block and the second block, the gasket being configured to seal between the first block and the second block, wherein the second block has a communication portion formed on a surface facing the gasket, the communication portion being configured such that the first flow path and the second flow path are communicated, and the gasket has a recessed portion formed at a position facing the communication portion.