Flow Path Structure Axial Runout Suppression via Phased Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow path forming structures experience axial runout when a shaft body is inserted, leading to linearity impairment and irregularities in differential pressure flow rate characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A flow path forming structure where the shaft body contacts the inner circumferential surface at multiple positions with different phases on both the upstream and downstream sides, correcting axial runout and improving gap reproduction between the shaft body and the flow path, while allowing for even stress distribution and reduced irregularities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a shaft body is inserted into a flow path to form gaps for fluid flow, then fluid flow control is enabled, but axial runout occurs causing linearity impairment and irregularities in differential pressure flow rate characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The contact positions between the shaft body and flow path inner circumferential surface are segmented into multiple discrete locations (at least three positions) around the circumferential direction. This segmentation distributes the contact points uniformly, preventing concentration of stress at single locations and thereby suppressing axial runout that would otherwise occur during shaft body insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the shaft body are given different functional qualities: the upstream side and downstream side portions are designed to contact the flow path inner circumferential surface at specific phased positions, while other regions maintain gaps for fluid flow. This local differentiation ensures stable positioning at contact zones while preserving flow characteristics in gap zones.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple contact positions are provided on both upstream and downstream sides, then axial runout is suppressed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact positions on the upstream side and downstream side are configured with asymmetric phase relationships. Specifically, contact positions on one side are positioned at different phases than those on the other side, creating an asymmetric distribution pattern that effectively counteracts axial runout forces while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function and flow control function are merged into a single shaft body structure. The same shaft body that creates flow gaps also provides axial positioning through its contact positions with the flow path inner circumferential surface, eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In a flow path forming structure, axial runout of a shaft relative to a central axis generated when the shaft is inserted into the flow path is suppressed. This structure includes a flow path along which a fluid passes, and a shaft body that is inserted into the flow path. An upstream side of the shaft body and an inner circumferential surface of the flow path have a plurality of contact positions at different phases, and a downstream side of the shaft body and an inner circumferential surface of the flow path have a plurality of contact positions at different phases. The fluid flows through gaps between the shaft body and the inner circumferential surface. The contact positions on one of the upstream and downstream sides are at different phases from all of the contact positions on the other one of the upstream and downstream sides.