Flow Plate Assembly With Variable Orifice Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow systems in engine, hydraulic, and electric powertrain systems face challenges in controlling fluid flow variations due to changes in temperature, pressure, and system components, requiring multiple valves and complex circuitry.
Innovation Solution
A flow plate assembly comprising a cap, spring, and flow plate with varying opening diameters, where the spring biases the flow plate to control fluid flow through different openings based on pressure and temperature, allowing for a simple, pressure-activated variable orifice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple valves and complex circuitry are used to control fluid flow variations, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow control functions into a single flow plate assembly with multiple openings of varying sizes. The flow plate integrates what would traditionally require separate valves and control circuitry into one component, reducing system complexity while maintaining flow control precision through the differential opening design
Solution Approach 2:
The flow plate assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a flow restrictor, a pressure regulator, and a temperature-compensated flow controller all in one component. The multiple openings with different diameters allow the single component to handle various flow control requirements that would otherwise need separate dedicated components
2Device complexity
If a single fixed orifice is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying temperature and pressure conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow plate features openings with different local qualities - specifically, openings with different diameters positioned at different locations. This allows each opening to serve a specific function: smaller openings for precision flow control under certain conditions, larger openings for higher flow rates under different conditions, providing adaptability without increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flow plate is designed to move dynamically in response to pressure and temperature changes. The differential thermal expansion between the flow plate and housing, combined with pressure-driven movement, automatically adjusts which openings are active and their effective flow areas, enabling the system to adapt to varying operating conditions without external control
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 assembly provides a compact, cost-effective solution that reduces system complexity and parts, enabling flexible fluid flow adjustment across varying conditions, eliminating the need for additional valves and controls.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured for positioning at the flow plate portion of the housing and comprising at least one spring opening configured to allow the fluid to flow therethrough
Implementation Method 2
compressing the spring and moving the flow plate surface away from the cap surface with the fluid acting on the flow plate surface
Data Source
AI summary
A flow plate assembly for installation in a housing defines a flow axis of a fluid therethrough and has a flow plate portion. The assembly includes a cap having a cap surface and a cap opening having a cap opening diameter. The assembly further includes a spring having at least one spring opening configured to allow the fluid to flow therethrough. The assembly further includes a flow plate having a flow plate surface and a flow plate central opening having a flow plate central opening diameter that is less than the cap opening diameter and at least one flow plate outer opening that is disposed radially outside of the cap opening such that the fluid flows through the at least one flow plate outer opening upon compression of the spring and movement of the flow plate surface away from the cap surface.