Flow-rate Controller Unit with Asymmetric Ring Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow rate regulator units are limited in their ability to function effectively across a wide pressure range, as their control behavior at high pressures is dependent on the flow rate regulator used, and they struggle to regulate fluid flow efficiently at both low and high pressures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates at least two inner ring channels for the flow rate regulators, secured by a common element, with the ring channels arranged independently to allow for adjustable flow rates, and a closing valve that moves under fluid pressure to control the flow, ensuring functionality at both low and high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single flow rate regulator and a closing valve are used in existing designs, then the device structure is simple, but the regulation efficiency across a wide pressure range is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow regulation function into multiple independent flow rate regulators (at least two) working in parallel, each capable of independent adjustment. This segmentation allows the system to maintain effective regulation across a wide pressure range by selecting appropriate regulators for different pressure conditions, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing valve is designed to serve dual functions: it acts as a shutdown valve for complete flow cessation and simultaneously functions as a flow regulation component when partially open. This multi-functionality improves the system's ability to handle various pressure conditions while minimizing the number of components needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ring channels are arranged concentrically as in existing designs, then the housing space is efficiently utilized, but the adjustability of flow rates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of ring channels where at least one flow rate regulator is positioned offset from the center, rather than all channels being concentric. This asymmetric configuration provides better flow distribution characteristics and improved adjustability for different flow rate requirements while maintaining compact housing space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane concentric arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration where ring channels are distributed both radially and axially within the housing. This spatial distribution in multiple dimensions enhances flow rate adjustability and provides better control over fluid distribution patterns.
3Productivity
If flow rate regulators are used to regulate fluid flow, then the flow can be controlled, but the regulation becomes pressure-dependent rather than pressure-independent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure equalization chamber as an intermediary element that receives fluid from multiple ring channels and distributes it uniformly. This mediator compensates for pressure variations in the inlet flow, ensuring that the flow rate regulators maintain pressure-independent operation and deliver consistent flow rates regardless of inlet pressure fluctuations.
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
This design enables the flow rate regulator unit to maintain efficient fluid regulation across a wide pressure range, from low to high pressures, by allowing the flow rate regulators to adjust and complement each other, ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
an annular throttle or valve body made of elastic material, which deforms under the pressure of the inflowing fluid in such a way that the at least one flow regulator narrows a control gap and the at least one closing valve closes at least one valve opening
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a flow-rate controller unit (1), which has an insertion housing (2), which can be inserted into a fluid line and in which a plurality of flow paths are provided, a flow-rate controller (3, 4, 5) being arranged in at least one flow path of said plurality of flow paths, which flow-rate controller controls the fluid amount flowing through the flow-rate controller per unit of time to a flow-rate value defined independently of pressure, and a closing valve (6) being provided in at least one further flow path of said plurality of flow paths, which closing valve can be moved from an open position into a closed position under the pressure of the incident fluid against a restoring force, wherein the at least one flow-rate controller (3, 4, 5) and the at least one closing valve (6) each have an annular throttling and/or valve body (8, 9, 10; 7) composed of elastic material, which throttling and/or valve body deforms under the pressure of the contacting fluid in such a way that the at least one flow-rate controller (3, 4, 5) narrows a control gap and the at least one closing valve (6) closes at least one valve opening (11). The flow-rate controller unit according to the invention is characterized in that a first annular channel (12) is provided in the insertion housing (2), which first annular channel surrounds a housing surface of the insertion housing (2), in which housing surface at least two internal annular channels (13, 14, 15) are provided, the center point of each internal annular channel being arranged outside of the housing surface surrounded by the other internal annular channels (13, 14, 15).