Flow Regulator With Adjustable Helical Pitch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow regulators either lack precision in adjusting flow resistance or fail to provide an automatic compensating function, making them inadequate for precise fluid management in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A flow regulator design featuring a channel, rod, and adjustable helical coil, which allows for adjustable helical pitch to regulate flow resistance, and optionally includes a slide block and force provider for automatic compensation, enabling precise control of fluid flow and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a common type flow regulator uses precision machining for channels and capillary openings, then flow resistance adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the helical coil (pitch, diameter, number of turns) to adjust flow resistance. By varying these parameters, different flow resistance values can be achieved without complex precision machining of channels and capillary openings, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable rod that can be adjusted to different positions, making the flow regulator dynamic rather than static. This allows continuous adjustment of flow resistance by changing the effective length of the helical coil, providing precision control without fixed complex channel structures
2Extent of automation
If a compensating type flow regulator embeds a pressure feedback regulating device, then automatic compensating function is improved, but ease of operation for adjusting flow resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the automatic compensation function (performed by the spring-loaded rod mechanism) from the flow resistance adjustment function (performed by external rotation). This segmentation allows both functions to operate independently without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between automation and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the threaded rod and spring assembly) that translates pressure changes into positional adjustments. This intermediary enables automatic compensation while keeping the flow resistance adjustment interface simple and user-friendly
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a flow regulator capable of regulating flow resistance of a fluid by adjusting helical pitch of the flow regulator. The flow regulator comprises: a channel, a rod, and a helical coil. The channel has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for a fluid flowing in and out of the flow regulator, respectively. The rod has a fore end and a rear end opposite to each other. The fore end is inside the channel, and the rear end is closer to the fluid outlet than the fluid inlet. The helical coil winds around the rod, and the helical pitch of the helical coil is adjustable for regulating flow resistance of the fluid. The channel further has a narrowed section where part of the helical coil located therein substantially occupies an annular space between the rod and an inner wall of the channel.