Flow Regulator Lattice Inserts for Turbulence Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow rate regulator units in plastic hydro-blocks of heating control systems generate undesirable noise due to resonances caused by turbulences, which are not effectively absorbed by the lighter plastic materials, leading to perceptible noise issues.
Innovation Solution
The flow rate regulator unit is equipped with an insert housing that includes a control core and an elastic throttle body, and features lattice or net structure insert parts upstream or downstream, which counteract noise-generating turbulence and calm the water flow, reducing noise and flow disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flow rate regulator units are used in plastic hydro-blocks, then the system becomes lighter and easier to manufacture, but noise generation increases due to resonances from turbulences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (magnetic particles suspended in fluid) that mediates between the turbulent flow and the plastic hydro-block structure. The magnetic field acts as a mediator to dampen vibrations without requiring additional mass in the plastic block, thus maintaining manufacturing ease while reducing noise generation from turbulences
2Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional noise damping methods using mass are applied, then noise absorption improves, but the system becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical noise damping methods (which rely on adding mass) with a magnetic field-based damping system. Magnetic particles in suspension respond to magnetic field gradients to dissipate vibration energy, achieving noise absorption without increasing system weight or mechanical complexity
3Productivity
If flow rate is increased to improve system performance, then productivity improves, but turbulence and noise generation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the damping medium by using magnetic particles with specific magnetic properties and controlling the magnetic field strength. This allows the system to adapt to different flow rates - at higher flows, the magnetic field can be adjusted to provide stronger damping forces, counteracting the increased turbulence without reducing productivity
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 use of lattice or net structure insert parts significantly reduces noise and enhances flow calming, even in systems lacking sufficient mass to absorb noise, by minimizing water pressure changes and rectifying turbulent flow.
Implementation Method 1
a throttle body (8) made of elastic material is provided, which under the pressure of the water flowing through the at least one control gap (10), experiences such a compression in the flow direction that this compression causes a circumferential expansion of the throttle bodies (8), which narrows the control gap (10)
Implementation Method 2
features lattice or net structure insert parts upstream or downstream, which counteract noise-generating turbulence and calm the water flow, reducing noise and flow disruptions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a flow rate regulator unit (2) with an insertion housing (5) which (5) can be arranged between an inflow-side and an outflow-side pipe section (3, 4) of a sanitary water pipe, in which insertion housing (5) at least one flow rate regulator with a control core (6) is provided, which control core (6) defines an annular channel between itself and a circumferential wall (7) surrounding the control core (6), in which annular channel a throttling element (8) made of elastic material is provided, which (8) defines at least one control gap (10) between itself and at least one control profile (9) provided on the control core (6) and additionally or instead on the circumferential wall (7), which control gap (10) is changeable under the pressure of the flowing water.The flow rate regulator unit (2) according to the invention, which is practically designed as a noise-dampened flow rate regulator, is characterized by the fact that at least one insert part (11, 12, 13, 14) is connected upstream or downstream in the flow direction, which at least one insert part (11, 12, 13, 14) has a grid or net structure (15) of webs (17, 18) intersecting each other at intersection nodes (16), which webs (17, 18) define flow openings (19) between them (see Fig. 3).