Flow Regulator Protrusion Spacing for Pressure-Independent Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flow regulators have limited adjustability in regulating behavior across different pressure ranges, as they rely on uniform spacing between regulating protrusions, which restricts their ability to maintain a desired flow rate independently of pressure variations.

Innovation Solution

The flow regulator incorporates non-uniform spacings between regulating protrusions, allowing for separate adjustment of regulating behavior in different pressure ranges by varying the spacing between neighboring protrusions, with larger spacings deforming under minor pressures and smaller spacings deforming at higher pressures, enabling a more extensive operating range and precise control over flow rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If uniform spacing between regulating protrusions is used, then the device structure is simple, but the regulating behavior cannot be adjusted across different pressure ranges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulating behavior adjustmentVSAvoidspacing configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the spacings between regulating protrusions non-uniform, with at least two different spacing values. This allows different regions of the regulating body to respond to different pressure ranges, enabling the flow regulator to maintain desired flow rates across varying pressure conditions without requiring multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stress or pressure

If larger spacing between regulating protrusions is used, then the regulating body deforms under minor pressures, but the control precision at high pressures is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure range coverageVSAvoidflow rate control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the spacing dimensions between regulating protrusions. By using at least two different spacing values, the regulating body can deform progressively under different pressure levels, allowing precise flow rate control across a wide pressure range while maintaining accuracy at both low and high pressures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for regulating curves that rapidly ascend to a desired flow rate regardless of pressure, providing a wider operating range and precise control over flow rates, independent of pressure variations.

Implementation Method 1

a shape variation of the regulating body causes a variation in the size of the regulating gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-induced deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

the regulating body and the regulating profile therebetween delimit a regulating gap in such a manner that a shape variation of the regulating body causes a variation in the size of the regulating gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10935993B2Flow rate controller

Publication Date: 2021.03.02 NEOPERL GMBH

AI summary

In a flow regulator (1) having a regulating body (3) and a regulating profile (8), which therebetween configure a regulating gap (11), the available width or opening cross section of said regulating gap (11) being variable by pressure, it is provided that regulating protrusions (9) are disposed such that neighboring regulating protrusions (9) therebetween enclose dissimilar spacings (10, 13).