Flow separation device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow separation technologies are cumbersome, costly, and complex, requiring active control and many components, which complicates the redirection of flows, especially in ensuring water quality for drinking by preventing pathogens.
Innovation Solution
A flow separation device with a branching section that uses a flow rate control device to selectively redirect water through second and third delivery lines based on flow rate, eliminating the need for active control and reducing components, allowing redirection dependent on water energy, and incorporating a UV lamp for sanitization in a beverage preparation device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If active control mechanisms and multiple components are used for flow separation, then flow redirection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow separation device utilizes the kinetic energy of the water flow itself to drive the separation process. The water jet directly impacts the deflectors to redirect the flow, eliminating the need for external actuators, motors, or control systems. The system serves itself by using the flow's own energy to perform the separation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems (valves, actuators, motors) with a simplified mechanical structure consisting of fixed deflectors and a water jet. The control mechanism is reduced to merely adjusting the jet direction and flow rate, substituting a complex mechanical system with a much simpler one that achieves the same flow redirection capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple active components are used for flow separation, then flow control precision is improved, but maintenance cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of flow separation from a complex multi-component system and implements it using only the water jet and simple deflectors. By removing unnecessary active components, the system achieves adequate flow control precision with dramatically reduced maintenance requirements. Only the jet direction and flow rate need adjustment, while all separation components remain passive and maintenance-free.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex flow separation structures are used, then flow redirection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow separation function is segmented into simple, discrete components: a water jet source and individual deflectors positioned at specific locations. Each deflector handles a portion of the flow redirection task, and their simple geometries make them easy to manufacture. The segmentation allows achieving accurate flow redirection through proper positioning rather than complex component design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves flow redirection accuracy by changing parameters such as jet flow rate, jet direction angle, and deflector positioning, rather than using complex component geometries. These parameters are easier and less costly to adjust during manufacturing and operation compared to precision-machined complex structures.
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 solution simplifies flow separation, reduces costs, and effectively sanitizes water by using passive components and UV light, ensuring safe drinking water without complex structures or active control, enhancing water quality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
UV-Lampe zur UV-Bestrahlung und Desinfektion des Wassers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a flow separation device (100), which may be provided in a beverage preparation device (1). The flow separation device (100) in particular effects an easier separation (redirection) of a flow. The flow separation device (100) comprises a first delivery line (30) to drain water from a buffer tank (2), a branching section (29) provided downstream the first delivery line (30), wherein the branching section (29) branches the first delivery line (30) into a second delivery line (28) and a third delivery line (23), each of the second and third delivery line (28, 23) leading to a respective discharge outlet (22; 24), and a flow rate control device (26) for delivering water through the flow separation device (100) and for adjusting the flow rate of the water. Each of the second delivery line (28) and third delivery line (23) comprises a respective section (281; 231), wherein said sections (281, 231) are arranged such that if water is delivered by the flow rate control device (26) at a flow rate below a defined threshold value the water is delivered beyond the section (281) of the second delivery line (28) but not beyond the section (231) of the third delivery line (23), thereby discharging the water via the discharge outlet (22) of the second delivery line (28), and if water is delivered by the flow rate control device (26) at a flow rate at or above the defined threshold value the water is at least partially delivered beyond the section (231) of the third delivery line (23), thereby discharging the water at least partially via the discharge outlet (24) of the third delivery line (23).