Flow divider with internal vane

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Solution Overview

Problem

In applications where gases must traverse sharp turns and split into multiple streams, existing flow dividers often result in uneven mass distribution due to gas compressibility, especially in large engines with low-pressure fuel delivery systems where upstream turning vanes cannot be added.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a flow splitter with an internal vane that turns the flowing fluid between 0 degrees and 150 degrees, configuring the fluid to split along specific axes and forming conduits with varying cross-sectional areas to achieve even mass distribution between outlets, reducing volumetric flow variation to 30% or less.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a flow splitter is placed downstream of a sharp turn, then the device complexity is reduced, but the mass distribution between outlets becomes uneven due to gas compressibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmass distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flow splitter is segmented into multiple functional zones: a sharp turn section, a recovery section with first and second vanes, and a splitting section with outlets. This segmentation allows each section to address specific flow characteristics, recovering compressed gas and achieving uniform mass distribution at outlets without adding complex upstream components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

First and second vanes are introduced as intermediary elements within the flow splitter to redirect and equalize the compressed gas flow before it reaches the outlets. These vanes act as mediators that transform the uneven compressed flow into uniformly distributed flow at the outlets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If a turning vane is added upstream of the flow splitter, then the mass distribution improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass distribution uniformityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow splitter merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: it performs flow direction change, compressed gas recovery, and flow splitting simultaneously. By combining these functions in one unit rather than using separate upstream turning vanes plus a downstream splitter, the solution improves mass distribution while avoiding increased device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If the cross-sectional area of conduits is reduced, then the gas compression is minimized, but the flow capacity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass distribution uniformityVSAvoidflow capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow splitter employs dynamic cross-sectional area variations along its length. The first and second conduits have different cross-sectional areas at different positions, creating optimal flow conditions at each section. This dynamic design allows the system to minimize compression effects where needed while maintaining adequate flow capacity throughout the device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration significantly improves the evenness of mass distribution between outlets, as demonstrated by a comparison showing a mass flow ratio improvement from 0.585 to 1.02 when using the internal vane, effectively addressing the issue of uneven mass distribution post-sharp turns.

Implementation Method 1

the internal vane is configured to turn, between the first end and the second end, an internal flowing fluid from 0 degrees to a degree between about 60 degrees and 150 degrees

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow redirection:

Implementation Method 2

The internal vane may be configured to split the internal flowing fluid along a first axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow splitting:

Implementation Method 3

one of the at least two outlets may have a first axis component and another outlet may have a second axis component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow division:

Implementation Method 4

the first conduit and the second conduit may have varying cross-sectional areas between the first end and the second end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow control through cross-sectional area variation:

Data Source

PatentUS11448350B2Flow divider with internal vane

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 CUMMINS INC

AI summary

A flow splitter may include an inlet, at least two outlets, and an internal vane comprising a first end corresponding to the inlet and a second end corresponding to the at least two outlets, wherein the internal vane is configured to turn, between the first end and the second end, an internal flowing fluid from 0 degrees to a degree between about 60 degrees and 150 degrees. Methods of dividing fluid flow are also provided.