Fluid Actuator Vortex Flow Dividing Pulsation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid actuators for influencing flow along a flow surface require numerous mechanical components, including movable valves, which increase complexity and maintenance needs, and are costly.

Innovation Solution

A fluid actuator design that utilizes a flow dividing device and control pressure varying device to create pulsatile flow without mechanical valves, using vortex shedding from a flow body to distribute fluid between outlet openings, allowing for continuous flow and reduced mechanical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical valves are used to distribute fluid between outlet openings, then flow distribution control is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance needs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow distribution controlVSAvoidmechanical components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical valves with a flow dividing device that uses fluid dynamics principles to distribute flow between outlet openings. The flow dividing device creates alternating high and low pressure zones through vortex formation, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while maintaining flow control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses pneumatic principles by employing a control pressure varying device that generates alternating pressure zones in a control chamber. This pneumatic control mechanism regulates fluid distribution to outlet openings without requiring mechanical valves, using pressure differential control instead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If mechanical valves are used for flow distribution, then flow control is achieved, but maintenance intervals are reduced due to mechanical wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow controlVSAvoidmaintenance intervals

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical valves that are subject to wear and require maintenance by replacing them with a flow dividing device based on vortex dynamics. This non-mechanical approach to flow control significantly extends maintenance intervals and improves reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow dividing device operates autonomously using the kinetic energy of the incoming fluid flow to generate vortices and alternating pressure zones. The system self-regulates flow distribution without requiring mechanical actuation or external control mechanisms, reducing maintenance needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If mechanical valves are used to create pulsatile flow, then flow pulsation is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow pulsation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive mechanical valve assemblies with a simpler flow dividing device that creates pulsatile flow through vortex dynamics. The control pressure varying device uses passive fluid dynamic elements rather than mechanically actuated components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention generates pulsatile flow through periodic vortex formation and alternating pressure zones in the control chamber. This periodic action is achieved through the natural instability of fluid flow around the flow dividing device, eliminating the need for expensive mechanical oscillation or valve actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 design reduces mechanical complexity and maintenance by generating pulsatile flow without movable components, enhancing control efficiency and extending maintenance intervals while minimizing costs.

Implementation Method 1

using vortex shedding from a flow body to distribute fluid between outlet openings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex shedding: Kármán Vortex Street

Data Source

PatentUS9976580B2Fluid actuator for influencing the flow along a flow surface, as well as blow-out device and flow body comprising a like fluid actuator

Publication Date: 2018.05.22 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a fluid actuator for influencing the flow along a flow surface by ejection of a fluid. By means of a like fluid actuator a continuous flow is distributed to at least two outlet openings in order to generate fluid pulses out of these outlet openings. Control of this distribution takes place inside an interaction chamber supplied with fluid flow via a feed line. Into this interaction chamber there merge at least two control lines via control openings to which respective different pressures may be applied. The flow in the interaction chamber is distributed to the individual outlet openings as a function of the pressure difference at the control openings.