Fluid Device Unit Structure Asymmetric Flow Path Stagnation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In fluid apparatus unit structures handling slurried chemical fluids, stagnation areas form due to the positional relationship between flow paths and valve spaces, leading to fluid pooling and solidification, which is undesirable as it causes condensate to attach inside valves.

Innovation Solution

The fluid apparatus unit structure incorporates plug-type valve bodies with no concave portions at the bottom, forming a swirling flow path that reduces stagnation areas, preventing fluid pooling and solidification by using valve body accommodating spaces for both chemical and water circulation paths, ensuring efficient fluid displacement and flushing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If valves are connected in series by a flow path on a coaxial line, then the device structure is simplified and compact, but stagnation areas form in the valve spaces causing fluid pooling and solidification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidstagnation areas causing fluid solidification
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path is positioned asymmetrically within the valve body accommodating space, specifically arranged to avoid the peripheral concave portions where stagnation occurs. This asymmetric positioning allows the main flow to pass through the central region while bypassing the dead zones, resolving the contradiction between compact coaxial structure and fluid stagnation prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The flow path transitions from a simple linear coaxial arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration that utilizes both the central axial region and radial positioning. By extending the flow path in multiple directions and elevating it above the valve accommodating spaces, the design creates a three-dimensional flow pattern that avoids stagnation areas while maintaining compact overall dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the flow path passes through valve body accommodating spaces, then the device becomes more compact without external piping, but concave portions in valve spaces create dead zones for fluid pooling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepiping structureVSAvoidconcave portions causing fluid pooling
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path is extracted from the concave peripheral portions of the valve accommodating spaces and repositioned to traverse only the central convex region. This extraction eliminates the interaction between the flow path and the harmful concave portions, allowing the integrated valve structure to be maintained while preventing fluid pooling in dead zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow path is segmented into multiple sections that navigate around the valve accommodating spaces rather than passing directly through them. Each segment is carefully routed to maintain flow velocity and avoid stagnation, while the overall path remains integrated within the compact device structure without requiring external piping

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 prevents fluid stagnation and solidification, allowing for compact, efficient chemical fluid circulation and water circulation without condensate formation, maintaining operational integrity and preventing chemical fluid solidification within the apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a flow path, linked between the adjacent flow apparatus components, forming a flow that swirls

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwirling flow: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentEP2149730B1Fluid device unit structure
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 SURPASS IND
  • EP2149730B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2149730B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2149730B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fluid apparatus unit structure is provided that can be applied to a use in which a chemical fluid is removed as necessary while chemical fluid circulation and water circulation are being carried out, a fluid such as a chemical fluid does not readily solidify therein, and the fluid apparatus unit structure is compact. In the fluid apparatus unit structure (FU) that groups together and integrates plural fluid apparatus components that are connected via a flow path into a base member (10), a linked flow path (15), which links an adjacent air pressure control valve (20A) and a manual control valve (30A) that form a first chemical fluid discharge path that carries out chemical fluid circulation, is offset from the axial center of the fluid apparatus components.