Fluid distribution device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid distribution devices in vehicles face challenges in saving installation space while maintaining control options for fluid flow, often resulting in high counter pressure requirements and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid distribution device featuring at least one rotary, elongated hollow element with fluid-passage openings, allowing for variable fluid flow by rotating the element, which can be manually or motor-actuated, enabling compact and thermally insulated designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If space-saving designs are used for fluid distribution devices, then installation space is reduced, but control options for fluid flow are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor housing is divided into multiple outlet openings, with each outlet opening having an associated hollow element that can be independently rotated to control fluid flow to specific outlets. This segmentation allows compact design while maintaining individual control over multiple fluid paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow elements are designed to be rotatable within the distributor housing, allowing dynamic adjustment of fluid flow distribution. The rotation of hollow elements changes the alignment of fluid-passage openings with outlet openings, enabling flexible control of fluid flow to different outlets without requiring complex valve mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If known fluid distribution devices are used, then fluid flow control is available, but counter pressure is comparatively high requiring powerful flow generators
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow elements incorporate fluid-passage openings that allow fluid to pass through during rotation. These openings enable smooth fluid flow transitions and reduce turbulence and counter pressure compared to traditional valve designs, eliminating the need for powerful flow generators while maintaining effective fluid flow control.
3Device complexity
If manual control is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but automation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow elements are designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both manual rotation and motor-driven rotation. The same hollow element structure and fluid-passage openings work equally well whether rotated by hand or by an electric motor, allowing the system to function in both manual and automated modes without requiring different control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid distribution device that includes a distributor housing having at least one fluid inlet opening and at least one fluid outlet opening; and at least one rotary, elongated hollow element having a wall that has one or more fluid-passage openings, a fluid flow through the distributor housing is changed by rotating the at least one hollow element.