Fluid Absorption Dynamometer Variable Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid-type absorption dynamometers have a restricted power range, limiting their use in testing a wide range of engine designs with varying shaft-horsepower outputs, as they are typically designed for specific power ranges and cannot adapt effectively to different loads.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a housing with a rotatably mounted impeller having a fluid intake and exhaust region, an adjustable flow restrictor, and movable impeller shrouds that can variably occlude the exhaust flow duct, allowing for adjustable power absorption across a wider range of rotational speeds and loads by controlling the intake and exhaust flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-power-range design is used, then the dynamometer is optimized for specific power absorption, but it cannot test a wide range of engine designs with varying shaft-horsepower outputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements movable impeller shrouds that can be adjusted to different positions to variably occlude the exhaust flow duct, and an adjustable flow restrictor in the fluid intake that can be positioned to restrict intake fluid flow. These dynamic adjustments allow a single dynamometer to adapt to different power ranges (110-9200 shaft-horsepower) without requiring multiple fixed-design devices, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by adjusting the position of the impeller shrouds and flow restrictor to modify exhaust flow and intake fluid flow restrictions. By varying these parameters, the dynamometer can optimize performance across a wide power range, allowing one device to replace multiple fixed-power-range devices and thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing structural complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the intake fluid flow is restricted, then the power absorption capability is reduced, but the operational range is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable flow restrictor allows dynamic control of intake fluid flow restriction based on the specific testing requirements. When testing lower-power engines, the restrictor can be positioned to limit flow and reduce power absorption capability to match the lower range (110 shaft-horsepower). When testing higher-power engines, the restrictor can be moved to allow greater flow and higher power absorption (up to 9200 shaft-horsepower), thus providing operational flexibility while maintaining appropriate power levels for different applications
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 enables the dynamometer to handle a broader range of shaft-horsepower outputs, from approximately 110 to 9200 shaft-horsepower, by adjusting the intake and exhaust flow restrictions, enhancing its operational flexibility and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller rotatably mounted in the housing for receiving rotational energy from an external rotating load when the absorption dynamometer is operating, the impeller having a fluid intake region and a fluid exhaust region located radially outward from the fluid intake region
Implementation Method 2
a fluid intake for communicating a fluid to the fluid intake region of the impeller as an intake fluid flow when the absorption dynamometer is operating, the fluid intake including an adjustable flow restrictor that allows the intake fluid flow to be selectably restricted
Implementation Method 3
a movable cylindrical impeller-blade shroud concentric with the rotational axis, the movable cylindrical impeller-blade shroud being locatable only radially outward of the plurality of blades relative to the rotational axis of the impeller and movable so as to variably occlude the exhaust flow duct
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid-type absorption dynamometer that includes a rotary impeller and one or more of a variety of features that enhance the shaft-horsepower range for which the dynamometer can be used. One of these features is a variable restriction intake that allows a user to adjust the flow of fluid to the impeller. Other features are a unique impeller shroud and shroud guide that are each movable relative to the impeller to allow a user to adjust flow characteristics at the exhaust and blade regions of the impeller. Yet another feature is a set of exhaust baffles that facilitate an increase in the range of shaft power ratings of the device and the reduction of deleterious vibration and noise. The dynamometer also includes impeller blades having a unique configuration.