Vehicle Fluid Elbow Guide Geometry for Low Pressure Drop
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elbows for fluid lines in vehicles create pressure drops due to sharp edges and vortices when fluids change direction, leading to energy inefficiencies in the fluid system.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating guide elements, such as guide walls or arc-shaped sections, within the elbow to divert fluid flow smoothly through the change angle, reducing vortex formation and pressure drops, while allowing for simplified production without undercuts that could damage the mold cores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a sharp edge is formed between the legs of the elbow using separate mold cores, then the manufacturing process is simplified and mold core withdrawal is enabled, but vortices are generated in the fluid flow causing considerable pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the sharp edge between elbow legs with a curved transition surface. This curvature allows fluid to flow smoothly around the corner without abrupt direction changes, eliminating vortex formation and the associated pressure drop, while still enabling mold core withdrawal through the curved geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the elbow interior by introducing a curved transition zone with specific radius and profile. This parameter change transforms the flow characteristics from turbulent (with vortices) to laminar, reducing energy loss while maintaining manufacturability.
2Loss of energy
If a curve is formed instead of a sharp edge to reduce vortices, then pressure drop is reduced, but undercuts are created for mold cores that could lead to damage during withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The curved transition surface is designed with specific geometric characteristics that provide smooth fluid flow (reducing pressure drop) while avoiding undercut conditions. The curvature radius and profile are optimized to maintain moldability, allowing vertical or near-vertical mold core withdrawal paths without creating interlocking geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different geometric qualities to different regions: the interior flow path has smooth curves to reduce vortices, while the exterior or specific withdrawal zones maintain geometries favorable for mold core extraction. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction between flow efficiency and manufacturability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the elbow is designed as a quick-action connector with separate mold cores for each leg, then connection flexibility is improved, but sharp edges are formed that generate vortices
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-action connector design is maintained for adaptability, but the interior geometry between legs is modified with curved transitions. This allows the connector to retain its functional versatility while eliminating the sharp edges that cause energy loss, achieving both connection flexibility and flow efficiency.
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 guide elements effectively reduce vortices and pressure drops in the fluid system, enhancing energy efficiency by minimizing the need for additional pressure increases, and simplify the production process by avoiding undercuts that could cause mold core damage.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one guide element at least largely changes the flow direction of one part of the fluid by the change angle
Data Source
AI summary
An angle piece for fluidically connecting fluid lines of a vehicle. The angle piece has a channel portion for altering a flow direction of a fluid about an alteration angle. An input flow direction of the fluid into the angle piece and an outlet flow direction of the fluid from the angle piece form limbs of the alteration angle. At least one guide element is arranged in the channel portion, which guide element protrudes into the channel portion. The at least one guide element altering the flow direction of a part of the fluid by the alteration angle. The angle piece thus has a low pressure drop.