Fluid flow controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems with two-door blend control face challenges in achieving precise temperature control due to variability in kinematic linkage elements, leading to potential leaks and increased complexity, mass, and cost, as existing kinematic links fail to provide desired motion between doors.
Innovation Solution
A flexible kinematic link connects a single actuator to both doors, allowing for balanced force distribution and minimizing stress, enabling robust sealing across varying tolerances without the need for additional components like cams, thus reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing kinematic linkage elements are used in two-door blend control, then the system structure is established, but variability in linkage elements leads to imprecise door motion control and potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the kinematic link from rigid to flexible, allowing it to dynamically adjust its length in response to tensile and compressive loads. This parameter change enables the linkage to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and maintain precise door motion control while ensuring reliable sealing performance across varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the kinematic linkage by making it flexible rather than rigid. The flexible link can adapt its configuration in real-time based on the mechanical loads applied, allowing the system to maintain optimal performance despite variations in door positions and external forces, thereby resolving the contradiction between precision and reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid kinematic links are used to connect actuator to doors, then structural stability is maintained, but stress concentration occurs and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid kinematic links with a flexible link that can bend and flex while maintaining structural integrity. This flexible element provides the necessary stability for door control while eliminating stress concentration points associated with rigid connections, and simplifies the overall system by removing the need for additional rigid components and joints.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional components like cams are added to control door motion, then motion precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional control components such as cams by utilizing the inherent flexibility of the kinematic link. The flexible link itself provides the necessary motion control through its ability to flex and extend, removing the complexity and cost associated with separate cam mechanisms while maintaining precise door position control.
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 solution allows for precise temperature control with reduced risk of leaks and increased durability, enabling larger tolerances and cost savings while maintaining robust sealing performance across different positions.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible link length of the flexible kinematic link is responsive to a compressive load and a tensile load
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow controller includes a housing defining a first and a second fluid path. A first door is in the first fluid path to selectably control a first flow through the first fluid path in response to a rotation of a first lever. A second door is in the second fluid path to selectably control a second flow through the second fluid path in response to a rotation of a second lever. A flexible kinematic link is to connect an actuator arm rotatable about an actuator arm axis to the first lever via first pin joints for rotation of the first door about the first pivot axis. A flexible link length is responsive to a compressive and a tensile load. A rigid link is to connect the actuator arm to the second lever via second pin joints for rotation of the second door about the second pivot axis.