Fluid Flow Restrictor With Outboard Flange For Duct Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ducting systems face challenges in precisely controlling fluid flow between ducts due to design constraints, requiring adjustable flow restrictors that can be effectively integrated without compromising structural integrity or airflow requirements.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow restrictor device with a restrictor body and an outboard flange that is partially inserted into a duct, featuring a restrictor opening and a duct connection mechanism to prevent relative movement and ensure fluid flow control, utilizing various shapes and materials for optimal flow management and noise attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flow restrictor device is fully inserted into a duct, then the flow control function is improved, but the device cannot be properly retained or positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor device is divided into functional segments: an insertion portion that fits within the duct and a flange portion that remains outside. This segmentation allows the device to be both inserted for flow control and retained by the flange, resolving the contradiction between insertion depth and retention capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange acts as an intermediary element between the insertable restrictor body and the duct exterior. It provides a retention mechanism that prevents full insertion while maintaining the flow control function of the restrictor opening, mediating between the need for insertion and the need for retention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the duct layout includes breaks for flow restrictors, then airflow adjustment is improved, but the structural integrity or design constraints are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor device with flange serves multiple functions: it provides flow control through the restrictor opening, maintains duct structural continuity by spanning the break, and simplifies installation by preventing full insertion. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite requiring duct breaks.
3Manufacturing precision
If an orifice plate with multiple holes is used, then airflow calibration is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of distributing multiple holes throughout the orifice plate, the invention concentrates the flow control function in a single strategically located restrictor opening. This localizes the precision requirement to one opening rather than multiple holes, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining calibration capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow restrictor device for controlling fluid flow at a connection between ducts may include a restrictor device body that is partially or fully inserted into and disposed within one of the ducts and an outboard restrictor device flange extending radially outward at an outboard end of the restrictor device body and having an outboard flange outer diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of the ducts so that the restrictor device body or the outboard restrictor device flange is engaged by an open end surface of the duct to prevent full insertion of the fluid flow restrictor device into the duct. A body inner surface defines a restrictor opening through the restrictor device body that can be varied to achieve desired fluid flow characteristics at the connection.