Fluid Flow Sinker with Segmented Tube Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow devices, especially those with soft constructions, tend to stick to vessel sidewalls when negative pressure is applied, causing vacuum formation and termination of fluid flow, which increases evacuation time and costs, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry where fluid loss is unsustainable.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow sinker with a generally cylindrical sidewall and an aperture design that allows for increased fluid removal volume and minimizes vacuum formation, featuring a specific diameter and length ratio, aperture orientation, and material density to ensure complete fluid extraction without sticking to vessel surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a soft tube is used to extract fluid from a vessel, then the tube can move within the vessel, but the tube sticks against the sidewall when negative pressure is applied, causing vacuum formation and termination of fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is segmented into multiple sections with different properties. The distal section has a first diameter while the proximal section has a second diameter, creating a stepped configuration that prevents uniform sticking to the sidewall while maintaining mobility and fluid flow capability
Solution Approach 2:
The tube employs asymmetric diameter distribution along its length, with the distal section having a different diameter than the proximal section. This asymmetry prevents the tube from uniformly adhering to the sidewall under negative pressure, allowing it to maintain both mobility and continuous fluid flow
2Productivity
If negative pressure is applied within the tube to cause fluid flow, then fluid can be extracted at a desired flow rate, but the tube forms a vacuum against the sidewall, preventing decoupling and terminating fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The tube design allows dynamic adjustment of its configuration under pressure. The stepped diameter sections enable the tube to flex and change shape when negative pressure is applied, preventing vacuum formation against the sidewall and maintaining continuous fluid flow without termination
3Ease of operation
If a soft tube is used to permit fluid flow, then the tube can move within the vessel, but the tube sticks to the sidewall, increasing evacuation time and operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented tube structure with different diameter sections prevents uniform adhesion to the sidewall, allowing the tube to maintain flexibility and movement while avoiding sticking that would increase evacuation time
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric diameter configuration creates non-uniform contact with the sidewall, preventing the tube from becoming stuck and enabling continuous operation without time loss from evacuation delays
4Quantity of substance
If suction is applied for a predefined period to extract fluid, then fluid can be removed, but temporary termination or reduction in fluid flow results in larger portion of fluid remaining in the vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic tube configuration ensures continuous fluid flow without termination or reduction, maximizing the quantity of fluid extracted during the predefined suction period and improving overall removal 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 design enables nearly unrestricted fluid flow while preventing vacuum formation against vessel surfaces, enhancing fluid removal efficiency and reducing operational costs by ensuring complete extraction of fluids, even from hard-to-reach locations.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid flow sinker with a generally cylindrical sidewall and an aperture design that allows for increased fluid removal volume and minimizes vacuum formation
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid flow sinker including a body having a generally cylindrical sidewall, a first end, a second end, and an aperture extending between the first and second ends; and a fluid passageway disposed on the first end and extending from the generally cylindrical sidewall to the aperture, wherein the fluid flow sinker is adapted to receive a tube in communication with the aperture.