Fluid Injector Assembly for Leakage-Free Rim Jet Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow machines, such as blowers, compressors, and turbines, face limitations in aerodynamic loadability and efficiency due to boundary layer growth and separation near casing walls, with existing solutions for influencing boundary layers being ineffective and prone to leakage.
Innovation Solution
A fluid injector assembly with a central injector insert that provides a leakage-free fluid introduction into the main flow path, featuring a firm connection to the fluid supply chamber and strategically oriented injector nozzles to minimize leakage and enhance flow guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If injector nozzles are provided directly in blade components or casing components, then fluid can be introduced into the flow path, but loose fit between components causes leakage flows that disturb the course of flow and reduce machine performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate injector component as an intermediary element that connects to the blade component or casing component. This injector includes a nozzle and a connection element that firmly attaches to the host component, creating a dedicated fluid introduction path that is isolated from the loose fits between main components. The intermediary injector structure enables precise flow control while maintaining ease of installation through separate assembly.
2Reliability
If axially-symmetric slots are used for air supply to influence wall boundary layers, then boundary layer control is achieved, but the solutions are restricted in practical applicability and effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from axially-symmetric slot configurations to localized injector nozzles that can be positioned at specific locations around the annulus duct. Each injector can be independently configured with specific orientation and flow characteristics tailored to local boundary layer conditions. This local quality approach allows different injectors to address specific problem areas while maintaining overall system effectiveness and versatility.
3Reliability
If individual injector nozzles are arranged as obstructions in the gas flow, then radial gap flow is favorably influenced, but leakage occurs through gaps and openings in the components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid introduction function from the main blade or casing components and places it in a separate, dedicated injector component. This extraction allows the injector to be designed specifically for its function with minimal leakage paths, while the main components can be optimized for their primary aerodynamic functions. The separate injector structure takes out the problematic interaction between structural gaps and fluid introduction.
4Device complexity
If injector nozzles are provided directly in components, then fluid introduction is simple, but the usually loose fit between components entails large number of small openings and gaps which permit fluid to accidentally escape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid introduction system into separate functional elements: the injector component with nozzle and connection element, distinct from the blade or casing components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the injector for leak-free fluid introduction and the main components for structural and aerodynamic functions. The separation eliminates the leakage paths that would exist in integrated designs due to loose fits between components.
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 ensures unhindered, positively controllable flow in the rim area, reducing leakage and improving the performance characteristics of fluid flow machines by efficiently directing fluid jets along the confining walls of the main flow path.
Implementation Method 1
The aerodynamic loadability and the efficiency of fluid flow machines such as blowers, compressors, pumps, fans and turbines, is limited in particular by the growth and the separation of boundary layers near the casing wall
Implementation Method 2
enables efficient and leakage-free rim jet generation at the confining walls of the main flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow machine has a flow duct confined by a wall of a casing, with a fluid supply chamber being arranged in an area of the wall, which is in flow connection with an injector insert. The injector insert is provided with an injector nozzle for supplying fluid from the fluid supply chamber into the flow duct. The injector insert is closely connected to the wall of the fluid supply chamber.