Fluid Pressure Amplifier Using Periodic Obturator Action
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to effectively amplify fluid pressures from natural movements like water or wind to power machinery or generate electricity efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pressure amplifier with a housing and duct system, including an input piston and an obturator member that periodically closes to increase fluid pressure, which can drive mechanical or electrical power generation, and optionally linked to an output piston for further amplification, and can be integrated with a propulsion system for thrust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If natural fluid movements are used directly to drive machinery, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pressure amplitude is insufficient to effectively power equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The obturator member is actuated to periodically open and close the duct downstream of the input piston, creating periodic pressure pulses that amplify the force applied to the input piston. This periodic action transforms the low-amplitude natural fluid movements into high-amplitude pressure pulses suitable for driving machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The obturator member serves as an intermediary element between the natural fluid flow and the output piston. By periodically blocking and releasing the fluid flow, the obturator amplifies the pressure waveform, acting as a mediator that transforms the characteristics of the input fluid flow into amplified output pressure.
2Stress or pressure
If an obturator member is introduced to amplify pressure, then the fluid pressure amplitude increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The obturator member is designed to be actuated by the fluid flow itself or by a simple mechanical linkage, allowing the system to self-regulate the timing and duration of the pressure pulses. This self-service approach minimizes the need for complex external control systems while maintaining effective pressure amplification.
3Stress or pressure
If the input piston has greater cross-sectional area than the output piston, then pressure amplification is achieved, but the mechanical advantage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic closing of the duct by the obturator creates impulsive pressure waves that compensate for the reduced mechanical advantage. The repeated cycling of pressure buildup and release maintains effective force transmission despite the area difference between input and output pistons.
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 enables efficient conversion of fluid pressure into mechanical or electrical power, and can be used in various applications including propulsion systems, providing a reliable and versatile means to harness natural energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
the body of fluid flowing through the duct applies an increased pressure to the input piston
Implementation Method 2
Resulting movement of the input piston can be used to directly provide mechanical power or generate electricity
Implementation Method 3
the input piston is of greater cross-sectional area than the output piston. The pistons may be arranged such that movement of the input piston causes the output piston to apply an amplified pressure to an output fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A housing 10 defining a duct 11 for fluid flow contains a cylinder arrangement 18-20 mounted in or at an outlet end of the duct. An input piston 30 is exposed to the fluid flow through the duct and an obturator member 21 is mounted in the duct 11 and arranged to periodically close the duct downstream of the input piston 30 such that the body of fluid flowing through the duct applies an increased pressure to the input piston. Resulting movement of the input piston can be used to directly provide mechanical power, generate electricity, or provide compression of a volatile fluid which, when ignited, provides thrust through rapid exit of combustion products.