Fluidic Oscillator Channel Merging for Compact Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-induced fluidic actuators for active flow control require significant installation space and material, making them cumbersome and weight-intensive, especially in applications like wings where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A device generating fluid pulses with a novel configuration of channels and control outlets, where the first channel has multiple working outlets and a second channel with control outlets positioned in front of the fluid inlets, reducing the need for separate feedback and working lines, allowing for compact design and efficient fluid diversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional self-induced fluidic actuators with separate feedback loops and outlet lines are used, then the control signal can be provided to the AFC stage, but the required installation space and material increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the feedback loop and outlet line functions into a single integrated channel structure. The channel serves dual purposes: it provides the control signal to the AFC stage while simultaneously returning fluid to the interaction zone, eliminating the need for separate feedback loops and reducing installation space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The channel is designed to perform multiple functions within a single structural element: it acts as both the control fluid delivery path and the feedback return path, maximizing space utilization and reducing the overall device footprint while maintaining reliable control signal provision
2Reliability
If the return lines and feed lines are made longer to accommodate control stage requirements, then the control signal modulation is improved, but the installation space and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the feedback and outlet functions into one channel, the patent reduces the total length of fluid pathways required. The integrated channel design minimizes material usage while maintaining adequate fluid circulation for proper signal modulation
3Reliability
If separate feedback loops and outlet lines are used, then the fluidic oscillation can be generated, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by merging separate feedback loops and outlet lines into a single integrated channel structure. This simplification maintains the fluidic oscillation generation capability while reducing the number of components and interconnections required
Solution Approach 2:
The channel design incorporates localized geometric features and dimensioning that enable both feedback and outlet functions to be performed effectively within the single channel, maintaining proper fluidic oscillation without requiring complex separate structures
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
This configuration minimizes the required installation space and material usage, achieving efficient fluid pulse generation with reduced dimensioning needs and enabling stable operation even with high restrictive effects, while allowing for flexible design and application in various flow control scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid flowing in through the first fluid inlet passes through the first channel, and after running through the first channel, at least a portion of the introduced fluid exits the first channel through the first control outlet, thereby causing the inflowing fluid to be diverted toward the second fluid inlet
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for generating fluid pulses. The device comprises a first channel (C1) with a first fluid inlet (R1) and a second channel (C2) with a second fluid inlet (R2), wherein the first fluid inlet and second fluid inlet are essentially situated opposite each other. The first channel (C1) comprises a first control outlet (CP1) at the height of the first fluid inlet (R1), and the second channel (C2) comprises a second control outlet (CP2) at the height of the second fluid inlet (R2), wherein the respective control outlet (CP1, CP2) is located in front of the respective fluid inlet in relation to the inflowing direction of the fluid inlet. During operation, a fluid flowing in through the first fluid inlet (R1) passes through the first channel (C1), and after running through the first channel (C1), at least a portion of the introduced fluid exits the first channel (C1) through the first control outlet (CP1), thereby causing the inflowing fluid to be diverted toward the second fluid inlet (R2), or a fluid flowing in through the second fluid inlet (R2) passes through the second channel (C2), and after running through the second channel (C2), at least a portion of the introduced fluid exits the second channel (C2) through the second control outlet (CP2), thereby causing the inflowing fluid to be diverted toward the first fluid inlet (R1). The first channel (C1)comprises a working outlet (WP1) or several working outlets (WP1, WP2), through which a portion of the inflowing fluid may be removed. In the fluid direction subsequent to the last working outlet of the first channel (C1), the remaining portion of the introduced fluid exits the first channel (C1) through the first control outlet (CP1).