Shared-Feedback Fluidic Oscillator Array for Synchronized Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluidic oscillators used in arrays for flow control applications lack synchronization, leading to random vortex generation and reduced control authority due to unsynchronized phasing, which diminishes the efficiency of flow control.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic oscillator array design where adjacent oscillators share feedback channels to synchronize their oscillations, ensuring that the fluid streams exiting the outlet nozzles oscillate at the same frequency or with a controlled phase difference, achieved through shared intermediate portions in the feedback channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple fluidic oscillators are used in an array for flow control, then the control authority and sweeping area are improved, but the oscillators oscillate randomly without synchronization, leading to mutual interference and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback channels of adjacent fluidic oscillators are merged into a common shared channel. This allows the oscillators to communicate fluid dynamically and synchronize their oscillations while maintaining individual control capabilities. The shared feedback channel enables mutual coupling between oscillators, ensuring they oscillate in phase across the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared feedback channel acts as an intermediary between adjacent fluidic oscillators. It mediates the fluid exchange between oscillators, allowing them to synchronize their oscillations without direct mechanical connection. The feedback channel transfers fluid pressure and flow information between oscillators, enabling coordinated operation.
2Device complexity
If fluidic oscillators operate independently without shared feedback channels, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control authority and vortex generation efficiency are diminished due to lack of coordination
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple feedback channels are merged into a single shared feedback channel that serves adjacent oscillators. This reduces the total number of separate feedback channels needed while enhancing control authority through synchronized operation. The shared channel configuration simplifies the overall system architecture compared to fully independent oscillators.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared feedback channel serves multiple functions: it provides feedback for individual oscillator operation and simultaneously enables synchronization between adjacent oscillators. This multi-functional design allows a single channel structure to achieve both independent operation and coordinated control, maximizing productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If fluidic oscillators are synchronized through shared feedback channels, then the vortex generation is coordinated and control authority is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to shared intermediate portions
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback channels are merged such that adjacent oscillators share common intermediate portions of the feedback channel structure. This merging approach achieves synchronization (improving reliability) while actually reducing device complexity compared to having completely separate feedback channels for each oscillator. The shared structure eliminates redundant components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared feedback channel structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides individual feedback paths for each oscillator and creates coupling between oscillators for synchronization. This multi-functionality means the same structural elements serve dual purposes, reducing the need for additional synchronization mechanisms and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 synchronization of fluidic oscillators in an array enhances the control authority by ensuring coordinated vortex generation, reducing mutual interference and improving the efficiency of flow control applications such as flow over wings and cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
Adjacent feedback channels of adjacent fluidic oscillators share a common intermediate portion such that the adjacent feedback channels are in fluid communication with each other
Implementation Method 2
The first attachment wall and second attachment wall of the interaction chamber are shaped to allow fluid from the fluid stream to flow into the first ends of the respective feedback channels, causing the fluid stream to oscillate between the first attachment wall and second attachment wall
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include a fluidic oscillator array including at least two fluidic oscillators, each including an interaction chamber, fluid supply inlet, outlet nozzle, and feedback channels. The interaction chambers have a first and second attachment wall. Fluid streams flow from the fluid supply inlets, into the interaction chambers, and exit through the outlet nozzles. A feedback channel is coupled to each of the first and second attachment walls. Each feedback channel is in fluid communication with the interaction chamber and has an intermediate portion disposed between a first and second end of the feedback channels. Fluid from the fluid stream flows into the first ends of the respective feedback channels, causing the fluid stream to oscillate between the first and second attachment walls. Adjacent feedback channels of adjacent fluidic oscillators share a common intermediate portion, causing the exiting fluid streams of each fluidic oscillator to oscillate at the same frequency.