Fluidic Pulsation Attenuator with Steep Rolloff Slope

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluidic systems with fluidic pumps face challenges in efficiently attenuating pulsations, leading to unstable flow rates and fluid waste due to slow adjustment times.

Innovation Solution

A pulsation attenuator comprising a fluidic channel with a combination of first and second fluidic devices, each containing a resistor and capacitor, configured to provide a steep rolloff slope, effectively attenuating low-frequency fluctuations and high-frequency pulsations, similar to a high-order electronic low-pass filter, allowing rapid flow rate adjustment and stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If conventional pulsation attenuators are used, then pulsations are attenuated, but the adjustment time is long (minutes) and fluid waste occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment timeVSAvoidflow rate stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into multiple independent pulsation attenuators (first and second attenuators) with different cutoff frequencies. Each attenuator handles specific frequency ranges, allowing parallel processing of different pulsation components and enabling faster overall attenuation without compromising stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple pulsation attenuators with different cutoff frequency parameters are employed. The first attenuator has a higher cutoff frequency while the second has a lower cutoff frequency, creating a coordinated frequency-dependent attenuation system that achieves rapid stabilization across the full pulsation spectrum

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a single pulsation attenuator is used, then the system is simple, but it cannot effectively attenuate both low-frequency fluctuations and high-frequency pulsations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepulsation attenuation effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of fluidic devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency spectrum is segmented into different ranges, with each pulsation attenuator responsible for a specific segment. This division allows comprehensive coverage of both low and high-frequency pulsations while keeping each individual attenuator relatively simple in design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each pulsation attenuator is designed to handle multiple functions: attenuating pulsations within its frequency range, maintaining flow rate stability, and working cooperatively with other attenuators. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a shallow rolloff slope is used, then the system is simpler, but low-frequency fluctuations and high-frequency pulsations cannot be effectively differentiated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency-selective attenuationVSAvoidrolloff slope order
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency attenuation task is segmented across multiple attenuators with different rolloff characteristics. By combining their effects, the system achieves an overall steep rolloff slope that effectively differentiates between frequency ranges without requiring any single device to be overly complex

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple pulsation attenuators act as intermediaries that collectively provide the steep rolloff effect. Each attenuator contributes to the overall frequency discrimination, and their combined action achieves the desired sharp transition between passband and stopband without requiring a single high-order filter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 rapid stabilization and minimization of fluid waste by efficiently attenuating pulsations, reducing adjustment time from minutes to seconds and maintaining smooth flow, with a cutoff frequency suitable for fluidic systems.

Implementation Method 1

a first fluidic device (14) adapted to attenuate pulsations, and a second fluidic device (16) adapted to attenuate pulsations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulsation attenuation:

Implementation Method 2

The first fluidic device (14) preferably includes a first fluidic resistor (26) and a first fluidic capacitor (28), and the second fluidic device (16) preferably includes a second fluidic resistor (30) and a second fluidic capacitor (32)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluidic capacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP1957853B1Pulsation attenuator for a fluidic system
Publication Date: 2014.02.12 ACCURI INSTR
  • EP1957853B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1957853B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

A pulsation attenuator for a fluidic system with a fluidic pump. The pulsation attenuator includes a fluidic channel, a first fluidic device adapted to attenuate pulsations with a shallow rolloff slope, and a second fluidic device adapted to attenuate pulsations with a shallow rolloff slope. The first fluidic device and the second fluidic device are connected to the fluidic channel such that they cooperatively attenuate pulsations with a steep rolloff slope. Preferably, the first fluidic device includes a first fluidic resistor and a first fluidic capacitor, and the second fluidic device includes a second fluidic resistor and a second fluidic capacitor. Preferably, the pulsation attenuator is arranged, similar a second-order low-pass filter, in the following order: (l) first fluidic resistor, (2) first fluidic capacitor, (3) second fluidic resistor, and (4) second fluidic capacitor.