Helical Hose Insert for Low-Loss Dry Blasting Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dry blasting technologies face inefficiencies in energy transfer and energy loss due to chaotic fluid flow and friction within conduits, leading to reduced kinetic energy impact on surfaces and increased energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

An insert with an internal helical channel, offset from the central axis, is placed within the fluid pathway to alter fluid flow patterns, reducing energy loss and enhancing flow efficiency by minimizing turbulence and friction, thereby improving the cleaning process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional straight conduit flow paths are used, then the device complexity is low, but energy loss increases due to turbulent flow and friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy lossVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conduit is segmented into multiple sections with different flow characteristics. The insert divides the flow path into multiple channels (e.g., three channels as shown in FIG. 1) that guide fluid sequentially, reducing turbulence and energy loss by breaking up chaotic flow patterns into more controlled segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert employs curved or helical flow paths instead of straight linear paths. The fluid is directed through curved channels that reduce turbulent eddies and promote smoother flow transitions, thereby reducing frictional energy losses while maintaining relatively simple device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Speed

If conventional flow paths are used, then the device complexity is low, but the speed of fluid flow decreases due to turbulence and friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of fluid flowVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is positioned upstream in the fluid pathway to pre-condition the flow before it reaches the nozzle or target area. By reducing turbulence and friction in advance, the fluid arrives at the critical output section with higher velocity and more uniform flow characteristics, improving cleaning speed and efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Curved or helical channels within the insert create rotational flow components that can increase fluid velocity through centrifugal effects while reducing direct friction against conduit walls, thereby maintaining higher flow speeds with added structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Productivity

If conventional flow paths are used, then the energy consumption is low, but productivity decreases due to reduced flow efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The insert changes flow parameters such as velocity distribution, turbulence intensity, and pressure profile along the fluid pathway. By optimizing these parameters through carefully designed channel geometries, the system achieves higher productivity with improved energy utilization, as the fluid delivers more kinetic energy to the target surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Force

If conventional flow paths are used, then the device complexity is low, but the kinetic energy impact on surface decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekinetic energy impactVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert pre-accelerates and pre-conditions the fluid flow upstream, reducing energy losses before the fluid reaches the nozzle. This preliminary optimization ensures that maximum kinetic energy is delivered to the target surface, enhancing cleaning force without requiring significantly more complex downstream components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By dividing the flow into multiple controlled channels, the insert ensures more uniform velocity distribution and reduces energy dissipation. This segmentation allows the fluid to maintain higher kinetic energy levels throughout the pathway, resulting in improved impact force on the surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 insert significantly reduces energy loss and increases the kinetic energy of the blast medium, resulting in faster and more efficient surface cleaning, reducing labor and wear on nozzles while minimizing the amount of blast media required.

Implementation Method 1

an internal helical channel, the axis of said helical channel being offset from the insert axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

Interactions between individual constituents of the material and also between the material and the wall of the conduit can lead to energy losses, not least because of turbulent flow occurring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentUS20230364741A1An insert for use in dry blasting

Publication Date: 2023.11.16 FHG INC

AI summary

An insert securable to the end of a hose is disclosed, the insert primarily intended to improve flow of a fluid emerging from the hose. The insert includes a generally cylindrical body portion, said body portion comprising an internal helical channel, the axis of said helical channel being offset from the insert axis, and conveniently parallel thereto.