Integral Flow Distributor Geometry for Uniform Manifold Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fluid manifolds face challenges in achieving uniform flow distribution due to high velocity flows and asymmetries, often requiring additional manufacturing steps and being limited by traditional machining constraints, which can be costly and difficult to manufacture complex geometries.
Innovation Solution
An integrally formed flow distributor within the fluid manifold, optimized through additive manufacturing techniques such as powder bed fusion or stereolithography, allows for complex geometries and reduced need for separate components, enabling improved flow distribution by varying the size, shape, and arrangement of openings based on computational fluid dynamics analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional machining methods are used to manufacture flow distributors, then manufacturing precision can be achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to separate components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distributor is merged with the manifold body into a single integrally formed component. The manifold body includes an inlet, outlet, and flow distribution openings formed directly in the body, eliminating the need for separate flow distributor components and assembly steps. This integration maintains precise flow distribution control while significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex geometries are required for optimized flow distribution, then flow distribution accuracy improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates with traditional machining constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the manufacturing method from traditional subtractive machining to additive manufacturing (3D printing). This parameter change in the manufacturing process enables the creation of complex three-dimensional geometries, variable opening sizes, and optimized flow paths that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with conventional machining, while simultaneously improving ease of manufacture for complex structures.
3Ease of repair
If multiple separate components are used for flow distribution, then ease of repair and replacement improve, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distribution functionality is merged into the manifold body itself through integral formation with flow distribution openings directly formed in the manifold. This eliminates separate flow distributor components, reducing assembly time and device complexity. While repairability of the specific flow distribution feature changes, the overall system benefits from fewer parts and simplified assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid manifold (10; 100; 200) includes an inlet (16; 116; 216) comprising an opening (33) into an interior of the fluid manifold (10; 100; 200), an outlet end (18; 118; 218) that is positioned opposite the inlet (16; 116; 216) and that is in fluid communication with the inlet (16; 116; 216), a shroud (14; 114; 214) extending between the inlet (16; 116; 216) and the outlet end (18; 118; 218) and surrounding a flow path of the fluid manifold (10; 100; 200), and a first flow distributor (112; 212A) positioned within the interior of the fluid manifold (10; 100; 200). The first flow distributor (112; 212A) includes a hollow body including a first surface (28; 128; 228A) at a downstream side of the first flow distributor (112; 212A) and a second surface (30; 130; 230A) at an upstream side of the first flow distributor (112; 212A), a central cavity (34; 134; 234A) defined by the second surface (30; 130; 230A) of the hollow body, and openings (32; 132; 232; 302A-E) extending from the first surface (28; 128; 228A) to the second surface (30; 130; 230A) such that a fluid can pass from the central cavity (34; 134; 234A) through the openings (32; 132; 232; 302A-E). The first flow distributor (112; 212A) and the fluid manifold (10; 100; 200) are integrally formed.