Interconnected Vortex Generator Layout for Uniform Surface Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vortex generators are often individually affixed to surfaces, which complicates handling and can lead to uneven distribution and reduced effectiveness in disrupting fluid boundary layers, affecting drag properties.

Innovation Solution

Interconnected vortex generators are integrated with elongate members to form a device that can be affixed to various articles, providing stability and collective handling, while the elongate members and vortex generators are designed to optimize their dimensions and configuration for enhanced drag reduction and reduced stretch in the underlying material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If vortex generators are individually affixed to surfaces, then each generator can be positioned independently, but handling becomes complicated and distribution becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution uniformityVSAvoidhandling difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple vortex generators are merged into a single integrated device structure with a common base plate and interconnected generators. This combining approach allows the entire array to be handled as one unit, simplifying application procedures while ensuring uniform distribution across the target surface through pre-configured positioning features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If vortex generators are interconnected with elongate members, then stability and collective handling are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interconnected vortex generator device is segmented into modular components including a base plate, elongate members, and individual vortex generators. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts while maintaining overall structural stability through standardized connection interfaces and geometric configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If vortex generators are interconnected to form a device, then collective handling is simplified, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling easeVSAvoidcomponent quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple vortex generators are merged into a single integrated device structure with a common base plate and interconnected generators. This combining approach allows the entire array to be handled as one unit, simplifying application procedures while ensuring uniform distribution across the target surface through pre-configured positioning features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 interconnected vortex generator device effectively disrupts fluid boundary layers, enhancing drag properties and providing stability and reduced stretch in the underlying material, improving performance in applications such as apparel and athletic equipment.

Implementation Method 1

Vortex generators typically include some type of protuberance extending from a surface of a body and configured disrupt a boundary layer of a fluid (e.g., air, water, etc.) passing over the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex generator: Vortex Generator

Implementation Method 2

configured disrupt a boundary layer of a fluid (e.g., air, water, etc.) passing over the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBoundary layer disruption: Boundary Layer

Data Source

PatentEP3629790B1Vortex-generator device
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 NIKE INNOVATE CV
  • EP3629790B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3629790B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP3629790B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C

AI summary

An article (10, 12) that includes a vortex-generator device may include various features. For example, the article (10, 12) may include a material layer and one or more elongate members (122, 528) coupled to the material layer. In addition, the one or more elongate members (122, 528) interconnect two or more vortex generators (114, 18, 522). An article (10, 12) that includes a vortex-generator device may include various features. For example, the article (10, 12) may include a material layer and one or more elongate members (122, 528) coupled to the material layer. In addition, the one or more elongate members (122, 528) interconnect two or more vortex generators (114, 18, 522).