Interconnected Vortex Generators for Drag and Stretch Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vortex generators are often individually affixed to surfaces, making them difficult to handle and stabilize, and they do not effectively reduce drag properties or stretch in articles like garments during motion.
Innovation Solution
A vortex-generator device with interconnected elongate members and vortex generators is affixed to articles, providing stability and reducing stretch by disrupting the boundary layer of fluids, with the elongate members and vortex generators having specific dimensional ratios and configurations to optimize drag reduction and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vortex generators are individually affixed to surfaces, then they can disrupt the boundary layer of fluid, but they are difficult to handle and stabilize
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple vortex generators are interconnected through elongate members to form a single integrated device. This merging of individual vortex generators into a unified structure improves stability during motion while maintaining the boundary layer disruption function. The interconnected design allows the device to be handled as one unit rather than separate components.
2Loss of energy
If vortex generators are individually affixed to surfaces, then they can disrupt the boundary layer, but they do not effectively reduce drag properties or stretch in articles during motion
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnected vortex generators work together as a unified system to more effectively reduce drag and minimize stretch in articles during motion. The collective action of multiple vortex generators linked by elongate members creates a coordinated flow disruption pattern that enhances energy loss reduction compared to individual generators.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate members extend in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction, creating a three-dimensional structure that spans across the surface. This dimensional extension allows the device to affect a broader area of fluid flow and reduce stretch across the article surface more effectively than point-like individual generators.
3Reliability
If vortex generators are interconnected with elongate members, then stability and drag reduction improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components (vortex generators and elongate members) that can be independently designed and manufactured. This segmentation allows for standardized connection points and simplified assembly processes, reducing the practical complexity despite the increased structural sophistication required for improved stability.
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 reduces drag properties and stabilizes articles during motion, while minimizing stretch and enhancing compression, improving performance and functionality.
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
Implementation Method 2
Vortex generators typically include some type of protuberance extending from a surface of a body and configured disrupt a boundary layer of a fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An article that includes a vortex-generator device may include various features. For example, the article may include a material layer and one or more elongate members coupled to the material layer. In addition, the one or more elongate members interconnect two or more vortex generators.