Interstage Flow Channel Layout for Compact Multi-Stage Fluid Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for converting rotation to fluid flow and vice versa are not compact and energy-efficient, necessitating improvements in multi-stage apparatus design.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage apparatus with coiled fluid conduits connected by interstage flow channels, allowing for increased overlap and selective fluid passage, which includes a first interstage flow channel providing first fluid to the inlet of the next stage without further pressurization, and an intrastage flow channel returning second fluid without resistance, optimizing compactness and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a multi-stage apparatus is used to achieve higher pressure, then the pressure differential increases, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple stages into a single integrated apparatus where coiled fluid conduits from different stages overlap spatially. The interstage flow channel merges the fluid paths between stages, allowing pressure accumulation across multiple stages while maintaining a compact, unified structure rather than separate sequential stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The coiled fluid conduits of different stages are arranged to overlap and nest within the same spatial envelope. The interstage flow channel allows fluid to transition between these nested conduits, enabling multiple pressure stages to occupy the same physical space, thereby reducing overall device complexity and size.
2Volume of moving object
If coiled fluid conduits are arranged to overlap, then the apparatus becomes more compact, but fluid flow management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The interstage flow channel acts as an intermediary element that manages fluid transitions between the overlapping coiled conduits of different stages. This dedicated intermediate pathway simplifies fluid flow management by providing a clear, controlled route for fluid to move between stages, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from direct interactions between multiple overlapping conduits.
3Use of energy by moving object
If interstage flow channel provides first fluid without further pressurization, then energy efficiency increases, but the pressure differential maintenance becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The interstage flow channel is configured to allow first fluid to flow between stages at essentially the same pressure potential, without additional pressurization. This equipotential design enables energy-efficient fluid transfer while the overall multi-stage pressure differential is maintained through the cumulative effect of multiple coiled conduit stages, each contributing to the total pressure difference between inlet and outlet.
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 apparatus achieves a more compact design with maintained performance or higher power rating, and enhances energy efficiency by converting the pressure differential into potential energy for the returning fluid, reducing tubing length and maintaining fluid flow uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
transport batches of the first fluid and batches of the second fluid towards the outlet of the coiled fluid conduit when the coiled fluid conduit rotates around a rotational axis, while pressurizing the first fluid and the second fluid to provide a pressure differential between the outlet and the inlet
Implementation Method 2
a first fluid separator configured to receive the batches of the first fluid and the batches of the second fluid from the outlet of the coiled fluid conduit of the first stage, and separate the first fluid and the second fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for converting rotation into fluid flow and/or fluid flow into rotation. The apparatus comprises a first stage including a coiled fluid conduit having an inlet and an outlet, a first fluid separator configured to receive batches of first fluid and batches of second fluid from the outlet of the coiled fluid conduit of the first stage and separate the first fluid and the second fluid, a second stage including a coiled fluid conduit having an inlet and an outlet, and a first interstage flow channel connecting the first fluid separator with the inlet of the coiled fluid conduit of the second stage for providing first fluid to the inlet of the coiled fluid conduit of the second stage.