Mixing Chamber Connector for Outlet Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector systems for outlet conduits often create a significant pressure differential between the conduit's opposing ends, which can inhibit fluid flow and cause discomfort or pain, especially in applications like urine drainage, where the pressure buildup prevents efficient fluid transfer.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with a mixing chamber that includes multiple inlet and outlet ports, allowing a first fluid to flow from a first inlet conduit and a second fluid to flow from a second inlet conduit, which mix within the chamber to reduce the pressure differential between the outlet conduit's ends, thereby facilitating the flow of the first fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional connector is used to couple outlet conduits, then the connector structure is simple, but a significant pressure differential builds up between conduit ends which inhibits fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional chambers: a first chamber for receiving fluid from the outlet conduit, a second chamber for receiving counter-pressure fluid, and a mixing chamber where the fluids combine. This segmentation allows independent control of pressure zones to eliminate differential pressure while maintaining straightforward fluid paths.
Solution Approach 2:
A counter-pressure fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance to balance the pressure differential. This mediator fluid flows in the opposite direction through dedicated ports and mixing chambers, creating equalizing pressure that enables bidirectional fluid flow without requiring complex active pressure regulation mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If pressure differential is reduced to enable free fluid flow, then fluid transfer efficiency improves, but the connector requires additional chambers and ports increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design allows the same structure to handle multiple fluid flow scenarios: unidirectional flow when only the first chamber is active, bidirectional flow when both chambers are active, and pressure equalization in various configurations. The multiple ports and chambers serve different functions depending on which conduits are connected and activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing chambers are designed to equalize pressure potentials between different fluid paths. By allowing fluids to mix and equilibrate in intermediate chambers before proceeding to their destinations, the system maintains pressure balance that enables free flow without requiring continuous active pressure management.
3Reliability
If counter-pressure fluid is introduced through additional ports and chambers, then pressure differential is balanced, but the device requires more components
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-pressure fluid path is merged with the main fluid flow path through shared mixing chambers and outlet conduits. Rather than creating entirely separate parallel systems, the design integrates pressure balancing functionality into the existing fluid transfer architecture, where the same chambers and ports handle both primary fluid transfer and counter-pressure equalization.
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 system effectively reduces the pressure differential across the outlet conduit, ensuring unimpeded fluid flow and reducing user discomfort by allowing the first fluid to flow freely, even when collected in a reservoir, without the pressure buildup that typically inhibits flow.
Implementation Method 1
the second fluid mixes with the first fluid in the mixing chamber to decrease the outlet conduit passageway pressure differential
Data Source
AI summary
A connector which couples to an outlet conduit to decrease an outlet conduit passageway pressure differential between outlet conduit opposing first and second ends, whereby the connector includes a mixing chamber having a first inlet port in fluidic communication with a connector first open end and the mixing chamber; an outlet port in fluidic communication with the mixing chamber and a connector second open end; and a second inlet port in fluidic communication with the connector second open end and the mixing chamber. Additionally, a connector including a connector internal surface defining a connector passageway which communicates between connector first and second open ends; and a sensor module operatively coupled to the connector passageway to sense a parameter of a first fluid flowing in a first fluid flow path through the connector passageway.