Mixing Valve Cross-Sectional Widenings and Guide Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing valves often fail to achieve complete mixing of two fluids within a compact construction space without increasing flow resistance, especially when one stream is dominant and flows at high velocity.
Innovation Solution
The first flow duct features downstream cross-sectional widenings with stationary guide elements projecting into the duct, arranged symmetrically or offset over the circumference, which enhance mixing without increasing resistance by influencing flow direction and profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If turbulence elements are used to improve mixing, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guide elements as intermediary components that redirect fluid flow without creating turbulence. These guide elements act as mediators between the two fluid streams, facilitating mixing through flow direction control rather than turbulent mixing, thus avoiding the energy loss associated with turbulence elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow parameters by introducing cross-sectional widenings that modify the flow velocity and direction. By altering the geometric parameters of the flow duct (cross-sectional area variations), the fluid flow is naturally redirected to enhance mixing without requiring additional turbulence-generating components that would increase flow resistance.
2Device complexity
If the second flow duct issues into the first flow duct at an angle of 90° or less, then device complexity is reduced, but mixing completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the flow parameters by introducing cross-sectional widenings downstream of the flow duct intersection. These geometric changes in the flow duct configuration alter the flow velocity distribution and promote better mixing of the two streams, compensating for the simpler (non-turbulent) duct arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide elements serve as intermediary components that actively facilitate mixing between the two fluid streams. By redirecting the flow paths of both streams, these guide elements ensure complete mixing even though the flow ducts intersect at simple angles without complex turbulence-generating structures.
3Reliability
If guide elements are arranged perpendicular to the main flow direction, then mixing effect is enhanced, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of guide elements at oblique angles (30°-60°) rather than symmetric perpendicular arrangement. This asymmetric configuration reduces the projected area of the guide elements facing the flow direction, thereby minimizing flow resistance while still achieving effective mixing through flow redirection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the angular parameter of guide element arrangement (setting it between 30°-60° from perpendicular) to find the optimal balance between mixing effectiveness and flow resistance. This parameter optimization allows the guide elements to influence flow profile sufficiently for good mixing while minimizing the blockage effect that would increase flow resistance.
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
This configuration ensures effective intermixing of fluids with minimal flow resistance, allowing for efficient mixing of gases or liquids in a compact design, suitable for applications like exhaust gas mixing in motor vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
at least one stationary guide element projecting into the flow duct is arranged in this region... which influences the flow direction
Implementation Method 2
the cross-sectional widening has an additional mixing effect upon the two fluids because it influences the flow direction
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing valve includes a housing having, arranged therein: a first flow duct having a first flap mounted rotatably in the first flow duct and configured to influence the throughflow cross section of the first flow duct, and a second flow duct, the second flow duct issuing into the first flow duct, and having a second flap mounted rotatably in the second flow duct and configured to influence the throughflow cross section of the second flow duct. The first flow duct has, downstream of the issue of the second flow duct, as seen in the flow direction, a region with at least two cross-sectional widenings, and at least one stationary guide element, projecting into the first flow duct, is arranged in the region with the at least two cross-sectional widenings.