Modular Flow Rate Regulator Unit with Interchangeable Inserts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flow rate regulators have limited variability in setting the maximum flow rate due to material property fluctuations and require different designs for different flow rates, making storage and provision difficult.

Innovation Solution

A flow rate regulator unit with a carrier element having spaced-apart insertion openings, where at least one opening is closed by a sealing plug, allowing for modular configuration with multiple flow rate regulators of varying properties to set the desired maximum flow rate easily and securely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If differently designed regulator versions are used for different maximum flow rates, then the desired flow rate can be regulated, but storage and provision become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rate regulation rangeVSAvoidstorage and provision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flow rate regulator is divided into modular components: a carrier element with multiple insertion openings and interchangeable regulator inserts. Each insert can be independently replaced to achieve different flow rate settings, eliminating the need to store multiple complete regulator versions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier element is designed as a universal base that can accommodate multiple different regulator inserts through standardized insertion openings. This multi-functional design allows a single carrier to provide various flow rate regulations by simply changing the inserts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If throttle bodies are made of elastic material, then the control gap can adapt to pressure changes, but material property fluctuations cause tolerances in maximum flow rate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure adaptationVSAvoidmaximum flow rate tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple regulator inserts with different throttle body designs are combined into a single carrier element system. By selecting and combining specific inserts, the desired maximum flow rate can be achieved while maintaining pressure adaptation through the elastic material properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the clear flow cross section limits regulator dimensions, then the regulator fits in the fluid line, but variations in flow rate options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rate optionsVSAvoidregulator dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of varying the overall regulator dimensions within the constrained cross-sectional area, the invention uses multiple insertion openings arranged within the available space. This allows multiple functional elements to coexist in a compact configuration, providing varied flow rate options without exceeding dimensional limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables easy and reliable setting of the maximum flow rate and adaptation to different installation situations by using a modular system with interchangeable flow rate regulators, providing a wide range of flow rate options and control characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

at least one insertion opening (4) can be closed, preferably in a liquid-tight manner, by means of a sealing plug (16)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

each flow rate regulator having an annular throttle body (7) made of elastic material, which changes under the pressure of the fluid flowing through

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2683882B1Throughflow rate regulator unit
Publication Date: 2017.09.20 NEOPERL GMBH
  • EP2683882B1 patent drawingFigure 1~12
  • EP2683882B1 patent drawingFigure 13~21
  • EP2683882B1 patent drawingFigure 22~26

AI summary

The invention relates to a throughflow rate regulator unit (2) having a carrier element (3) which extends over the clear cross section of a fluid line portion and which has spaced-apart insert openings (4), of which a throughflow rate regulator (6) is arranged in each case in at least two insert openings (4), wherein each throughflow rate regulator (6) comprises an annular throttle body (7) of elastic material which encloses a regulating core (8) and, between it and an inner and/or outer profiled circumferential wall (9), delimits a control gap (10) which changes under the pressure of the fluid flowing through.