Multi-Port Inlet Housing for Compact Hydraulic Flow Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of inlet housings is limited by the size of the inlet port, which restricts the reduction in width.
Innovation Solution
The inlet housing is designed with multiple port portions that merge into a single merging portion, allowing hydraulic oil to flow without passing through a control valve, thus reducing the size of each port and minimizing pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single large inlet port is used, then the flow rate capability is maintained, but the width of the inlet housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single inlet port is divided into multiple smaller port portions (first port portion, second port portion, etc.). Each port portion has a smaller cross-sectional area than a single large port would require, allowing the housing width to be reduced while maintaining total flow capacity through the combined multiple ports.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple port portions are merged into a single merging portion where the working fluids from all port portions converge. This allows the individual port portions to be smaller and arranged in a compact configuration, reducing the overall housing width while still achieving the required total flow rate through the combined input.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple small port portions are used, then the housing width is reduced, but the flow rate may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The merging portion is designed to combine the working fluids from multiple port portions into a single unified flow path. This ensures that the total flow rate from all port portions is preserved and transmitted effectively, preventing any loss of flow capacity despite the division into multiple smaller ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The merging portion is specifically designed with appropriate cross-sectional area and flow path characteristics to handle the combined flow from multiple port portions. By optimizing the local geometry of the merging portion, the system maintains adequate flow rate capability while allowing the port portions to be smaller and more compact.
3Length of stationary object
If the inlet housing is miniaturized, then the overall size is reduced, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the inlet into multiple port portions with optimized individual cross-sectional areas, each port can be designed to minimize turbulence and pressure loss. The segmented approach allows for better flow distribution and reduced velocity gradients compared to a single small port, thereby reducing pressure loss despite the compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The merging portion is designed with specific geometric characteristics that optimize the transition and mixing of flows from multiple port portions. By carefully designing the local quality of the merging region (cross-sectional area, shape, orientation), pressure losses during the merging process are minimized, maintaining efficient flow through the compact housing.
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 design enables the miniaturization of the inlet housing while maintaining the same flow rate and reducing pressure loss, enhancing the efficiency of hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a merging portion 13, the merging portion 13 being configured to allow the working fluid from the plurality of port portions to merge
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An inlet housing (1) includes a port portion (11) for allowing a working fluid to be supplied thereto, the port portion (11) being formed in plurality. The inlet housing (1) comprise a merging portion (13) therein, the merging portion being configured to allow the working fluid from the plurality of port portions (11) to merge.