Offset Fluid Mixer Combustion Chamber Vortex Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid mixers in combustion chambers suffer from thermal stratification and pressure losses due to the arrangement of fluid channels, which leads to inefficient mixing of fluids.
Innovation Solution
A fluid mixer design with offset channel outlets in the flow direction, where at least one channel outlet extends further than others, creating a shearing flow that generates longitudinal vortices in the mixing chamber, reducing thermal stratification without the need for additional turbulence devices, thus minimizing pressure and friction losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If fluid channels are arranged side by side running along the combustion chamber, then heat absorption and fluid heating is improved, but thermal stratification occurs and mixing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by offsetting the outlet positions of fluid channels relative to the chamber bottom. At least one outlet is positioned at a different longitudinal location than others, creating asymmetric flow entry points into the mixing chamber. This asymmetric arrangement generates longitudinal vortices that enhance mixing and reduce thermal stratification while maintaining the heating benefit of the side-by-side channel configuration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a mixer with offset sheets is placed in the mixing chamber to reduce thermal stratification, then mixing efficiency is improved, but pressure loss and fluid friction losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mixing function from a separate mechanical mixer component and integrates it directly into the fluid channel outlet structure. By forming outlets at different longitudinal positions relative to the chamber bottom, the mixing action is achieved through the geometry of the outlets themselves rather than through a separate mixer device, thereby eliminating the associated pressure losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid channels themselves perform the mixing function through their offset outlet configuration. The asymmetric outlet positions create longitudinal vortices that automatically mix the fluid as it enters the mixing chamber, without requiring an additional active mixing component. The system uses its own structure to achieve the mixing function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional mixing components are added to the mixing chamber to improve fluid mixing, then mixing efficiency is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid channel outlet function with the mixing function into a single integrated structure. The offset outlets are formed directly as part of the channel ceiling geometry, combining what would traditionally be separate components (channels and mixer) into one unified structure, thereby reducing device complexity and production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid channel structure serves multiple functions: it transports fluid, heats fluid through contact with the combustion chamber, and simultaneously performs mixing through its offset outlet configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated mixing components.
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 effectively reduces thermal stratification and improves fluid mixing while reducing production costs and complexity by eliminating the need for additional components, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective fluid mixing process.
Implementation Method 1
creating a shearing flow that generates longitudinal vortices in the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 2
creating a shearing flow that generates longitudinal vortices
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid mixer with a plurality of fluid channels (21, 22) and a mixing chamber (11), wherein the plurality of fluid channels (21, 22) each have a channel bottom (25) and a channel roof (26), wherein each fluid channel (21, 22) has a channel outlet (23, 24) at its channel roof (26), and the mixing chamber (11) has a chamber bottom (12) in which each channel outlet (23, 24) of the plurality of fluid channels (21, 22) is arranged. At least one fluid channel (22) of the plurality of fluid channels (21, 22) has a channel outlet (24) which extends further in the flow direction of the fluid flowing in the fluid channel (22) than a channel outlet (23) of one of the other fluid channels (21). The invention further relates to a combustion chamber and an aircraft with a fluid mixer.