Passive Fluidic Valve for Fixed Flow Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic valves require electrical control to maintain consistent output flow rates across outlets, as pressure variations in downstream pipes necessitate adjustments to fluid passages, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A passive fluidic valve design with a movable valve member and fixed restrictions that automatically adjusts to maintain constant flow distribution between outlets by leveraging pressure differences across the valve member, eliminating the need for electronic control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical control is used to adjust fluid passages in response to pressure variations, then flow distribution consistency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member automatically adjusts its position in response to pressure variations at the outlets without requiring external electrical control. The system serves itself by using the pressure differences as the actuating force, eliminating the need for sensors, actuators, and control electronics while maintaining consistent flow distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates inherent feedback through the pressure-sensitive operation of the valve member. Pressure variations at the outlets are directly transmitted to the valve member, which automatically adjusts its position to compensate for the variations and maintain balanced flow distribution, creating a passive feedback control mechanism
2Reliability
If solenoid actuators are used to move the drawer for readjustment, then flow distribution is maintained, but mass and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member uses the pressure differences from the fluid flow itself as the actuating force to adjust its position, eliminating the need for external actuators such as solenoids. This self-actuating mechanism significantly reduces the mass of the valve while maintaining the ability to maintain flow distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic principles by utilizing the pressure of the fluid flow itself to actuate the valve member. The pressure forces from the fluid passages directly move the valve member to the appropriate position, replacing mechanical actuators with a hydraulic actuation system that reduces mass
3Productivity
If fixed restrictions are used in outlets, then pressure drops are generated for flow control, but sensitivity to downstream pressure variations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member acts as an intermediary that translates downstream pressure variations into position adjustments. It mediates between the fixed restrictions and the flow distribution, sensing pressure changes through the fluid passages and automatically compensating by adjusting its position to maintain sensitivity to downstream conditions
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 passive fluidic valve ensures constant flow distribution between outlets without electronic control, reducing mechanical complexity, mass, and cost, while maintaining robustness and sensitivity to pressure variations.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure drop generated by each of the first and second fixed restrictions makes it possible to create an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure at each of the restrictions so that these pressures act as hydraulic force on either side of the ends of the valve member
Implementation Method 2
these pressures act as hydraulic force on either side of the ends of the valve member
Implementation Method 3
A pressure variation in one of the outlets (due to downstream elements) will cause a change in the flow distribution in each of the two outlets. Since the flow distribution is modified, the pressure drops at the level of the first and second restrictions will no longer be similar, which will create a resultant force on the spool until these two pressure drops become equal again
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Passive fluidic valve (50) for fixed flow distribution comprising: - a hollow valve body (20) comprising: ∘ an inlet (22), ∘ a first outlet (30) comprising a first restriction (35) delimiting an upstream cavity (33) and a downstream cavity (34), ∘ a second outlet (40) comprising a second restriction (45) delimiting an upstream cavity (43) and a downstream cavity (44), ∘ a first and a second cavity, - a valve member (5) for closing a passage to one of the two outlets (30, 40), and comprising: ∘ a first end (53) in the first cavity delimiting a first (31) and a third (32) chambers, ∘ a second end (54) in the second cavity delimiting a second (41) and a fourth (42) chambers, - communications (3133), (3234), (4143), (4244) to impose the upstream and downstream cavity pressures on the ends of the valve member.