Pipe Element Tangent-Continuous Surface Design Reduces Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline elements with sharp edges cause significant pressure loss due to sudden changes in flow cross-section, leading to detachment and eddy formation, which affects the functionality of connected components and media transmission.
Innovation Solution
A tangent-continuous surface design for the inner channel, with a quarter ellipse or circular cross-sections at inlet and outlet, and optionally elliptical sections in between, reduces pressure drop by minimizing sharp edges and ensuring smooth flow transitions, allowing for efficient connection and adaptation to different pipe diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sharp edges and sudden cross-sectional changes are used in pipeline elements, then manufacturing is simpler, but pressure loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the inner channel with tangent-continuous surfaces and quarter-ellipse cross-sections instead of sharp edges and sudden transitions. This curved geometry guides the fluid flow smoothly through the expansion zone, preventing detachment and eddy formation, thereby reducing pressure loss while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through processes like hot pressing or machining.
2Loss of energy
If tangent-continuous surfaces with smooth transitions are implemented, then pressure loss is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the inner channel by specifying tangent-continuous surfaces and quarter-ellipse cross-sections. These parameter changes create smooth transitions that reduce pressure loss. The design balances manufacturing complexity by providing clear geometric definitions that can be achieved through standard manufacturing processes like hot pressing or precision machining, rather than requiring overly complex geometries.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inner channel cross-section expands suddenly, then adaptation to larger components is achieved, but detachment and eddy formation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses curved quarter-ellipse cross-sections and tangent-continuous surfaces to create a gradual expansion path for the fluid. This curved geometry allows the inner channel to adapt from smaller supply line dimensions to larger component connection dimensions while maintaining smooth flow transitions, preventing detachment and eddy formation that would occur with sudden sharp-edged expansions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If enlarged cross-section at outlet is provided, then connection to larger components is enabled, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs tangent-continuous surfaces and quarter-ellipse cross-sections to create a smooth, curved transition zone that gradually enlarges the channel cross-section from inlet to outlet. This curved geometry enables connection to larger components while minimizing pressure drop by avoiding sudden expansions that would cause flow detachment and energy loss.
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 tangent-continuous surface design significantly reduces pressure loss, enabling reliable media transmission and flexible connections without restricting screw-in depth, while maintaining a space-saving deflection of the guided medium.
Implementation Method 1
A sudden, sharp-edged expansion of the flow cross-section leads to strong detachments and the formation of eddies in the flow
Implementation Method 2
A sudden, sharp-edged expansion of the flow cross-section leads to strong detachments and the formation of eddies in the flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The element e.g. wall panel (70) has an inner channel (76) connecting an inlet (72) with an outlet (74). The inner channel comprises reduced cross-section e.g. circular cross-section, at a region of the inlet than a cross-section at a region of the outlet. A surface (84) limiting the inner channel is formed as a tangent function at a region of a cross-section extension of the inner channel. A middle line of the inner channel comprises a direction change around 90 degree. The inner channel comprises an internal thread at the region of the outlet.