Porous Transfer Coupling for Homogeneous Rotating Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer couplings between rotating and static structures in electro-mechanical machinery face interruptions and extreme variations in flow area when openings are out of alignment, and solutions like baffles add complexity and weight, making them impractical in some applications.
Innovation Solution
A transfer coupling design featuring coaxially aligned static and rotating components with circumferential walls made of porous materials, where the pore density is 50% or greater, ensuring a homogeneous flow area and minimizing flow interruptions by maximizing the total open area over a complete rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If openings are provided in rotating and static parts of coupling for fluid transfer, then fluid transfer is enabled, but flow interruption and extreme variation in flow area occur when openings are out of alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling components are made from porous material with interconnected pores that allow fluid to pass through. This enables continuous fluid transfer regardless of the relative rotational position of the coupling components, eliminating flow interruption while maintaining structural integrity without requiring complex baffle mechanisms
2Reliability
If baffles are added to buffer flow in couplings, then flow interruption is reduced, but complexity and weight increase making the solution impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The porous material structure inherently provides flow buffering through its pore network, eliminating the need for additional baffle components. This reduces both the complexity and weight of the coupling while maintaining flow stability, as the porous structure itself performs the flow management function
3Reliability
If porous material with high pore density is used in coupling components, then flow area homogeneity is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pore density parameter is optimized to be about 50% or greater to achieve flow homogeneity. This specific parameter range balances flow distribution uniformity with manufacturing feasibility, allowing the porous components to be produced using standard porous material fabrication techniques while achieving the desired flow characteristics
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 solution provides a smooth and consistent fluid flow across the coupling, reducing interruptions and flow area variations, making it suitable for various applications including oil, gas transfer couplings, and planetary gear boxes, while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
each of the static and the rotatable components has a circumferential wall comprising substantially of a porous material having pores configured and arranged, in use, to homogenise a flow area for a fluid being transferred through the pores
Data Source
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AI summary
A transfer coupling comprises a static component (41) and a rotatable component (42) arranged in co-axial alignment. The static component (41) includes a first number of ports (41 a) and the rotatable component (42) includes a second number of ports (42a). The ports are arranged in a common circumferential plane and are configured and arranged, in use, to homogenise a flow area for a fluid being transferred through the ports (41 a, 42a) and thereby create a homogenous volume flow. The packing factor of ports on at least one of the components is at least 40%.