Pressure Plenum Flow Divider Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid flow dividers face challenges with deformation due to pressure differences, inefficiency, and space constraints, as they require multiple dividing units and a large timing gear, which affects metering accuracy and robustness.
Innovation Solution
A flow divider design featuring a pressure-containing plenum separate from the dividing units, with intermeshed driving gears aligned coaxially and connected by a shaft to rotate at the same speed, and a support structure that secures each unit, eliminating the need for a large timing gear and reducing overall diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple dividing units with a large timing gear are used to synchronize gear rotation, then equal flow rates are achieved, but the device occupies more space and the overall diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the large central timing gear from the system by implementing direct mechanical coupling between adjacent dividing units. Each unit's drive gear meshes with its neighbor's drive gear, eliminating the need for a separate synchronization mechanism and reducing the overall device diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the synchronization function into the basic gear meshing mechanism itself. By having drive gears from adjacent dividing units intermesh directly, the same mechanical interaction that transmits power also synchronizes rotation, merging two functions into one and eliminating redundant components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a large timing gear is used to synchronize all dividing units, then equal rotation speeds are maintained, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the separate timing gear component from the system. Instead, synchronization is achieved through the inherent mechanical coupling of adjacent drive gears, reducing the total component count while maintaining synchronization stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive gears serve dual functions: they transmit power from the motor to the pump elements and simultaneously synchronize the rotation of adjacent dividing units through direct meshing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated synchronization components.
3Area of stationary object
If dividing units are placed close together to reduce space, then compactness is achieved, but pressure forces cause deformation and affect metering efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of pressure forces by strategically positioning the pump element discharge ports to face the motor. The high-pressure liquid discharge creates a reactive force that counteracts the inward pressure forces on the housing, effectively using the harmful pressure to balance the structural loads and prevent deformation.
4Device complexity
If the plenum is integrated with the dividing units housing, then the structure is simpler, but the dividing units are subjected to high pressure differences causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure-containing function from the dividing units housing. The plenum is formed as a separate structure (the motor housing containing the liquid) that is distinct from the dividing units housings, which only contain the low-pressure differential during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the motor housing as an intermediary structure that serves as the pressure-containing plenum. This separate plenum structure mediates between the high-pressure liquid source and the dividing units, protecting them from direct exposure to high pressure differences.
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 enhances the robustness and space efficiency of liquid flow dividers by balancing pressure forces and maintaining equal flow rates across units, reducing deformation and improving metering accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
pressurized liquid from the pressurized liquid source first enters each dividing unit's liquid inlet port. The pressurized liquid then causes the gears in each dividing unit to rotate
Implementation Method 2
The connecting shaft mechanically connects the driving gears of one of the dividing units with the driving gears of an aligned dividing unit to form adjoining driving units
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid metering or pumping device includes multiple pumping or metering elements that are connected so that they all operate together, moving in the same direction and at the same speed. The multiple pumping or metering elements are intended for use at high pressures where the strain from the pressure might distort the walls of the elements, and interfere with their pumping or metering accuracy. These elements are enclosed in, but preferably not directly connected to a pressure vessel that would contain the high operating pressure, leaving the pumping or metering element housings to only contain the pressure rise or fall that occurs within that element. The pumping or metering elements are connected to a support structure that also penetrates the pressure vessel, and contains an outlet port for that element. The pressure vessel connects the elements, and serves as an intake plenum for all of the elements.