Rotary Fluid Distributor for Flexible Multi-Outlet Flow Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid distribution systems, particularly in vehicles and complex enclosures, are prone to failure due to their high complexity and integration, leading to non-desired effects and potential health hazards, and require flexible distribution patterns with improved resistance to failure.
Innovation Solution
A fluid distribution device comprising a chamber and an enclosure with cylindrical surface sections that allow for adjustable angular positioning, enabling fluid to flow through overlapping openings for controlled distribution to multiple outlets using a single drive-and-control signal, eliminating the need for multiple valves or flaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves or flaps with electro-mechanical actuators are used to control fluid distribution to different locations, then flexible distribution patterns can be achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single rotating distribution device. The chamber with multiple openings and the enclosure with multiple transmission openings work together as one integrated unit, where a single rotation mechanism replaces multiple independent valves and actuators, achieving both flexibility and reduced complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating chamber acts as a universal distribution mechanism that can route fluid to any combination of outlets by rotating to different angular positions. This single multi-functional component replaces the need for multiple specialized valves, providing versatile distribution control while simplifying the overall system
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves or flaps with electro-mechanical actuators are used to control fluid distribution, then individual location control is possible, but the system becomes prone to failure and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple valve functions into one rotating chamber assembly, the patent reduces the number of potential failure points. Instead of multiple independent components that could fail individually, the system uses a single integrated mechanism with fewer moving parts, thereby improving reliability while maintaining individual location control capability
3Volume of moving object
If highly integrated air-conditioning systems are used in road vehicles, then space constraints are addressed, but the systems become difficult to service and repair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid distribution function into a modular rotating chamber assembly that can be designed as a self-contained unit. This segmentation allows the device to be compact for space-efficient installation while maintaining serviceability, as the modular design enables easier removal and replacement compared to highly integrated systems
Data Source
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AI summary
A Device (1000) for distributing a fluid (300) from a fluid inlet (101) to a set (k) of fluid outlets (201-k), the device (1000) comprising a chamber, wherein an outer surface of the chamber (100) comprises a cylindrical surface section (110) of the chamber (100) an enclosure (200) surrounding the chamber (100), wherein an inner surface of the enclosure (200) comprises a cylindrical surface section (210) of the enclosure (200) and wherein the cylindrical surface sections (110, 120) share a common cylinder axis (350), and the cylindrical surface sections (110, 210) are arranged adjacent to one another. The cylindrical surface section (110) has at least one exit opening (120) adapted to allow the fluid (300) to exit from the chamber (100) and the cylindrical surface section (210) has at least two transmission openings (220-k) adapted to allow the fluid (300) to be routed to corresponding fluid outlets (201-k) in fluid communication with the transmission openings (220-k). The chamber (100) and the enclosure (200) are adapted to allow a change of the relative angular position (ω) of the cylindrical surface section (110) vs. the cylindrical surface section (210) by rotation of at least the portion of chamber (100) comprising the cylindrical surface section (110) and/or at least the portion of enclosure (200) comprising the cylindrical surface section (210) about the common cylinder axis (350), so that, for a first predetermined relative angular position (ω1), the exit opening (120) at least partially overlaps with a first subset of the transmission openings (220-k), thereby routing the flow of fluid (300) towards the first subset of the fluid outlets (201-k) in fluid communication with the respective transmission openings (220-k), and for a second predetermined relative angular position (ω2), the exit opening (120) at least partially overlaps with a second subset of the transmission openings (220-k), thereby routing the flow of fluid (300) towards the second subset of the fluid outlets (201-k) in fluid communication with the respective transmission openings (220-k).