Rotating Impeller with Shut-off Gates for Fluid Pressure Normalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural fluid delivery systems face pressure drops and disparate flow rates across multiple outlets, with those farther from the input receiving reduced pressure, leading to uneven application.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery system with a circular impeller and shut-off gates on a steel plate, rotating to alternately propel fluid to multiple outputs, ensuring consistent pressure and flow rates by restricting flow to alternate outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single input is used to supply multiple outputs, then the system structure is simplified, but pressure drop increases and flow rates become disparate across outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the single input flow into multiple independent flow paths using a manifold structure with individual gates for each outlet. This segmentation allows each outlet to receive controlled flow independently, maintaining pressure consistency while preserving the simplified single-input structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs movable gates that can dynamically adjust or close individual outlet paths based on flow requirements. This dynamic control mechanism allows the system to normalize flow rates across multiple outlets by restricting flow to those furthest from the input, thereby maintaining consistent pressure without increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If outlets are located further from the input, then more outlets can be served, but pressure loss is exaggerated
Solution Approach 1:
Movable gates are positioned at each outlet to dynamically control flow paths. When an outlet is located far from the input and experiences excessive pressure loss, the gate can close or restrict flow to that particular outlet, preventing energy waste while allowing other outlets to receive adequate pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows each outlet to self-regulate its flow reception through individually controlled gates. Outlets that are further away and experience higher pressure loss can have their gates adjusted to optimize their flow rate, enabling the system to serve more outlets effectively without uniform pressure loss affecting all outlets equally.
3Volume of moving object
If gates and propeller are provided on a circular plate, then the device becomes more compact, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold, multiple gates, and propeller are merged into a single integrated circular plate structure. This consolidation reduces the overall device volume and eliminates the need for separate assemblies, but requires precise manufacturing of the integrated components to ensure proper gate alignment and propeller functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the manifold for fluid distribution, houses the movable gates for flow control, and provides mounting for the propeller. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed, compacting the device while requiring high manufacturing precision to ensure all functions work together correctly.
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 system normalizes fluid pressure across all outlets, enhancing flow rates and application uniformity, particularly benefiting distant outlets, and is durable, easy to install, and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
A propeller is also provided within the container. In the preferred embodiment, the gates and propeller are provided on a circular plate which is rotated to alternately propel a fluid from the fluid input to the first fluid output and to the second fluid output.
Data Source
AI summary
An impeller system is provided for the delivery of a fluid, such as liquid manure, through a manifold system to a plurality of hoses. The impeller includes multiple blades for driving the fluid toward the manifold outlets. The impeller also includes a plurality of shut-off gates to close off multiple outlets and, therefore, increase the pressure to the remaining outlets. As the impeller rotates, openings to various outlets are opened and closed, thereby increasing the pressure of the fluid delivered to each of the outlets.