Segmented Flow Rate Controller for Pressure-Independent Regulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow rate regulators lack precision in regulating fluid flow independently of pressure, leading to fluctuations in volume flow and an inability to maintain a specific volume flow over a broader pressure range.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate regulator with a control body comprising at least two decoupled segments that can deform independently with pressure changes, forming part of the control opening, allowing for pressure-independent setting of volume flow by adjusting the clear opening dimension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single control body is used in conventional flow rate regulators, then the structure is simple, but the flow rate control precision is insufficient and volume flow fluctuates with pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The control body is divided into multiple independent segments (at least two) that can deform independently in response to pressure changes. Each segment can be acted upon by the fluid pressure separately, enabling more precise and granular control of the control opening dimension, thereby improving flow rate control precision while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the control body can have different local properties (such as different elasticities, thicknesses, or deformation characteristics) that allow them to respond differently to the same pressure, enabling fine-tuned control of the control opening and achieving precise flow rate regulation across different pressure conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed control opening is used, then the structure is simple, but the volume flow cannot be maintained constant over a broader pressure range
Solution Approach 1:
The control opening is made dynamic through the use of a deformable control body with multiple segments. As pressure changes, the segments deform to adjust the control opening dimension automatically, allowing the system to adapt to a broader pressure range while maintaining stable volume flow. The dynamic adjustment compensates for pressure variations and keeps the flow rate constant
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the control body is changed from rigid to elastic/deformable, allowing it to change its geometric parameters (control opening dimension) in response to pressure changes. This parameter change enables the system to maintain constant volume flow across different pressure conditions by automatically adjusting the opening size
3Measurement precision
If a deformable control body is used to adjust flow rate, then pressure-independent flow control is achieved, but the regulation precision is insufficient to avoid volume flow fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control body into multiple independently deformable parts, the system achieves finer control over the control opening. Each segment can deform by a small amount, and the cumulative effect of multiple segments provides precise control with reduced fluctuations, improving regulation precision while maintaining good responsiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on large deformations of a single control element, the invention uses small, distributed deformations of multiple segments. This partial action approach provides smoother and more precise control, reducing volume flow fluctuations while maintaining ease of operation through the natural elastic response of the segments
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
Enables precise regulation of fluid flow, maintaining a constant or almost constant volume flow within a working area, regardless of pressure variations, through continuous deformation and interaction with the housing to define the control opening.
Implementation Method 1
a clear opening dimension 5 of the control opening 3 through the control body 2 can be changed by deforming the control body 2 as a function of a pressure acting on the control body 2
Implementation Method 2
the control body has at least two segments 6 which are decoupled from one another and can each be deformed as a function of the pressure
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~5b
Figure 6a~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a flow rate controller (1) for delimiting a flow rate of a fluid, wherein a clear opening dimension (5) of a control opening (3) that is variable between a maximum and a minimum can be defined by means of an interaction between a control body (2) and a housing (4) of the flow rate controller (1). The clear opening dimension (5) of the control opening (3) is variable by a deformation of the control body (2) as a function of a pressure acting upon the control body (3). The control body (2) has at least two segments (6), which are decoupled from one another, each of which can be deformed as a function of pressure, wherein an edge (7) delimiting the control opening (3) is formed by the control body (2) and the housing (4).