Segmented Flow Regulator for Pressure-Independent Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow rate regulators lack sufficient accuracy in controlling fluid flow rates independently of pressure variations, making it difficult to maintain a specific flow rate over a wide pressure range.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate regulator with a control element comprising detachable, pressure-deformable segments that adjust the clear opening dimension of the control opening, allowing for pressure-independent flow rate adjustment through continuous deformation, enabling precise control of fluid flow per unit time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple restrictor with constant narrowing is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flow rate control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is divided into multiple detachable segments that can independently deform under pressure. This segmentation allows each segment to contribute to flow resistance control, enabling more precise and adjustable flow rate regulation compared to a simple constant narrowing restrictor.
2Measurement precision
If a control element with pressure-dependent deformation is used, then the flow rate control accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control element incorporates segments with pressure-dependent deformation characteristics, allowing the flow resistance to dynamically adjust based on operating conditions. This dynamic behavior enables accurate flow rate control across varying pressures without requiring complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control segments are designed as flexible, deformable elements that can change their shape and flow resistance characteristics in response to pressure changes. This flexibility allows the segments to automatically adapt to different operating conditions, providing accurate flow control with relatively simple structure.
3Measurement precision
If detachable segments are used for continuous deformation, then the flow rate control accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control element consists of multiple detachable segments that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process for each individual segment while enabling complex overall functionality through the combination of segments, making the system both accurate and manufacturable.
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 precise control of fluid flow rates, maintaining a constant or nearly constant flow rate independent of pressure variations, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of flow rate regulation.
Implementation Method 1
the control element comprises at least two segments, detached from each other, that are deformable depending on pressure
Implementation Method 2
the segments can continuously deform and/or move continuously under changing pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A flow rate regulator (1) for limiting a flow rate of a fluid, in which a clear opening dimension (5), which can be modified between a maximum and a minimum, of a control opening (3), may be defined by an interaction between a control element (2) and a housing (4) of the flow rate regulator (1). The clear opening dimension (5) of the control opening (3) can be modified by a deformation of the control element (2) as a function of a pressure acting on the control element (2). The control element (2) has at least two segments (6) which are detached from one another and can each be deformed as a function of pressure, and an edge (7) defining the control opening (3) is formed by the control element (2) and the housing (4).