Self-Powered Fluid Flow Control via Kinetic Energy Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling fluid flow rate and pressure in aircraft, such as mechanical and electrical systems, face challenges of accuracy, weight, and energy dependency, particularly in emergency oxygen supply systems.
Innovation Solution
A method that converts flow energy from a fluid into electrical energy to control fluid flow rate and pressure using an electrical generator and control mechanism, eliminating the need for external energy and enabling accurate, lightweight, and fail-safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical control units are used to control fluid flow rate and pressure, then the device structure is simple, but the control accuracy is low and the weight is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems with an electrical control system. A control unit with electrical components (microprocessor, sensors, actuators) substitutes the mechanical control mechanism, achieving higher control accuracy through electronic feedback and processing while reducing overall system weight by eliminating heavy mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts energy from the fluid flow itself to power the control unit. A turbine or impulse wheel captures kinetic energy from the flowing fluid to generate electricity, making the control system self-powered and eliminating the need for external power sources or batteries, thus reducing weight while maintaining operational autonomy.
2Measurement precision
If electrical control units are used to control fluid flow rate and pressure, then the control accuracy is high, but the device requires external energy supply and increases weight
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to be self-powered by extracting energy from the fluid flow itself. A turbine or impulse wheel positioned in the fluid path converts the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid into electrical energy, which powers the control unit, sensors, and actuators. This eliminates the need for external power sources, batteries, or complex energy management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid, which would otherwise be wasted or dissipated, into useful electrical energy to power the control system. The fluid's motion, which must be controlled anyway, becomes the energy source for the control electronics, turning a potential waste stream into a beneficial resource.
3Measurement precision
If electrical control units are used to control fluid flow rate and pressure, then the control accuracy is high, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical control components (large valves, mechanical actuators, linkages) with lightweight electrical and electronic components. The control unit uses electronic sensors and actuators that are significantly lighter than their mechanical counterparts while providing superior control accuracy through electronic feedback loops and digital processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system generates its own power through a turbine or impulse wheel that extracts energy from the fluid flow. This self-powered design eliminates the need for heavy batteries, power supplies, or external energy infrastructure, reducing overall system weight while maintaining continuous operational capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If mechanical control units are used, then the device is simple to implement, but the control accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an electrical control system that replaces complex mechanical linkages with electronic components. The control unit processes sensor signals through electronic circuits or microprocessors and actuates control elements electrically, providing higher measurement precision and control accuracy while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized electronic components and modular design.
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 approach allows for precise control of fluid flow rate and pressure with reduced weight and energy independence, making it suitable for cost-effective and reliable emergency oxygen supply systems in aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
flow energy is taken from a fluid flowing through a conduit and is at least partly converted into electric energy
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling the pressure and/or the flow rate of a fluid includes withdrawing flow energy from a fluid flowing through a pipeline (15). This energy is converted at least partially into electrical energy and used for the electrical control (65) of the flow rate and/or the pressure of a fluid. The device for controlling the flow rate and/or pressure of a fluid in a pipeline (20) has at least one electric generator (35), which is developed for the withdrawal of flow energy from a flowing fluid and for converting this energy at least partially into electrical energy. The device has a control mechanism (65) for controlling the flow rate and/or pressure of a fluid in a pipeline (20) with an electric driving mechanism supplied by the generator (35).