Shape Memory Labyrinth Barrier for Dynamic Flow Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional labyrinth barriers face challenges in maintaining effective flow restriction while avoiding member contact, which can lead to structural issues and reduced effectiveness due to clearance size variability under dynamic conditions like vibration and thermal expansion.
Innovation Solution
The use of shape memory materials with a first and second energy state, where members are oriented to create a flow pathway that restricts fluid flow transversely, and are urged towards each other as the shape memory material transitions from the first to the second energy state, enhancing flow restriction without member contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clearance between members is reduced to improve flow restriction, then flow restriction effectiveness is improved, but member contact and structural issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The labyrinth barrier members are designed with dynamic clearance adjustment capability through shape memory material actuation. The members can transition between different positional states (open/closed) based on operational conditions, allowing the clearance to be optimized for both flow restriction and structural protection. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the clearance variable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state parameters of the members by incorporating shape memory materials that respond to thermal or electrical stimuli. By changing the energy state of the shape memory material, the members can alter their position and the resulting clearance between them, thus adapting the flow restriction characteristics while preventing harmful contact under different operational conditions.
2Strength
If the clearance between members is increased to avoid member contact, then structural issues are avoided, but flow restriction effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the clearance between members based on operational requirements. During normal operation, members are positioned to maintain optimal clearance for structural integrity. When flow restriction is required, the members are actuated to reduce clearance, thus resolving the contradiction through time-dependent configuration changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The members are pre-positioned with sufficient clearance to avoid contact under normal conditions, preserving structural integrity. The system is designed so that this preliminary configuration protects against structural damage, while the capability to change configuration exists for when flow restriction becomes necessary.
3Reliability
If shape memory material is used to urge members towards each other for better flow restriction, then flow restriction effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory material provides self-actuating capability to the members, eliminating the need for external actuators, motors, or complex control mechanisms. The material responds autonomously to thermal or electrical stimuli, causing the members to move into position for flow restriction. This self-service approach improves flow restriction effectiveness while minimizing the addition of mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems (motors, linkages, springs) with shape memory material-based actuation. This substitution uses material science properties rather than mechanical systems to achieve the same function of urging members towards each other, thereby improving flow restriction while actually reducing overall device complexity by eliminating mechanical actuation components.
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 solution ensures effective flow restriction and prevents member contact, maintaining barrier effectiveness while accommodating thermal expansion and vibration, thus overcoming limitations of conventional labyrinth barriers.
Implementation Method 1
one or more of the members are constructed at least in part of a shape memory material having a first energy state and a second energy state. The members are oriented relative to one another by their respective vertical axes in an original state to create a flow pathway that restricts fluid flow in a direction transverse to the respective vertical axes, and the members are urged towards one another to further restrict the flow pathway when the shape memory material transitions from the first energy state to the second energy state.
Data Source
AI summary
A labyrinth barrier is disclosed and comprises two or more members each defining respective vertical axes. One or more of the members are constructed at least in part of a shape memory material having a first energy state and a second energy state. The members are oriented relative to one another by their respective vertical axes in an original state to create a flow pathway that restricts fluid flow in a direction transverse to the respective vertical axes. The members are urged towards one another to further restrict the flow pathway when the shape memory material transitions from the first energy state to the second energy state.