Shark-fin baffle teeth for labyrinth channel pressure drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labyrinth channels in drip irrigation systems are inefficient in pressure reduction and flow control, leading to sensitivity of water outflow to inlet pressure changes and requiring longer channels, which increases production costs and clogging risks.
Innovation Solution
A labyrinth channel design featuring opposing arrays of shark-fin baffle teeth with non-parallel upstream and downstream faces, providing increased turbulence and resistance to fluid flow, allowing for greater pressure reduction and flow control with potentially shorter channel lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional labyrinth channels with parallel baffle teeth are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pressure reduction efficiency is low and the channel length must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the baffle teeth with non-parallel upstream and downstream faces. The upstream face has a different angle relative to the flow direction compared to the downstream face, creating asymmetric flow interaction that enhances turbulence and pressure reduction efficiency without complicating the manufacturing process.
2Productivity
If longer labyrinth channels are used to improve pressure reduction, then pressure control improves, but production costs increase and clogging risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the baffle teeth by introducing non-parallel faces with specific angles. This parameter modification increases the resistance coefficient and turbulence intensity within the channel, achieving superior pressure reduction in a shorter length, thereby reducing clogging risk and production costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional baffle teeth with parallel faces are used, then the manufacturing is easier, but the flow resistance and turbulence are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric configuration of baffle teeth with non-parallel faces creates more effective flow disruption and turbulence. The different angles of upstream and downstream faces optimize the flow separation and reattachment patterns, enhancing flow control stability and reliability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
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 new design enhances fluid flow resistance, enabling more efficient pressure drop and flow rate control, reducing emitter costs and clogging risks, while offering design flexibility for tailored pressure drops and flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
The labyrinth channel generally comprises a tortuous 'obstacle' flow path that generates turbulence in water flowing in the labyrinth to reduce water pressure and discharge of water by the emitter.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A labyrinth channel for reducing pressure and/or flow rate in a liquid flowing in the channel, the labyrinth channel having a bottom surface and first and second opposing walls and comprising: a first array of spaced apart first baffle teeth that have non-parallel upstream and downstream faces and extend from the first wall towards the second wall to terminate in an end; and a second array of spaced apart second baffle teeth that have non-parallel upstream and downstream faces and extend from the second wall towards the first wall to terminate in an end; wherein baffle teeth in different arrays have a substantially same shape and upstream faces of closest baffle teeth in different arrays are different and/or downstream faces of closest baffle teeth in different arrays are different.