Shuttling Venturi Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Venturi systems face challenges in preventing backflow and require additional components like check valves and on/off valves, making them unsuitable for space-constrained applications and complicating the mixing process.
Innovation Solution
A shuttling Venturi design that moves linearly or rotationally to control fluid flow, eliminating the need for check valves and on/off valves by aligning mixing ports with chambers only during active mixing, using body seals to prevent backflow and utilizing a spring mechanism for position retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If check valves and on/off valves are added to prevent backflow and control flow, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the backflow prevention function and flow control function into the Venturi body structure itself. The moveable section with mixing ports acts as both the mixing mechanism and the flow control mechanism, eliminating the need for separate check valves and on/off valves. This merging of functions reduces component count while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The Venturi body is designed to be self-regulating through its moveable section. When secondary fluid flows through the mixing ports, the pressure differential automatically controls the position of the moveable section, opening or closing mixing ports as needed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external valves to control flow.
2Reliability
If check valves are added to prevent backflow, then reliability is improved, but the space required for the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backflow prevention function is merged into the moveable section of the Venturi body. The same component that controls mixing also prevents backflow by its positioning, eliminating the need for a separate check valve that would occupy additional space. The compact integration allows the system to fit in space-constrained applications.
3Ease of operation
If on/off valves are added to control secondary fluid flow, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable section of the Venturi body automatically responds to flow conditions and user activation. When the user activates the system, the pressure differential moves the moveable section to align mixing ports, allowing secondary fluid flow. When deactivated, the moveable section returns to its original position, closing the mixing ports. This self-service mechanism provides flow control without requiring separate on/off valves.
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 efficient mixing of liquids, gases, or solids without the need for additional valves, allowing for space-efficient use in applications like hydration packs, reducing system complexity and preventing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
When a fluid flows through a restricted area, the fluid pressure is reduced, and the fluid velocity is increased. This is known as a Venturi effect.
Implementation Method 2
When the primary fluid enters the converging nozzle, the pressure is decreased and acts to pull a secondary fluid into the flow of the fluid going through the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A shuttling Venturi that eliminates the need for a check valve to prevent backflow or an on/off valve to control flow of a secondary fluid. The shuttling Venturi provides for the mixing of liquids, gases and/or solids, in particular, in applications where space is limited and extra control valves cannot be located.