Spring-Biased Throttling Device for Dynamic Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current throttling devices in piping systems have limited throttling range, fixed airflow passageways, and lack self-compensating mechanisms to manage varying surge conditions, leading to inefficiencies in air flow control and susceptibility to fouling.
Innovation Solution
A throttling device with a movable throttle and dual biasing springs that adjusts airflow based on pressure and surge conditions, allowing for self-compensating airflow control and preventing excessive flow rates, thereby maintaining optimal backpressure and minimizing surge-related damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-stop airflow passageways are used in throttling devices, then the device structure is simple, but the throttling range is limited and the device cannot adapt to varying surge conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed airflow passageways with a movable throttle component that can dynamically adjust its position. The throttle is biased by a spring element to move between different positions, creating variable airflow passages that adapt to different surge conditions. This transforms the static structure into a dynamic system that self-adjusts based on pressure differential changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the airflow passage cross-sectional area through throttle movement. As the pressure differential changes during different surge conditions, the spring-biased throttle moves to alter the effective opening area, thereby changing the flow parameters to match the prevailing conditions. This allows the device to handle a wide range of airflow rates without requiring multiple fixed configurations.
2Reliability
If small fixed passages are used in throttling devices, then the device structure is simple, but the passages are subject to wastewater fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a movable throttle that opens wider under higher surge conditions, preventing wastewater particles from blocking the passage. Instead of relying on a small fixed opening that is prone to clogging, the system dynamically increases the passage size when needed, maintaining reliability while handling varying flow conditions and reducing fouling susceptibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased throttle provides preliminary anti-action by preemptively opening the passage before complete blockage can occur. The biasing element ensures the throttle remains in a partially open position under normal conditions, creating a buffer that prevents wastewater from completely obstructing the flow path, thereby maintaining system reliability.
3Productivity
If a single venting air flow rate is used for vacuum break, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot maximize backpressure exhaust air flow for different surge conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the airflow venting rate to vary dynamically with surge conditions. The spring-biased throttle automatically adjusts the passage opening based on the pressure differential, enabling the system to vent air at different rates appropriate to each surge event. This maximizes productivity by matching the venting rate to the actual air accumulation rate in the pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the spring-biased throttle mechanism that responds to pressure differential changes. As the surge conditions change and affect the pressure across the throttle, the resulting force feedback moves the throttle to adjust the opening, creating a self-regulating system that optimizes airflow venting without external control.
4Extent of automation
If fixed airflow passageways are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device lacks self-compensating mechanisms to control airflow under varying pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through the spring-biased throttle mechanism that automatically adjusts airflow without external intervention. The system serves itself by using the pressure differential inherent in the surge conditions to move the throttle and compensate for varying flow requirements. This self-regulating capability eliminates the need for complex external control systems while achieving automated adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased throttle creates an internal feedback loop where the pressure differential across the throttle directly influences its position, which in turn regulates the airflow. This feedback mechanism enables the device to automatically compensate for varying surge conditions, maintaining optimal airflow control without requiring external sensing or actuation systems.
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 device effectively regulates air flow across a wide range of conditions, preventing pipe damage from surges and water hammers by dynamically adjusting airflow, ensuring efficient venting and minimizing fouling risks.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element biasing the throttle to a partially-open position between the closed position and the open position
Data Source
AI summary
An air removal assembly can include an air valve mountable on a fluid system; and a throttling device in fluid communication with the air valve, the throttle device further in fluid communication with the fluid system through the air valve when the air valve is mounted on the fluid system, the throttling device including: a body having an inner and outer surface, the inner surface defining a body cavity, the inner and outer surfaces defining a plurality of body orifices in fluid communication through the body cavity; a throttle movably positioned within the body cavity proximate to a first orifice of the plurality of orifices, the throttle movable to a closed position closing the first orifice and to an open position opening a fluid pathway between the first orifice and the body cavity; and a biasing element biasing the throttle to a partially-open position between the closed and open positions.