Tapered-Vane Flow Straightener for Small-Opening Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for installing a flow straightener in a fluid conveyance device require extensive cutting or flanged connections, which are time-consuming, costly, and can damage the system, leading to inaccurate flow meter readings and potential damage to the device.
Innovation Solution
A conical-shaped flow straightener with tapered vanes oriented parallel to the longitudinal center axis, allowing for installation through a smaller opening, using leading tapered edges for clearance and flat trailing edges for anchoring, reducing the need for large openings and minimizing system damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional installation methods are used for flow straightener, then the flow straightener can be installed, but extensive cutting or flanged connections are required which are time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The flow straightener is divided into multiple vanes that can be inserted independently through a small opening in the fluid conveyance device. Each vane is a separate component that can be installed individually, eliminating the need for extensive cutting or flanged connections required by conventional installation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The vanes are designed to be inserted through a small opening that is much smaller than the overall footprint of the flow straightener. The vanes nest within the fluid conveyance device, with their leading tapered edges entering first through the limited opening, followed by the main body of each vane.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional installation methods are used for flow straightener, then the flow straightener can be installed, but extensive cutting or flanged connections are required which can damage the system
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flow straightener into individual vanes, the installation process avoids extensive cutting of the fluid conveyance device. The vanes are inserted through a small opening without requiring damage to the device structure, and no flanged connections are needed that could compromise system integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered shape of the vanes, which could be seen as an added complexity, actually facilitates easier installation by allowing the vanes to be inserted through a small opening. The tapered leading edges reduce resistance during insertion, converting what might be a structural complication into an installation advantage.
3Ease of operation
If the flow straightener is installed through a small opening, then installation is easier and less damaging, but the vanes must be shaped to fit through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The vanes have different shapes at different locations: the leading edges are tapered to facilitate insertion through the small opening, while the trailing edges are flat to provide anchoring against the inner wall of the fluid conveyance device. This local variation in geometry optimizes both installation ease and operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Each vane is asymmetric in shape, with a tapered leading edge and a flat trailing edge. This asymmetry allows the vane to be inserted through a small opening while maintaining structural integrity and providing proper anchoring once installed. The asymmetric shape is simpler than it appears, as it follows a straightforward geometric progression from insertion to anchoring.
4Measurement precision
If the flow straightener is installed properly, then turbulence is reduced and flow meter readings are accurate, but improper installation may damage the flow straightener or fluid conveyance device
Solution Approach 1:
The vanes are pre-shaped with tapered leading edges and flat trailing edges before installation. This preliminary shaping ensures that during insertion, the tapered edges enter first through the opening, followed by the main body, and finally the flat trailing edges anchor against the inner wall. This pre-configured geometry guides the installation process and prevents improper positioning that could cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered leading edges of the vanes act as intermediaries during installation, facilitating smooth insertion through the small opening without causing damage to either the vanes or the fluid conveyance device. The tapered shape mediates between the constraint of the small opening and the need to install the full-size vanes.
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
Facilitates easy and efficient installation of the flow straightener, reducing turbulence and ensuring accurate flow meter readings while minimizing damage to the fluid conveyance device and flow straightener.
Implementation Method 1
A flow straightener may be installed and located in a position prior to a flow meter to provide a straight run of the liquid through the flow meter. Further, the installation of the flow straightener may be used to reduce turbulent flow.
Implementation Method 2
the installation of the flow straightener may be used to reduce turbulent flow
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment provides A flow straightener, comprising; a conical-shaped portion having a first end and a second end substantially opposite the first end, wherein the first end has a bigger diameter than the second end; and a plurality of liquid directing vanes extending from the conical-shaped portion, wherein each of the plurality of liquid directing vanes are located at a different location on the conical-shaped portion and are oriented parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the conical-shaped portion; and wherein the plurality of liquid directing vanes extend from the conical-shaped portion such that the plurality of liquid directing vanes are located on either an upper half with respect to a horizontal centerline of an end the conical-shaped portion or a lower half with respect to the horizontal centerline of the conical-shaped portion; wherein each of the plurality of liquid directing vanes are shaped having a tapered tail located after the first end of the conical-shaped portion. Other aspects are described and claimed.