Thermally Deformable Flow Channel for Low-Disturbance Fluid Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid flow control methods suffer from undesirable side effects such as pressure drop, flow disturbances, sound effects, and physical movements, leading to secondary issues like part failure and sub-optimal operation.

Innovation Solution

A fluid conductor system with thermally-deformable walls that change geometry in response to temperature changes, controlled by a heater/cooler, to adjust cross-sectional area and flow rate without causing turbulence or noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional flow control methods are used, then flow rate can be controlled, but pressure drop occurs across the flow controller

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate controlVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical flow control mechanisms (valves, orifices) with a thermally-actuated deformable membrane system. By using thermal energy to deform the membrane and control flow, the system eliminates the mechanical pressure drop associated with traditional flow controllers while maintaining precise flow rate control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and geometry of the membrane through temperature variation. By controlling the temperature of the deformable membrane, the system dynamically adjusts its shape and flow characteristics, enabling flow rate control without the pressure drop inherent in fixed-geometry conventional controllers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional flow control methods are used, then flow rate can be controlled, but flow disturbances such as turbulence occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate controlVSAvoidflow stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces abrupt mechanical flow control with gradual thermal deformation of the membrane. This smooth, continuous adjustment mechanism prevents flow disturbances and turbulence that occur with conventional mechanical valves, maintaining laminar flow and stability throughout the control range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If conventional flow control methods are used, then flow rate can be controlled, but sound effects such as noise and whistling occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate controlVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates noise-generating mechanical components by using thermal field control instead. The deformable membrane responds smoothly to temperature changes without the mechanical vibrations, cavitation, and turbulence that produce noise in conventional flow controllers, resulting in quiet operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts thermal energy, which could be considered a waste heat byproduct, into the controlling mechanism for flow rate. By using thermal deformation to control the membrane shape, the system eliminates noise while maintaining effective flow control, turning a potential harmful thermal effect into a beneficial control mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Productivity

If conventional flow control methods are used, then flow rate can be controlled, but physical movements such as vibration occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate controlVSAvoidvibration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical actuation systems that produce vibration with thermal actuation. The deformable membrane responds to temperature changes through thermal expansion and phase changes, eliminating the mechanical vibrations and physical movements associated with conventional valves and actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Effectively controls fluid flow to desired rates with minimal disturbances, reducing pressure drop and noise, enhancing operational stability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The thermally-deformable portion has a geometrical form that changes in response to changes in temperature of the thermally deformable portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP4386512B1Controlling flow of a fluid using thermally deformable channel

Publication Date: 2026.01.14 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C

AI summary

Apparatus and associated methods relate to control of flow of a fluid within a fluid conductor (14) having fluid-impenetrable walls (16) surrounding a lumen (18). The fluid impenetrable walls (16) have a rigid portion (22), a thermally-deformable portion (24), and a thermal heater and/or cooler (26) thermally coupled to the thermally-deformable portion (24). The thermally-deformable portion (24) has a geometrical form that changes in response to changes in temperature of the thermally deformable portion (24). A flow controller (12) receives a signal indicative of a desired flow rate and controls the thermal heater so as to cause the thermally-deformable portion (24) to deform thereby controlling the fluid flow to the desired flow rate.