Tortuous Flow Path Force Element for Fluid Dispenser Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dispensing devices for two-part polyurethane foam formulations often plug due to particulates, such as crystals, which form in the A-side component at low temperatures, causing inconsistent flow and blend ratios, and existing designs lack effective filtration without additional elements.
Innovation Solution
A redesigned force applying element with a tortuous flow path that filters out particulates by forcing fluid to flow radially through the element, trapping larger particles and allowing smaller ones to pass, with a volume to collect trapped particulates without immediate blockage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a straight line flow path is used through the force applying element, then fluid flow is simple and direct, but particulates can pass through and cause plugging downstream
Solution Approach 1:
The force applying element incorporates a tortuous (curved/irregular) flow path instead of a straight line path. This curved geometry forces fluid to follow a winding route through the element, creating multiple directional changes that trap particulates along the way, preventing them from reaching downstream components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path transitions from a simple linear (one-dimensional) path to a multi-dimensional tortuous path with radial components. The fluid is forced to move not only axially but also radially outward and back inward, adding dimensional complexity to the flow trajectory and enhancing particulate trapping effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the force applying element is redesigned with a tortuous flow path, then particulates are filtered out, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The force applying element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it applies sealing force against the spool wall, guides fluid flow through a tortuous path for particulate filtration, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate filtration components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration function is merged into the existing force applying element rather than being implemented as a separate component. The tortuous flow path is integrated within the force applying element's structure, combining the sealing, guiding, and filtration functions into a single unified component.
3Reliability
If flow path spacing is reduced to filter smaller particulates, then filtration effectiveness increases, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force applying element allows for dynamic adjustment of flow path spacing. The element can flex or deform under operating conditions, enabling the flow paths to adapt their spacing - tighter when filtration is prioritized and more open when flow rate is prioritized - thereby balancing filtration effectiveness with fluid flow productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tortuous flow path creates multiple opportunities for particulate trapping along its length, allowing the use of relatively larger spacing in individual sections while maintaining overall filtration effectiveness through the cumulative effect of multiple radial outward and inward flow segments.
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
Prevents plugging and ensures consistent flow and blend ratios by effectively filtering out particulates, maintaining the device's functionality without adding extra components.
Implementation Method 1
Filtering is achieved by creating flow-path spacing along the tortuous path that are only large enough to pass fluid and solid particulates smaller than the spacing along the tortuous path
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispensing device has a spool valve in a dispenser housing with a spool in a spool housing and a spool wall around the spool housing with entrance and an exit openings defined therethrough; an entrance channel in the dispenser housing proximate to the spool wall entrance opening; a force applying element in the entrance channel that applies force against the spool wall with entrance and exit ends with the exit end proximate to the spool wall; a hose adapter fitting with an entrance end extending out from and an exit end extending into the entrance and contacting the force applying element with a flow passage extending through it; and fluid communication through the hose adapter fitting flow passage through the force applying element and into an entrance opening in the spool wall; where the force applying element defines a tortuous path through which fluid must travel.