Multi-Channel Variable Diffuser With Valve-Based Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional variable diffusers in aircraft cabin air compressors have high part counts and wear issues due to multiple vanes, leading to increased maintenance and production costs, as well as weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A variable diffuser design featuring multiple diffuser channels controlled by a valve that moves between positions to occlude or open channels, eliminating the need for individual vanes and reducing part count, weight, and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional variable diffuser uses multiple vanes to control airflow, then airflow control capability is improved, but device complexity and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is segmented into multiple independent channels (first diffuser channel, second diffuser channel, third diffuser channel, fourth diffuser channel) separated by dividers. Each channel can be independently controlled by a valve to occlude or allow airflow, providing airflow control capability while using fewer parts than traditional vane systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using movable vanes to control airflow by changing gap sizes, the invention uses a valve that occludes or opens entire diffuser channels. This inverted approach achieves airflow control by blocking passages rather than adjusting openings, reducing the number of moving parts and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional variable diffuser uses multiple vanes pivoting against backing plate, then airflow adjustment is improved, but wear and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the valve mechanism from the diffuser channel structure itself. The valve is positioned to occlude the second diffuser channel inlet or outlet, separating the control function from the channel structure. This reduces wear surfaces compared to vanes continuously pivoting against the backing plate during airflow adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous vane pivoting motion against the backing plate, the invention uses a valve that opens or occludes channels in discrete positions. This inverted control mechanism reduces continuous contact and wear between moving parts, improving reliability.
3Measurement precision
If traditional variable diffuser uses many vanes with multiple parts each, then airflow control precision is improved, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is divided into multiple channels (first, second, third, fourth diffuser channels) with adjacent inlets and outlets. Each channel can be independently controlled, providing precise airflow control. The segmented channel structure with dividers is simpler to manufacture than multiple individual vanes with their associated pivot points and mounting hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple vanes into a single valve that controls multiple diffuser channels. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the ability to precisely control airflow through each channel independently.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional variable diffuser uses multiple vanes and shroud structure, then airflow distribution is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is segmented into multiple channels separated by dividers, allowing independent airflow control in each channel. This segmented structure achieves effective airflow distribution with fewer and lighter components compared to traditional multiple vane systems with their pivot mechanisms and mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using heavy vane structures that pivot to control airflow, the invention uses a lighter valve mechanism that occludes or opens channels. This inverted approach distributes airflow through fixed channel structures controlled by a lighter moving valve, reducing overall system weight while maintaining distribution capability.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A variable diffuser includes a backing plate (202), a shroud (204), a first divider (206) between the backing plate (202) and the shroud (204), a first diffuser channel (212) between the backing plate (202) and the first divider (206), a second diffuser channel (214) between the first divider (206) and the shroud (204), the second diffuser channel (214), and a valve (204) controlling flow through the second diffuser channel (214). The valve (204) moves between a first position and a second position. The first diffuser channel (212) includes a first channel inlet and a first outlet. The second diffuser channel (214) includes a second channel inlet adjacent to the first channel inlet and a second outlet adjacent to the first outlet.