Variable Flow Resistance Conduit Using Shear-Thickening Fluid
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conduits with variable flow resistance in cooling systems of internal combustion engines are complex, heavy, and require movable components and external control systems, leading to increased construction space, weight, and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A fluid line with a hollow body casing containing either a dilatant fluid that reacts to shear rate or an electroactive polymer that reacts to electrical voltage, reducing the effective flow cross section without the need for movable components, thus simplifying the system and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional valves and control mechanisms are used to achieve variable flow resistance, then flow control function is achieved, but device complexity and construction space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid line utilizes the shear-thickening properties of the dilatant fluid to automatically adjust its own flow resistance based on the flow conditions, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the flowing fluid's characteristics to control the flow resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the fluid line by incorporating a dilatant fluid that alters its viscosity based on shear rate. This parameter change allows the fluid line to dynamically adjust flow resistance without mechanical control components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional valves and control mechanisms are used to achieve variable flow resistance, then flow control function is achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid line uses the inherent properties of the dilatant fluid to self-regulate flow resistance, eliminating heavy mechanical valves and control systems. The weight reduction comes from replacing complex mechanical components with a passive fluid property-based system.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the fluid dynamic parameters through the use of dilatant fluid, the system achieves variable flow resistance without adding mechanical weight. The control is achieved through fluid property modification rather than mechanical component addition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional valves and control mechanisms are used to achieve variable flow resistance, then flow control function is achieved, but movable components are required leading to wear and maintenance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates all movable control components by using the shear-thickening property of the dilatant fluid. The fluid line automatically adjusts flow resistance through the fluid's inherent response to shear rate changes, with no parts to wear or fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical valve and control system with a fluid property-based control mechanism. The dilatant fluid's shear-dependent viscosity provides the flow control function without any mechanical moving parts, eliminating wear and maintenance requirements.
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 solution provides a self-controlled, automatic reduction in flow resistance, eliminating the need for external control systems and movable components, resulting in a more compact, cost-effective, and simplified design for fluid lines like degassing lines in cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
The dilatant fluid causes a reduction in an effective flow cross section of the fluid line in reaction to an increase in the shear rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid line
Implementation Method 2
The hollow body casing comprises an electroactive polymer which causes a reduction in an effective flow cross section of the fluid line in reaction to an electric current applied to the body casing
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid-carrying conduit achieves variable resistance to flow. An elongate, hollow body casing has at least one chamber containing either a dilatant fluid or an electroactive polymer. In the case of the dilatant fluid, a reduction in an effective flow cross section of the fluid line occurs in reaction to an increase in the shear rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid line. In the case of the electroactive polymer, a reduction in an effective flow cross section of the fluid line occurs in reaction to an electric current being applied to the body casing. The conduit may be configured for use as a degassing line in a cooling system of an internal combustion engine. The conduit may have a reinforcement encircling the electroactive polymer. The conduit may have an electrically conductive connecting surface adjacent to the electroactive polymer. The electroactive polymer may be an ionic electroactive polymer.