Aspiration Fluid Injection System Using Venturi Pressure Differential

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fluid injection systems face challenges in accurately measuring and controlling the injection rate, particularly for aspiration-type systems, and struggle with injecting both liquid and dry products effectively without causing dilution or plugging, and require frequent maintenance due to mechanical components.

Innovation Solution

The system employs an aspiration-type injection system with adjustable bypass connections and high flow venturi fittings to create a differential pressure, allowing for precise measurement and control of injection rates without electronic or mechanical sensors, and includes dual gauge metering heads for switching between liquid and dry products, preventing dilution and plugging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If metering pumps are used to inject a predetermined amount of product, then the injection amount is controlled, but the system is subject to wear and mechanical failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjection amount controlVSAvoidmechanical failure resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical metering pumps with an aspiration-type injection system that uses fluid dynamics (venturi effect) to achieve product injection. This eliminates mechanical moving parts, seals, and electronic components, thereby eliminating wear and mechanical failure while maintaining injection control through fluid flow principles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses hydraulic principles by employing a venturi device where fluid flow creates a pressure differential that aspirates the product into the stream. This hydraulic approach replaces mechanical pumping action, achieving reliable operation without mechanical contact or wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Adaptability or versatility

If water powered pumps are used to adjust automatically to flow changes, then flow adaptation is achieved, but frequent maintenance is required due to seal points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow adaptationVSAvoidmaintenance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates water powered pumps and their associated mechanical seals by using an aspiration system driven by the fluid stream itself. The venturi device creates automatic flow adaptation through pressure differentials without any mechanical seals or moving parts that would require maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the fluid stream's own energy to drive the injection process. The venturi effect automatically adapts to flow changes without external control, and the system self-regulates injection rates based on stream conditions without requiring maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If siphon devices are used to create venturi suction, then injection is achieved, but high pressure is required and fluid stream volume is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjection capabilityVSAvoidfluid stream volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a bypass connection that allows a portion of the fluid stream to bypass the storage tank while still providing sufficient flow to create the venturi effect. This partial action approach maintains adequate stream volume while achieving the necessary suction for injection without requiring high pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass connection acts as an intermediary that regulates fluid flow to the venturi device, ensuring sufficient flow velocity is maintained without depleting the overall stream volume. This mediator allows the system to achieve injection capability while preserving fluid stream volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If outlet port connection is extended to bottom of storage tank, then consistent injection rate is achieved, but air pockets form requiring manual venting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjection rate consistencyVSAvoidmanual venting requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a vertical dimension by extending the outlet port to the bottom of the storage tank, allowing consistent product withdrawal regardless of liquid level. This dimensional change enables air pockets to rise to the top while product is drawn from the bottom, achieving consistent injection rates without manual venting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the storage tank into functional zones: the outlet at the bottom for consistent product withdrawal, the middle section for product storage, and the top section for air venting. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of consistent injection rates and automatic air removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

5Stability of the object's composition

If inlet port is extended to near bottom of storage tank, then product mixing is maintained, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct mixingVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the inlet port extension with the product withdrawal function by positioning the inlet near the bottom where product is drawn off. This combination achieves both mixing (by directing flow through the product) and consistent withdrawal without adding separate agitation mechanisms, thereby maintaining composition stability without increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution enables accurate, continuous injection of both liquid and dry products with reduced maintenance needs, as it prevents dilution and plugging, and allows for flexible installation and operation across various flow rates and pressures.

Implementation Method 1

the arc at the inlet probe and the angled cut at the outlet probe create a pressure differential for diverting water into and out of the storage tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

high flow venturi fittings to create a differential pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2916645B1Fluid injection system
Publication Date: 2017.09.13 E Z FLO INJECTION SYST
  • EP2916645B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2916645B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2916645B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Fluid injection system for dispensing a solution into a fluid flow in a flow line, the fluid injection system including a storage tank having product to be dispensed therein; an inlet connection diverting fluid from the flow line into the tank; an outlet connection returning a mixture of fluid/product back into the flow line; a metering gauge in fluid communication with the inlet connection measuring water flowing into the tank; and a metering head connected to the storage tank and having multiple ports for connection to the inlet connection depending on whether the product to be dispensed is in liquid dry form. The inlet connection includes an inlet probe having an opening defined by an arc at a downstream side. The outlet connection includes an outlet probe having an opening having an angled cut facing downstream, such that a pressure differential is created between the inlet and outlet probes.