Vortex Fluid Flow Device Multiple Inlets Turn-down Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vortex diode devices face a trade-off between forward mass flow and turn-down ratio due to size and weight constraints, often leading to the abandonment of vortex devices in favor of restrictor valves, which have performance disadvantages.
Innovation Solution
Increasing the number of forward flow inlets rather than the radius of a single inlet in a vortex fluid flow device allows for a two-fold increase in turn-down ratio and forward mass flow without impacting reverse mass flow, enabling a more efficient and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the radius of a single forward flow inlet is increased to increase forward mass flow, then forward mass flow is improved, but the turn-down ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single forward flow inlet into multiple forward flow inlets (typically two or more). This segmentation allows the device to maintain a smaller individual inlet radius (preserving turn-down ratio) while collectively providing increased forward mass flow capacity through the combined effect of multiple inlets.
2Productivity
If the size of the vortex chamber is increased to improve turn-down ratio, then turn-down ratio is improved, but device weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the forward flow inlet into multiple smaller inlets, the patent achieves improved turn-down ratio (which would otherwise require a larger chamber) without proportionally increasing device size or weight. The multiple smaller inlets collectively provide the necessary flow capacity while maintaining a more compact overall device footprint.
3Productivity
If the size of the vortex chamber is increased to improve turn-down ratio, then turn-down ratio is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the volume contradiction by segmenting the forward flow inlet into multiple smaller inlets. This approach achieves the desired turn-down ratio performance without requiring a proportional increase in device volume, making the device more compact and suitable for space-constrained applications.
4Productivity
If multiple forward flow inlets are used instead of a single inlet, then turn-down ratio and forward mass flow both increase, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the forward flow inlet into multiple simpler inlet structures. While the number of inlets increases, each individual inlet maintains a simple geometry, and the overall device structure remains relatively straightforward, thus limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved performance.
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 configuration enhances the performance of vortex fluid flow devices by maintaining a given reverse flow rate while increasing forward mass flow, offering improved architecture options and reduced size and weight, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
Vortex devices use the properties of swirling flows to control various aspects of fluid flow, including direction, pressure and mass flow. When reverse flow occurs, the flow forms a vortex, creating a pressure drop greater than that occurring with forward flow.
Implementation Method 2
When reverse flow occurs, the flow forms a vortex, creating a pressure drop greater than that occurring with forward flow. Consequently there is a significant pressure drop across the diode in the reverse flow direction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a vortex fluid flow device comprising a vortex chamber (42), multiple forward flow inlets (50) to the chamber and a reverse flow inlet (52) to the chamber. The vortex fluid flow device is arranged such that in use there is a greater pressure drop across the device when there is reverse fluid flow than when there is forward fluid flow.