Fluid conduit with variable flow resistance
US9127799B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2013 |
| Grant date | Sep 8, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 26, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/2213
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.