U.S. patent application number 15/799108 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-08 for vortex flow apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is VTX TECHNOLOGY LLC. Invention is credited to John L. BROCK, Lynn L. FAULKNER, David H. HILL.
Application Number | 20180066563 15/799108 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61282135 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180066563 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HILL; David H. ; et
al. |
March 8, 2018 |
VORTEX FLOW APPARATUS
Abstract
A vortex flow apparatus including a cylindrical housing that
contains a fluid that flows in a swirling circular path. The
apparatus may be utilized as a muffler for a combustion engine, a
particle separator, or an energy conversion device that physically
or chemically acts upon the fluid flow and particles contained
within the apparatus. The housing defines an inlet opening that
opens into the first end of the housing proximate a first end wall.
An outlet tube defines an outlet opening through a first end wall.
A projection is attached to a second end wall of the housing and
extends into the housing. The outlet tube and projection are
aligned with and centered relative to a central axis.
Inventors: |
HILL; David H.; (San Diego,
CA) ; FAULKNER; Lynn L.; (Westerville, OH) ;
BROCK; John L.; (Auburn, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VTX TECHNOLOGY LLC |
Troy |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61282135 |
Appl. No.: |
15/799108 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
14713036 |
May 15, 2015 |
9803667 |
|
|
15799108 |
|
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|
|
61993702 |
May 15, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01N 2510/06 20130101;
F01N 1/089 20130101; F01N 1/086 20130101; F01N 1/087 20130101; F01N
13/16 20130101; F15D 1/0015 20130101; F02M 26/35 20160201; Y10T
137/2104 20150401; F01N 2230/04 20130101; F01N 2470/18 20130101;
F01N 2490/08 20130101; F01N 1/085 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F01N 13/16 20060101
F01N013/16; F01N 1/08 20060101 F01N001/08 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a cylindrical housing having a central
axis, a first end and a second end, wherein the housing defines an
inlet opening, and wherein the inlet opening opens into the first
end of the housing proximate a first end wall, and wherein the
housing has a side wall that includes a combined
oxidation/reduction catalyst coating applied to an inner surface of
a side wall of the housing; an outlet tube defining an outlet
opening that extends from inside the housing and through the first
end wall; and a projection attached to a second end wall of the
housing and extending into the housing, wherein the outlet tube and
projection are aligned with and centered relative to the central
axis.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the combined
oxidation/reduction catalyst coating is applied to an outer surface
of the outlet tube.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the combined
oxidation/reduction catalyst coating is applied adjacent the inlet
opening.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the combined
oxidation/reduction catalyst coating is applied to the inner
surface of the side wall outboard of the outlet tube.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/713,036 filed May 15, 2015, now U.S. Pat.
No. 9,803,667 issued Oct. 31, 2017, which claims the benefit of
U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/993,702 filed May 15,
2014, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated in their
entirety by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to apparatus that create a contained
vortex by directing fluid flow from at least one inlet into a
housing and out of the housing through at least one outlet.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A vortex flow apparatus includes a container for a fluid
that flows in a swirling circular path. Particle separators are one
example of a known use for vortex flow apparatus. Another proposed
use is as a muffler for an external combustion or an internal
combustion engine which may be a spark ignition engine or a
compression ignition engine. When used as a muffler, the kinetic
energy of the flowing gases and thermal energy and the amplitude of
acoustic or aerodynamic oscillations is modified including sound,
ultrasound and infrasound waves. The apparatus reduces sound
entering the container from the inlet and when implemented as a
muffler reduces sound or noise emanating from the combustion
engine.
[0004] Applicants' assignee is the owner by assignment of U.S. Pat.
No. 8,246,704 that issued on Aug. 21, 2012 and is entitled
"Contained Vortices Device" and U.S. Pat. No. 8,409,312 that issued
on Apr. 2, 2013 and is entitled "Muffler." In the course of
developing the above inventions many alternative embodiments have
been conceived by applicants that may provide additional benefits
or may be used in an effort to circumvent the scope of the claims
in the above patents.
[0005] This application is directed to protecting alternative
embodiments that applicants have conceived and that applicants may
develop and test in the future.
SUMMARY
[0006] The vortex flow apparatus disclosed in this application
converts (or partially converts) the kinetic energy of the flowing
fluid, thermal energy, and acoustic energy into other forms of
energy. Conversion of the energy may result in sound reduction and
may also produce other physical and chemical reactions. The vortex
flow in the apparatus may undergo an abrupt change in the swirling
flow described as vortex breakdown, vortex implosion, vortex bubble
or various other descriptions for this abrupt vortex change.
Interaction of acoustics and vortex flow may also produce acoustic
streaming or steady streaming or pulsed streaming within the device
and may result in sound reduction, may improve energy conversion
and may affect particle separation and may transport particles to
pressure node locations and may provide localized micro-mixing and
may provide micro-actuation and may provide micro-manipulation for
small particles and may also produce other physical and chemical
reactions.
[0007] When used as a muffler with a combustion engine, sound
levels are reduced over substantially the entire engine operating
range. The dimensions and arrangement of the component parts of the
vortex flow apparatus when used as a muffler may be adjusted to
tune the sound emanating from the apparatus. The apparatus may be
adjusted for a specific application due to engine exhaust flow
properties, exhaust system dimensions, the location of the muffler,
the orientation (vertical or horizontal), and the size of the
muffler.
[0008] The apparatus also produces low pressure within the
apparatus that is advantageous when implemented as an engine
exhaust muffler and is particularly advantageous for turbocharged
engines. The length of the apparatus, relative position of the
inlet, outlet and internal projection may be adjusted to reduce
pressure to a greater or lesser extent. Sound attenuation and
pressure performance may be balanced or tuned for specific
applications. The configuration of the apparatus may also be
adjusted for particle separation and spark suppression. When used
as a muffler on a vehicle it is desirable that no particles
accumulate inside the muffler but that particle size is reduced and
that the particles flow from the apparatus.
[0009] Depending upon the configuration of the apparatus when used
as a muffler, the temperature of the fluid flowing from the muffler
may be different than the fluid flowing from a conventional
muffler. The low back pressure of the muffler results in changes in
engine performance and fuel combustion and may result in higher
engine exhaust temperature. High exhaust temperatures may result in
improved catalytic conversion and particle combustion. The
apparatus when used as a muffler may also reduce NOx and CO and
emissions and reduce unburned hydrocarbons and particles carried by
the exhaust gas. In addition, combustibles are prevented from
exiting the apparatus and no spark ignition occurs at the
outlet.
[0010] The vortex flow in the apparatus results in a reflected
counter vortex flow that is an abrupt vortex direction change that
creates a low pressure region. Energy conversion occurs as a result
of the kinetic energy, thermal energy, and acoustic energy
interactions that result in sound reduction and other changes in
the exhaust gas.
[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the vortex flow
is induced at an inlet by the fluid being directed by tangential
entry or flow directing vanes to swirl around the inside of the
cylindrical or conical housing. Alternatively, entry may parallel
or be angled to the apparatus axis with induced vortex by a vane or
plurality of vanes. The vortex flow reverses at the opposite end
from the inlet and in the vicinity of the tip of a projection that
creates a counter-rotating flow. A region of abrupt change vortex
flow and low pressure is created proximate the tip of the
projection and between the projection and an outlet tube through
which the fluid flows out of the apparatus. The flow diverges and
energy and particles are converted differently at this low pressure
region than at other locations within the device.
[0012] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is
disclosed that comprises a cylindrical or conical housing having a
central axis, a first end and a second end. An inlet opening into
the first end of the housing is located proximate a first end wall.
An outlet tube defining an outlet opening extends from inside the
housing and through the first end wall. A projection attached to a
second end wall of the housing extends into the housing. The
following descriptions represent an inlet circular diameter "d" or
an equivalent circular diameter "d" for other inlet geometries. The
inlet can have various geometries other than circular, such as
oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal,
polygonal, etc. The size of the openings may be equivalent to the
cross-sectional area of a circular opening having a diameter "d"
for the other shapes used to determine the size of non-circular
inlet geometries. The outlet tube and projection are aligned with
and centered relative to the central axis, and the inlet opening
has a diameter "d" and the spacing between the end of the
projection and the outlet tube is between 0.5d and 2d.
[0013] According to other aspects of this disclosure the spacing
between the projection and the outlet tube may be 1.2d. The housing
may have a diameter of between 2.5d and 3.5d. The housing may have
a diameter of 3d. The outlet tube and the projection may have a
diameter of between 0.5d and 1.5d. The outlet tube and the
projection may have a diameter of "d". The inlet opening may be
formed by a tube having a length of at least 1d extending outwardly
from the housing if the inlet tube extends into the housing. The
inlet opening may be formed by a tube that may be flush with the
housing side wall or may have a length of up to 1.5d that extends
inwardly into the housing. The outlet tube may have a length of at
least 1d extending outwardly from the housing. The projection may
have a length of between 1d to 5d. The distance between bullet and
exit may be from about 0.5d to 2d. In addition, the housing may
have a length from 6d to 12d depending on the exhaust application.
Small vehicle exhaust systems may require a shorter length while
other applications may require a longer length. In one example, the
housing had a length of 10.5d.
[0014] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained
vortex apparatus is disclosed that includes a projection is
attached to a second end wall of the housing and extends into the
housing that may take several forms. The projection shape for an
exhaust muffler can be adjusted and tuned for pressure, acoustic
reduction, and particle separation. For example, the projection may
have a sidewall that is shaped as: [0015] a frustum of a cone with
a convex partially spherical end; [0016] a cone; [0017] a
cylindrical side wall that has a plurality of protruding
circumferential frusto-conical ribs with a convex partially
spherical end; [0018] a cylindrical side wall that has a protruding
helical rib with a convex partially spherical end; [0019] a
cylindrical side wall with a flat end; [0020] a recessed concave
partially spherical end; [0021] a cylindrical side wall with a
protruding conical end; or [0022] a cylindrical side wall with a
protruding pointed end.
[0023] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained
vortex apparatus is disclosed that includes a projection attached
to a second wall of the housing that extends into the housing. An
internal housing end may take several forms that may result in
vortex reflection and acoustic reflection. For example, the
projection and second wall internal housing end can be adjusted and
tuned for pressure reduction, acoustic reduction, and particle
separation when used as an exhaust muffler.
[0024] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained
vortex apparatus is disclosed that includes a projection attached
to a second wall of the housing and extends into the housing from
an internal housing end that may take several forms. For example,
the projection may be attached to a housing inside end shaped as:
[0025] an angular oriented end; [0026] an inwardly conical end
wall; [0027] an outwardly conical end wall; [0028] a partially
spherical end wall; [0029] a partially spherical concave end wall;
[0030] a spirally shaped inwardly conical end wall; or [0031] a
spirally shaped inwardly spherical end wall.
[0032] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained
vortex apparatus is disclosed that comprises a cylindrical or
conical housing that defines an inlet opening. The inlet opening
opens into the first end of the housing proximate a first end wall.
The housing may further comprise a sidewall in that defines the
inlet opening. Alternatively, the first end wall of the housing may
define one or more inlet openings. A vane or plurality of vanes may
be disposed in the inlet opening that induces a vortex within the
housing.
[0033] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vortex
flow apparatus is disclosed that comprises a cylindrical or conical
housing having a first end and a second end. A secondary chamber
may be provided on the housing at the second end that defines
openings through a second end wall to provide fluid flow from
inside the housing to the secondary chamber. Openings are provided
in the projection inside the secondary chamber to provide fluid
flow from the secondary chamber into the projection.
[0034] According to other aspects of the apparatus described in the
preceding paragraph, the projection may define a second plurality
of openings in the end of the projection and inside the housing
that provide fluid flow from inside the projection to the inside of
the housing. The projection may also define a secondary outlet to
provide fluid flow to a secondary outlet in an end of the
projection outside the secondary chamber and the inside of the
housing. The projection may define a port that extends from outside
the secondary chamber through the secondary chamber and into the
inside of the housing through the end of the projection. The port
may be an inlet port or an outlet port. The inlet may receive
exhaust gases from a combustion engine and the port may function to
direct exhaust gases from inside the housing to the combustion
engine for exhaust gas recirculation. The apparatus may further
comprise a valve in fluid flow communication with the port that
controls the flow of exhaust gases to the combustion engine.
[0035] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained
vortex apparatus is disclosed that comprises a cylindrical housing
having a side wall that has a plurality of ribs that extend
helically around the housing. An outlet tube defines an outlet
opening that extends from inside the housing and through the first
end wall.
[0036] According to other aspects of the apparatus described in the
preceding paragraph, the side wall may further comprise an inner
wall having a smooth cylindrical surface attached to the inside
surface of the side wall. In an alternative embodiment, the side
wall may further comprise an inner wall having a smooth cylindrical
surface attached to the inside of the side wall, and an outer wall
having a smooth cylindrical surface attached to the outside surface
of the side wall.
[0037] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained
vortex apparatus is disclosed that includes a cylindrical housing
that has a side wall that includes annular ribs that are spaced
along the length of the housing. According to another aspect of
this embodiment, the ribs may be in the shape of a sine wave with
the length of the sine wave being adjusted and tuned to modify
internal flow, acoustic waves, pressure, and particle separation.
According to other aspects of this embodiment, the ribs may be
tuned and adjusted depending on vortex rotational velocity, vortex
axial velocity, and acoustic energy waves contained within the
apparatus.
[0038] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained
vortex catalytic converter is disclosed that may interact with the
fluid inertia and abrupt vortex change and thermal energy and
acoustic energy to produce reduction catalytic action and oxidation
catalytic action with the device. The catalytic materials may be
applied to various geometries and surfaces within the device and
adjusted or tuned for the vortex flow and abrupt vortex change and
temperature and acoustic properties to produce catalytic conversion
as an emission control device. The catalytic converter may be
disposed within a cylindrical housing having a first end and a
second end. The contained vortex apparatus may also be a combined
muffler and exhaust gas catalytic converter device. As an exhaust
muffler and catalytic converter apparatus, the device may be
implemented with a control system that monitors the exhaust and
uses this information to control the fuel and air-to-fuel ratio
entering the combustion process. The housing defines an inlet
opening that opens into the first end of the housing proximate a
first end wall. The housing has a side wall that includes a
reduction phase coating applied to an inner surface of a side wall
of the housing and an oxidation phase coating applied to the inner
surface of the side wall spaced from the reduction phase coating.
An outlet tube defines an outlet opening that extends from inside
the housing and through the first end wall. The catalytic converter
embodiment may also include a second reduction phase coating may be
applied to an outer surface of the outlet tube and a second
oxidation phase coating may be applied to the outer surface of the
outlet tube. The reduction phase coating and the second reduction
phase coating may be applied adjacent the inlet opening and
upstream relative to the oxidation phase coating and the second
oxidation phase coating. The oxidation phase coating may be applied
to the inner surface outboard of the outlet tube.
[0039] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus
is disclosed that comprises a cylindrical housing having a central
axis, a first end and a second end. The housing defines an inlet
opening that opens into the first end of the housing proximate a
first end wall. The housing has a side wall that includes a
combined oxidation/reduction catalyst coating applied to an inner
surface of a side wall of the housing. An outlet tube defining an
outlet opening extends from inside the housing and through the
first end wall. A projection attached to a second end wall of the
housing extends into the housing. The outlet tube and projection
are aligned with and centered relative to the central axis
[0040] According to other aspects of this disclosure as it relates
to the apparatus having a combined oxidation/reduction catalyst
coating, the combined oxidation/reduction catalyst coating may be
applied to an outer surface of the outlet tube. The combined
oxidation/reduction catalyst coating may be applied adjacent the
inlet opening. The combined oxidation/reduction catalyst coating
may be applied to the inner surface of the side wall outboard of
the outlet tube.
[0041] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained
vortex apparatus is disclosed that includes a projection attached
to a second end wall of the housing and extending into the housing
that is formed at least partially of a magnetic material to produce
a magnetic field that functions to apply a magnetic charge to fluid
and gas and particles within the housing. The magnetic charge
cooperates with the energy conversion and acoustic streaming
phenomenon to magnetically process particles in the apparatus. The
contained vortex apparatus may be a combined muffler and magnetic
field device. An insulator may be disposed between the projection
and the second end wall. The magnetic material may be a permanent
magnet inserted inside the projection.
[0042] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vortex
flow apparatus is disclosed that comprises a cylindrical housing
that includes an ultrasonic energy generator that is disposed to
create ultrasonic energy within the cylindrical housing. The
contained vortex apparatus may be a combined muffler and ultrasonic
device. The ultrasonic generator may be disposed within the
projection, on the housing, proximate the inlet opening, or
proximate one of the ends of the housing. In one embodiment, the
ultrasonic energy generator may be an ultrasonic whistle generator.
The ultrasonic energy and waves may be utilized to alter vortex
flow and turbulent flow, produce very high local pressure for
various processing applications, produce very high local
temperature, modify and separate agglomerated particles, modify
fluids including gases, or act as a catalyst for chemical
reactions. The ultrasonic energy cooperates with the energy
conversion and acoustic streaming phenomenon to ultrasonically
process particles in the apparatus. These and other effects of
ultrasonic energy may have benefit when combined within the exhaust
muffler embodiment.
[0043] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained
vortex flow apparatus is disclosed that is electrically connected
to a voltage source. The contained vortex apparatus may be a
combined muffler and electrical charge device. For example, the
contained vortex flow apparatus may electrically charge fluid and
gas and particles and ions within the device. The voltage source
may produce ions within the housing, may electrically charge
particulates within the housing, or may ionize particles suspended
within the housing. The voltage source may be connected to the
housing and the projection within the housing, or may be connected
to the outlet pipe.
[0044] The voltage source may be connected to the housing and the
projection within the housing. A needle shaped extension may be
provided on an end of the projection that extends toward the outlet
pipe. The extension may be electrically charged to generate ions
within the housing proximate the extension. With regard to either
of the electrically charged embodiments, electrical energy
cooperates with the energy conversion and acoustic streaming
phenomenon to process the electrically charged particles in the
apparatus.
[0045] The above aspects of this disclosure and other aspects will
be described in greater detail below with reference to the
illustrated embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a
contained vortex apparatus illustrating dimensions of the
apparatus.
[0047] FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic end cross-section view of the
contained vortex apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0048] FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic end cross-section view of an
alternative embodiment of a contained vortex apparatus that extends
inwardly into the housing up to the centerline of the housing.
[0049] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of
a contained vortex apparatus having a projection that is in the
shape of a frustum of a cone with a convex partially spherical
end.
[0050] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of
a contained vortex apparatus having a projection that is in the
shape of a cone.
[0051] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of
a contained vortex apparatus having a projection that has a
cylindrical side wall that has three protruding circumferential
frusto-conical ribs with a convex partially spherical end.
[0052] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of
a contained vortex apparatus having a projection that has a
cylindrical side wall that has a protruding helical rib with a
convex partially spherical end.
[0053] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of
a contained vortex apparatus having a projection that has a
cylindrical side wall with a flat end.
[0054] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of
a contained vortex apparatus having a projection that has a
cylindrical side wall with a concave partially spherical end.
[0055] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of
a contained vortex apparatus having a projection that has a
cylindrical side wall with a concave partially spherical end.
[0056] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end
of a contained vortex apparatus having a projection that has a
cylindrical side wall with a pointed end.
[0057] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end
of a contained vortex apparatus having an end wall supporting a
projection that is a planar wall disposed at an angle offset from a
transverse plane;
[0058] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end
of a contained vortex apparatus having an end wall supporting a
projection that is a conical wall that extends into the
housing.
[0059] FIG. 13 is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end
of a contained vortex apparatus having an end wall supporting a
projection that is a conical wall that protrudes from the
housing.
[0060] FIG. 14 is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end
of a contained vortex apparatus having an end wall supporting a
projection that is a partially spherical convex wall that extends
into the housing.
[0061] FIG. 15 is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end
of a contained vortex apparatus having an end wall supporting a
projection that is a partially spherical concave wall that
protrudes from the housing.
[0062] FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a
contained vortex apparatus that includes a chamber outside the live
end for tuning the sound emanating from the apparatus.
[0063] FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of an
alternative embodiment of a contained vortex apparatus that
includes a chamber on one side of the apparatus for tuning the
sound emanating from the apparatus.
[0064] FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a
contained vortex apparatus that includes a chamber that is external
to the housing of the vortex apparatus that has openings for
receiving particulates and fluid flow from the housing and also
includes an inlet in the projection for supplying fluid into the
housing.
[0065] FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a
contained vortex apparatus that includes a chamber that is external
to the housing of the vortex apparatus that has openings for
receiving particulates and fluid flow from the housing and also
includes openings in the projection to provide a secondary outlet
from the housing and chamber.
[0066] FIG. 20 is a fragmentary perspective view of a set of vanes
on an inlet end wall of the contained vortex apparatus of FIG.
19.
[0067] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a contained
vortex apparatus that includes a chamber that is external to the
housing of the vortex apparatus that has openings for receiving
particulates and fluid flow from the housing and also includes
openings in the projection to provide a secondary outlet from the
housing and chamber to provide exhaust gas recirculation.
[0068] FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of part of the apparatus shown
in FIG. 21 including the wall defining the openings and the exhaust
gas recirculation valve.
[0069] FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic side elevation view of a contained
vortex apparatus that has a corrugated side wall.
[0070] FIG. 24 is a fragmentary diagrammatic cross-section view
taken along the line 24-24 in FIG. 23.
[0071] FIG. 25 is an alternative embodiment of a corrugated side
wall taken from the same perspective as FIG. 24.
[0072] FIG. 26 is another alternative embodiment of a corrugated
side wall taken from the same perspective as FIG. 24.
[0073] FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a
contained vortex apparatus that has a side wall with a catalyst
coating on an inside side wall of the housing that, as illustrated,
includes a reduction coating and an oxidation coating for
catalytically converting exhaust emissions.
[0074] FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a
contained vortex apparatus that has a magnetized protrusion
attached to the second end of the housing.
[0075] FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a
contained vortex apparatus that includes an ultrasonic energy
generating device.
[0076] FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a
contained vortex apparatus that includes a voltage source attached
to the apparatus.
[0077] FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a
contained vortex apparatus that includes a voltage source and an
electrically charged needle attached to the projection of the
apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0078] The illustrated embodiments are disclosed with reference to
the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed
embodiments are intended to be merely examples that may be embodied
in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily
to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show
details of particular components. The specific structural and
functional details disclosed are not to be interpreted as limiting,
but as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art
how to practice the disclosed concepts.
[0079] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, a vortex flow apparatus 10 is
disclosed that comprises a cylindrical housing 12 having a central
axis A, a first end 16 and a second end 18. The housing 12 defines
an inlet opening 20 that opens into the first end 16 of the housing
12 proximate a first end wall 19. The inlet opening 20 may be
defined by a tube that opens into the housing 12. The inlet opening
20 into the housing 12 may be flush with the side wall of the
housing 12 or may extend up to half-way through the housing 12. An
outlet tube 22 defining an outlet opening 24 that extends from
inside the housing 12 and through the first end wall 19. A
projection 28 attached to a second end wall 26 of the housing 12
extends into the housing 12. The outlet tube 22 and projection 28
are aligned with and centered relative to the central axis A. The
inlet opening 20 has a diameter "d" that ranges from the smallest
engine exhaust diameter to the largest engine exhaust diameter. The
exhaust diameter and the muffler inlet diameter are based on engine
displacement, back pressure for a particular engine, how many
exhaust pipes (1 or 2), location of the muffler, and other features
of the specific vehicle as well as required engine and acoustic
performance. Exhaust piping and muffler inlet diameters are
adjusted and tuned to the specific engine application. The spacing
between the end of the projection 28 and the outlet tube 22 may be
between 0.5d and 2d. In one embodiment, the spacing between the
projection 28 and the outlet tube is 1.2d.
[0080] The housing 12 may have a diameter of between 2.5d and 3.5d.
In one embodiment, the housing 12 has a diameter of 3d. The outlet
tube 22 and the projection 28 may have a diameter of between 0.5d
and 1.5d. In one embodiment, the outlet tube 22 and the projection
28 may have a diameter of "d".
[0081] The inlet opening 20 may be formed by a tube 30 having a
length of at least 3d extending outwardly from the housing 12. The
outlet tube 22 has a length of at least 1d extending outwardly from
the housing 12. As previously described, the tube 30 may also
extend inside the housing 12 so that it is flush with the housing
12 or up to 1.5d into the housing 12.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 2B, the housing 12 has an inlet opening
20' formed by a tube 30' having a length extending inwardly into
the housing 12 up to the centerline (axis A) of the housing 12.
[0083] The housing 12 may have a length of between 6d and 12d. In
one embodiment, the housing may have a length of 10.5d.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 3, one end of a contained vortex apparatus
is illustrated that has a projection 32 that has a frusto-conical
sidewall 34 that is in the shape of a frustum of a cone with a
convex partially spherical end 36.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 4, one end of a contained vortex apparatus
is illustrated that has a conical projection 38 that is in the
shape of a cone.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 5, an end of a contained vortex apparatus
having a ribbed projection 40 that has a cylindrical side wall 42
that has one or more protruding circumferential frusto-conical ribs
44 with a convex partially spherical end 46.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 6, an end of a contained vortex apparatus
having a helically ribbed projection 48 that has a cylindrical side
wall 50 that has a protruding helical rib 52 with a convex
partially spherical end 54.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 7, an end of a contained vortex apparatus
having a flat end projection 56 that has a cylindrical side wall 58
with a flat end 60.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 8, an end of a contained vortex apparatus
having a concave ended projection 62 that has a cylindrical side
wall 64 with a concave partially spherical end 66.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 9, a conical end projection 68 that has a
cylindrical side wall 70 with a conical end 72.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 10, an end of a contained vortex apparatus
having a pointed projection 74 that has a cylindrical side wall 76
with a pointed end 78.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 11, an end of a contained vortex apparatus
having a angularly oriented end wall 80 supporting a projection 28
that is a planar wall disposed at an angle offset from a transverse
plane;
[0093] Referring to FIG. 12, an end of a contained vortex apparatus
having an inwardly conical end wall 82 supporting a projection 28
that is a conical wall that extends into the housing 12.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 13, an end of a contained vortex apparatus
having an outwardly conical end wall 84 supporting a projection 28
that is a conical wall that protrudes from the housing 12.
[0095] Referring to FIG. 14, an end of a contained vortex apparatus
having a partially spherical end wall 86 supporting a projection 28
that is a partially spherical convex wall that extends into the
housing 12.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 15, an end of a contained vortex apparatus
having a partially spherical concave end wall 88 supporting a
projection 28 that is a partially spherical concave wall that
protrudes from the housing 12.
[0097] Referring to FIG. 16, a vortex flow apparatus 90 is
disclosed that comprises a cylindrical housing 92 having a first
end 96 and a second end 98. The housing 92 defines an inlet opening
100 that opens into the first end 96 of the housing 92 near a first
end wall 102. An outlet tube 104 defines an outlet opening 106 that
extends from inside the housing 92 and into a resonance chamber
108. Projection 110 extends into the housing 92 and is attached to
the second end wall 98. The outlet tube 104 and projection are
aligned with each other and are centered relative to each other.
The resonance chamber 108 further comprises an outlet tube 112 that
allows the exhaust gases to flow from the resonance chamber 108.
The dimensions of the resonance chamber 108 may be adjusted and
tuned to obtain the desired acoustic performance. The location,
shape and configuration of the inlet 100 and protrusion 110 are
adjusted to tune the muffler to obtain the desired acoustic
output.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 17, another alternative embodiment of a
muffler including a resonance chamber is generally indicated by
reference numeral 113. Exhaust gases are received from an internal
or external combustion engine through the inlet 100. The gases flow
in a circular vortex around the housing initially between the
housing and the outlet tube 104 from the first end 96 toward the
second end 98. The vortex flow is interrupted in the area between
the projection 110 and the outlet tube 104. The gases then flow
through the opening 106 in the outlet tube 104 and into a chamber
115. The chamber 115 is provided on a first end 96 and receives the
exhaust gases from the outlet opening 106. Exhaust gases flow from
the chamber 115 and into a second resonance chamber 117 that is
arranged parallel to the cylindrical housing 92. A port 116 is
provided between the chamber 115 and the reversing chamber 117. The
volume and shape of the chamber 115 is adjustable to facilitate
connection of the vortex flow apparatus 113 to the chamber 115.
Chamber 117 includes an outlet 118 that is on the opposite end of
the vortex flow apparatus 113 from the inlet 100.
[0099] The dimensions of the chamber 117 are adjustable to allow
for acoustic tuning of the muffler to provide the desired acoustic
output. The inlet 100 receives exhaust gases and is on the first
end 96 of the housing 92 while the outlet 118 is advantageously
located adjacent to the second end 98 of the chamber 92. In this
embodiment, the location of the inlet 100 and outlet 118 are
analogous to conventional muffler designs in which the exhaust
gases flow from the front end of the conventional muffler to the
back end of the muffler that is arranged in a horizontal front to
rear flow orientation.
[0100] Referring to FIGS. 18-22, a vortex flow apparatus 120 is
illustrated that comprises a cylindrical housing 122 having a
central axis A, a first end 124 and a second end 126, wherein the
housing 122 defines an inlet opening 128, that opens into the first
end 124 of the housing 122 through a first end wall 130. Referring
to FIGS. 19 and 20, the inlet opening 128 may be provided with a
plurality of vanes 131 that direct the flow of gases in a circular
vortex around the inside of the housing 122. An outlet tube 132
defines an outlet opening 134 that extends from inside the housing
122 and through the first end wall 130. A projection 136 is
attached to a second end wall 138 of the housing 122 and extends
into the housing 122, wherein the outlet tube 132 and projection
136 are aligned with and centered relative to the central axis. A
secondary housing 140 defines a chamber on the housing 122 at the
second end 126. The second end wall 138 defines openings 142 that
provide fluid flow from inside the housing 122 to the secondary
chamber 140. The projection 136 defines openings 144 that provide
fluid flow from the secondary chamber 140 into the projection 136.
An area of low pressure or reversing vortex flow is indicated by
the circular arrow 145 between the projection 136 and the outlet
tube 132.
[0101] According to other aspects of this disclosure relating to
the embodiment described in the preceding paragraph, the projection
136 may define a second plurality of openings 146 in the inside end
147 of the projection 136 and inside the housing 122 that provide
fluid flow from inside the projection 136 to the inside of the
housing 122. The projection 136 may define a secondary outlet 148
that provides fluid flow to an outer end 150 of the projection. The
projection 136 may define a port 152 that extends from outside the
secondary chamber 140 through the secondary chamber 140 and into
the inside of the housing 122 through the inside end 147 of the
projection 136. The port 152 may function as an inlet or an outlet.
The inlet opening 128 to the housing 122 may receive exhaust gases
from a combustion engine (not shown) and the port 152 may direct
exhaust gases from inside the housing 122 to the combustion engine
for exhaust gas recirculation. The apparatus may further comprise a
valve 154 that is in fluid flow communication with the port 152
that controls the flow of exhaust gases to the combustion
engine.
[0102] Referring to FIG. 23, a vortex flow apparatus is disclosed
that comprises a cylindrical housing 156 having a central axis A, a
first end 158 and a second end 160. The housing 156 defines an
inlet opening 162. The inlet opening 162 opens into the first end
158 of the housing 156 proximate a first end wall 164. A side wall
166 is provided that has a plurality of ribs 168 that extend
helically around the housing 156. An outlet tube 170 defines an
outlet opening 172 that extends from inside the housing 156 and
through the first end wall 164. Referring to FIG. 24, the ribs 168
in the sidewall are shown in cross-section.
[0103] Referring to FIG. 25, an alternative embodiment of the side
wall 166 is shown to further comprise an inner wall 174 having a
smooth cylindrical surface attached to the inside surface of the
side wall 166 that is formed with the ribs 168.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 26, another embodiment is shown further
comprises an inner wall 174 having a smooth cylindrical surface
attached to the inside of the side wall 166, and an outer wall 176
having a smooth cylindrical surface attached to the outside surface
of the side wall 166.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 27, a catalytic converter embodiment of a
contained vortex apparatus 200 is disclosed that includes a
cylindrical housing 202 having a central axis, a first end 204 and
a second end 206, wherein the housing 200 defines an inlet opening
207, and wherein the inlet opening 207 opens into the first end 204
of the housing 202 proximate a first end wall 208, and wherein the
housing 202 has a side wall 210 that includes a reduction phase
coating 212 applied to an inner surface 214 of the side wall 210 of
the housing 202 and an oxidation phase coating 216 applied to the
inner surface 214 of the side wall 210 spaced from the reduction
phase 212 coating. An outlet tube 218 defining an outlet opening
220 that extends from inside the housing 202 and through the first
end wall 208. A projection 222 is attached to a second end wall 224
of the housing 202 and extends into the housing 202, wherein the
outlet tube 218 and projection 222 are aligned with and centered
relative to the central axis.
[0106] A second reduction phase coating 226 may be applied to an
outer surface 228 of the outlet tube 218 and a second oxidation
phase coating 230 may be applied to the outer surface 228 of the
outlet tube 218. The reduction phase coating 212 and the second
reduction phase coating 226 may be applied adjacent to the inlet
opening 206 and upstream relative to the oxidation phase coating
216 and the second oxidation phase coating 230. The oxidation phase
coating 216 may be applied to the inner surface 214 outboard of the
outlet tube 218.
[0107] Alternatively, the catalytic converter embodiment 200 may be
provided that includes a combined oxidation/reduction catalyst
coating 212/216 that is applied to the areas designated as the
reduction phase 212 and the oxidation phase 216. The combined
reduction/oxidation catalyst coating may also be applied to other
areas inside the housing 202. The combined oxidation/reduction
catalyst coating 212/216 may also be applied on the inner surfaces
of the other illustrated embodiments, in particular, in FIGS. 1,
2A, 2B, 16,17,23-26, 27 and 29.
[0108] The combined oxidation/reduction catalyst coating 212/216 is
a mixture of precious metals including but not limited to platinum,
palladium, and rhodium that are deposited as a wash-coat. The
wash-coat may also include oxides of aluminum, titanium, or other
metals in a mixture.
[0109] The combined oxidation/reduction catalyst coating 212/216
functions to oxidize carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide; oxidize
hydrocarbons of unburned fuel to carbon dioxide and water; and
reduce nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and oxygen.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 28, a contained vortex apparatus 232 is
disclosed that includes magnetized projection 234 attached to one
end wall 236. The apparatus 232 comprises a cylindrical housing 238
having a central axis, a first end 240 and a second end 242. The
housing 238 defines an inlet opening 244 that opens into the first
end 240 of the housing 238 proximate a first end wall 246. An
outlet tube 248 defines an outlet opening 250 that extends from
inside the housing 238 and through the first end wall 246. A
projection 234 is attached to a second end wall 236 of the housing
238 and extends into the housing 238, wherein the outlet tube 248
and projection 234 are aligned with and centered relative to the
central axis. The projection 234 is formed at least partially of a
magnetic material to produce a magnetic field that functions to
apply a magnetic charge to particles within the housing 238. An
insulator 254 may be disposed between the projection 234 and the
second end wall 236. The magnetic material may be a permanent
magnet 256 inserted inside the projection 234.
[0111] Referring to FIG. 29, a vortex flow apparatus with an
ultrasonic generator 260 is illustrated that comprises a
cylindrical housing 262 having a central axis, a first end 264 and
a second end 266. The housing 262 defines an inlet opening 268 that
opens into the first end 264 of the housing 262 proximate a first
end wall 269. An outlet tube 270 defines an outlet opening 272 that
extends from inside the housing 262 and through the first end wall
269. A projection 274 is attached to a second end wall 266 of the
housing 262 and extends into the housing. The outlet tube 270 and
projection 274 are aligned with and centered relative to the
central axis. An ultrasonic energy generator 276 is disposed to
generate ultrasonic energy within the cylindrical housing 262.
[0112] According to other aspects of this disclosure as it relates
to the ultrasonic generator embodiment 260, the ultrasonic energy
generator 276 may be disposed within the projection 274.
Alternatively, an ultrasonic generator 276' may be disposed on the
end wall 266 or an ultrasonic generator 276'' may be disposed on
the housing 262. Other potential locations that may be provided
with an ultrasonic generator that are not illustrated include
locations proximate the inlet opening 268 or proximate the other
one of the end 264 of the housing 262. The ultrasonic energy
generator 276 may be of the type that may be referred to as an
ultrasonic whistle generator.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 30, a contained vortex flow apparatus 280
is disclosed that is electrically connected to a voltage source
282. The electrically charged vortex flow apparatus 280 comprises a
cylindrical housing 284 having a central axis, a first end 286 and
a second end 288. The housing 284 defines an inlet opening 290 that
opens into the first end 286 of the housing 284 proximate a first
end wall 292. An outlet tube 294 defines an outlet opening 296 that
extends from inside the housing 284 and through the first end wall
292. A projection 298 is attached to a second end wall 300 of the
housing 284 and extends into the housing 284. The outlet tube 294
and projection 298 are aligned with and centered relative to the
central axis. The voltage source 282 is electrically connected to
the apparatus 280.
[0114] According to other aspects of this disclosure as it relates
to the electrically charged apparatus 280, the voltage source 282
may produce ions within the housing 284, may electrically charge
particulates within the housing 284, or may ionize particles
suspended within the housing 284. The voltage source 282 is
connected to the housing 284 and the projection 298 within the
housing 284, or may be connected to the outlet tube 294.
[0115] Referring to FIG. 31, the voltage source 282 may be
connected to the housing 284 and the projection 298 within the
housing 284, and further may comprise a needle shaped extension 302
provided on an end 304 of the projection 298 that extends toward
the outlet tube 294. The extension 302 may be electrically charged
to produce electrical ions within the housing 284 proximate the
extension 302.
[0116] The embodiments described above are specific examples that
do not describe all possible forms of the disclosure. The features
of the illustrated embodiments may be combined to form further
embodiments of the disclosed concepts. The words used in the
specification are words of description rather than limitation. The
scope of the following claims is broader than the specifically
disclosed embodiments and also includes modifications of the
illustrated embodiments.
* * * * *