BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to mixing assemblies for the mixing of two fluid flows or streams . More specifically, the present invention relates to mixing assemblies for the mixing of two fluids by the metered injection of one fluid into a flow of the other fluid. Furthermore, the present invention is related to mixing assemblies without moving parts .

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

A combustion-ignition engine, such as a compression- ignition engine of the type configured to operate on diesel, or other distillate fuel may also be configured to operate on gaseous fuel, such as natural gas, either in lieu of or supplementing the diesel fuel, though such engines are not necessarily manufactured to operate on natural gas. Thus, generally modifications must be made to the engine in order to provide for the introduction of gaseous fuel to the combustion chamber of the engine. One method of introducing gaseous fuel to the combustion chamber may be to mix the gaseous fuel with intake air to create an air-gas mixture, at a point between the air intake and the intake valves, such as in an intake manifold.

In certain scenarios, a high ratio of gaseous to distillate fuel may be desired, such as in scenarios where preservation of the distillate fuel is desired. However, poor mixing of the intake air and gaseous fuel can lead to sub-optimal detonation of the air-gas and distillate mixture. For example, poor mixing can lead to a non-homogenous air-gas mixture, whereby certain regions can have varying concentrations of gaseous fluid, thereby leading to inconsistent detonation characteristics of the air-gas mixture. A fully homogenized air-gas mixture, however, will tend to have predictable and/or uniform detonation characteristics, which allows for a higher proportion of natural gas to be used in the air-gas mixture, while maintaining optimal detonation .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a mixing assembly for the mixing of at least two fluids . More specifically, the present invention is directed to a mixing assembly capable of mixing the flow of at least two fluids via optimized introduction of a second fluid into the flow of a first fluid. Though particularly described in the embodiments herein as applicable to mixing of gasses for use in an engine, the structural features and advantages of the present invention can be applied to virtually any fluid mixing scenario, and should be understood not to be limited to the present embodiments .

One embodiment of the present invention employs a combination of vorticity and oscillating fluid flow in order to increase the chaotic mixing characteristics of two flows of fluids and thereby enhance the mixing action within and between the two flows of fluids .

By way of example, a housing of the present invention may comprise a substantially cylindrical configuration with open ends configured for the flow of a first fluid, air in one embodiment, therethrough. An intake conduit may be disposed through the sidewall of the housing, the intake conduit being disposed in fluid communication with an injector body that is disposed concentrically within the housing. As such, a second fluid, gaseous fuel in one embodiment, may be communicated through the sidewall, via the intake conduit, and then injected into the flow of the first fluid, via on outlet of the injector body .

As one method of enhancing the mixing of the two fluids, a vorticing element may be disposed within the housing. In at least one embodiment the vorticing element comprises a plurality of angular flow controllers disposed within the flow path of at least the first fluid. In at least one embodiment each of the angular flow controllers comprises a substantially flat, planar member, which is disposed radially about the injector body. Furthermore, each of the plurality of angular flow controllers may be disposed at the same predetermined angle of attack relative to the fluid flow, thereby imparting angular momentum to the first fluid and causing a rotation thereof about the central axis of the housing. Such a flow may be characterized as having vorticity. Inducing vorticity within the flow increases the turbulence of the fluid flow by increasing the amount of lateral mixing between fluid particles, as opposed to substantially laminar flow, in which particles move in substantially parallel lines .

In an additional embodiment, the angular flow controllers may comprise a twisted or helical configuration and be otherwise disposed as substantially disclosed above . The helical flow controller may also be configured such that all angles of attack are present relative to the flow of the first fluid, generating varying amounts of drag on the angular flow controller. Accordingly, turbulent flow of at least the first fluid can then be induced within the housing, even for very low Reynolds numbers, for example, in the range of 100 - 300, i.e., fluid flow that would otherwise be substantially laminar. Such turbulent flow at such low Reynolds numbers drastically increases the chaotic mixing characteristics of the fluids.

As a further method of enhancing the mixing of the two fluids, which can be combined with the first method, a compression element may be included within the housing and disposed in at least the flow path of the second fluid. In at least one further embodiment, the compression element may comprise a plurality of radial flow controllers disposed in an annular configuration about the outlet of the injector body. In at least one embodiment the radial flow controllers may comprise curved bodies at least partially angled towards the center of the outlet. As such, the radial flow controllers locally compress the second fluid as it leaves the outlet causing the second fluid to expand once it passes the radial flow controllers . Thus the operation of the radial flow controllers can be described as similar to that of a nozzle.

However, unlike a nozzle, the radial flow controllers may be shaped and dimensioned in a predetermined configuration to establish a radially oscillating flow of gaseous fuel. Accordingly, as the gaseous fuel exits the outlet, the radial flow controllers direct the gaseous fuel radially inward, causing a local compression of the gaseous fuel. Due to the "elasticity" of gaseous fuel (or bulk modulus) the gaseous fuel naturally rebounds, and expands in an outward radial expansion, toward the sidewall of the housing. For known flow rates and bulk modulus of gaseous fuels, the radial flow controllers may be dimensioned and configured to establish a radially oscillating flow of gaseous fuel, causing several radial compressions and expansions along the flow. Such radial compressions and expansions enhance the mixing quality of the flow by repeatedly integrating the fluid particles of the second fluid, gaseous fuel, with fluid particles of the first fluid, air .

In certain embodiments the outlet of the injector body may be dimensioned and configured to further enhance the mixing characteristics of the present invention, which may be accomplished by providing an outlet with a main aperture and a plurality of smaller secondary apertures arranged about of proximal inverted cone structure circumscribing the main aperture and a distal conical structure circumscribing the proximal inverted cone structure.

In yet further embodiments the present invention may also include turbulating elements disposed within the housing, and especially downstream of the injector body outlet. The turbulating elements may comprise any of a variety of shapes configured to further disrupt the flow of the fluids thereby increasing turbulence and accordingly increasing the chaotic mixing characteristics of the present invention.

In additional embodiments the present invention may also include structuring configured for the mounting of various hardware modules to the housing. For example, in certain embodiments it may be advantageous to mount or otherwise connect a throttle to the intake conduit for the measured injection of the second fluid thereto. Thus a throttle flange may be disposed on the housing. In certain embodiments the throttle may comprise an integrated throttle unit which may include electronic control of the throttle such as, for example, a WOODWARD brand L-Series Integrated Throttle Valve .

Additional hardware modules may comprise a mass airflow sensor unit which may be mounted to an MAF Unit Flange which incorporates an aperture therein for the passage of the mass airflow sensor therethrough and into communication with the flow of at least the first fluid.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mixing assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of a mixing assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a front plan view of a mixing assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a mixing assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a side plan view of a mixing assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a mixing assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention including hardware modules mounted thereto in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a front plan view of a mixing assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a mixing assembly in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a front plan view of a mixing assembly in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a mixing assembly in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a section plan view of a mixing assembly in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in Figure 1.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figure 1, depicted is a perspective view of a mixing assembly 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, the depicted embodiment comprises a housing 100 of substantially cylindrical configuration, a sidewall 150 encircling a first open end 110 and a second open end 120. In the depicted embodiment, the housing 100 may be disposed within the path of an engine air intake such that ambient air, or a first fluid, to be directed to the combustion chamber of the engine flows through the housing 100 by passing into the first open end 110 and out of the second open end 120.

As can also be seen in Figure 1, an injector body 200 is disposed substantially within the flow of the first fluid in order to inject a second fluid within the flow path of the first fluid. In certain embodiments the second fluid may comprise a gaseous fuel such as natural gas, but the present invention is not limited to such second fluids . The second fluid may be introduced into the injector body 200 via a second fluid intake aperture 130 disposed within the sidewall 150. An intake conduit 240 may be disposed in fluid communication with the second fluid intake 130 as well as an inlet 210 of the injector body and serve to conduct the second fluid thereto. Once within the injector body 200, the second fluid may then be introduced into the flow path of the first fluid by exiting an outlet 220 of the injector body 200, which in the depicted embodiment includes a diffuser 250, which will be discussed in detail further below. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the transfer of second fluid through the second fluid intake 130, along the intake conduit 240, into the injector body 200, and out of the outlet 220 may be accomplished via a positive pressure therein. For example, a second fluid may be stored in a second fluid source under pressure greater than that of the pressure within the housing, and furthermore, may be actuated via a throttle disposed in communication with the second fluid source and second fluid intake 130.

The flow path of the first fluid and second fluid is more clearly depicted in Figure 11, which is a section view of the embodiment of Figure 1. In at least some embodiments the mixing assembly 10 will be disposed within the path of a combustion engine air intake. As such, a first fluid will generally enter the housing 100 at the first end 110 and exit the housing 100 at the second end 120. Additionally, a throttle body may be attached in communication with the second fluid intake 130 in metering relation thereto. Thus, the second fluid may enter the mixing assembly through the second fluid intake 130, travel along the intake conduit 240, through the inlet 210 of the injector body 200, and then through the outlet 220 of the injector body 200 into the stream of the first fluid flowing past the outlet 220 of the in ector body 200. As can be seen, additional structuring, such as a diffuser 250, radial flow controllers 410, angular flow controllers 310, etc. may be disposed within the housing 100 to facilitate and/or enhance the mixing of the first and second fluids . Such additional structuring will now be disclosed in detail.

Now returning to Figure 1, depicted therein is one embodiment of a vorticing element 300 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The depicted embodiment comprises three angular flow controllers 310 disposed in a radially oriented configuration about the injector body 200 at approximately 120 degree intervals and further, connecting the injector body 200 and the sidewall 150. The depicted embodiment of the angular flow controllers 310 comprise substantially planar members that are rotated to form an acute angle with respect to a central axis of the housing 100 that is perpendicular to the first end 110 and second end 120. In at least one embodiment the angle formed with respect to the central axis is on the order of 0.01 to 10 degrees. Furthermore, in the depicted embodiment, each angular flow controller 310 is rotated in the same direction so as to redirect the first fluid to create a rotational flow of first fluid about the central axis of the housing 100. Such a flow may be characterized as having vorticity .

Also depicted in Figure 1 is one embodiment of a compression element 400. As depicted, the compression element 400 comprises a plurality of three radial flow controllers 410 disposed in an annular configuration about the outlet 220 of the injector body 200 at approximately 120 degree intervals. The depicted embodiment of each of the radial flow members 410 comprises a member including at least one surface that curves toward the central axis of the housing 100, thus directing the second fluid toward the central axis of the housing 100. As such, when a second fluid exits the outlet 220 it is locally compressed by the radial flow controllers 410 as the curved configuration forces the particles of secondary fluid to travel radially inward causing a radial compression of secondary fluid. Upon passing the radial flow controllers 410 the secondary fluid may naturally rebound and radially expand, causing particles of secondary fluid to travel towards the sidewall 150, thereby intermingling with particles of first fluid. Furthermore, the radial flow controllers 410 may be curved in a radially outward configuration, at a distal portion, in order to encourage such radial expansion of second fluid particles . One example of such a radially outward configuration is referenced as distal portion 411 in Figure 11.

For a given second fluid, such as gaseous fuel, certain characteristics of the gaseous fuel can be determined such as the bulk modulus of the gaseous fuel, as well as velocity, pressure, temperature, etc., at which the second fluid may exit the outlet 220, among other quantities. The specific configuration, dimensions, and or shape of the radial flow controllers 410 may then be predetermined to cause oscillations of radial compressions and expansions within the second fluid. Such oscillations will then cause further integration of the second fluid particles with first fluid particles thereby enhancing the mixing characteristics of the present invention.

Now with reference to Figure 2, depicted is an exploded view of a mixing assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The depicted embodiment represents but one of a variety of methods to manufacture and/or assemble the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the housing 100 includes mounting surfaces 170 disposed on the sidewall 150 at each of a first open end 110 and a second open end 120. In at least one embodiment the mounting surface 170 comprises ridges within the surface of the sidewall 150 which may serve to increase friction between the sidewall 150 and a hose or pipe disposed about either the first open end 110 or second open end 120. Furthermore, such a hose or pipe may be further secured to the housing 100 via adhesive compound or a hose clamp, for example. In further embodiments the mounting surface 170 may comprise threads .

Additionally depicted in Figure 2 is one embodiment of an injector body 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The depicted embodiment comprises a substantially cylindrical configuration with an inlet 210 in the sidewall, an outlet 220 at one end, and a conical closed end 230 opposite the outlet 220. It will be appreciated that the closed end 230 is not required to be conical in form but, that some configuration which provides aerodynamic benefits may be desired. When the present invention is assembled, the intake inlet 210 is disposed in fluid communication with the second fluid intake 130 via the intake conduit 240 (see Figure 5 for an additional view) . Additionally, as can be seen, each element of the present invention, such as the injector body 200, diffuser 250, compression element 400, etc. are formed individually and then joined as an assembly. It will be appreciated that any combination of elements of the present invention may be formed unitarily, as a single piece. By way of example, each element depicted in Figure 2 may instead be formed unitarily via additive manufacturing techniques, for example, such that the entire mixing assembly 10 is comprised of a single, unitary piece.

Figures 3 and 4 present a mixer assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The depicted embodiment does not include a compression element 400 which for the purposes of the present application more clearly depicts the structure of the diffuser 250. As can be seen therein, the diffuser 250 is disposed in flow controlling relation to the second fluid exiting the outlet 220 of the injector body 200 and comprises a perforated configuration, including a plurality of apertures therethrough. The depicted embodiment of the diffuser 250 includes a main aperture 251 and a plurality of smaller, secondary apertures 252 disposed concentrically about the main aperture 251. This configuration enhances the mixing characteristics of the present invention relative to an outlet 220 without a diffuser 250.

Additionally, as depicted in Figures 3 and 4, the diffuser 250 further comprises a proximal, inverted conical structure 253 disposed concentrically about the main aperture 251 as well as a distal, conical structure 254 disposed concentrically about the proximally, inverted conical structure 253. This configuration enhances the mixing characteristics of the present invention relative to a diffuser 250 without such structure.

Figure 6 presents one embodiment of a mixing assembly 10 with a mass airflow unit 1000 and integrated throttle unit 2000 disposed thereon. In certain embodiments and uses of the present invention, it will be desirable to include a mass airflow unit 1000 and/or an integrated throttle unit 2000 with the mixer assembly 10 of the present invention. The integrated throttle unit 2000 may include a throttle 2010 for the measured dispersion of second fluid into the injector body 200. Furthermore, certain integrated throttle units 2000 include electronic throttle control 2020 which may be disposed in communication with a central computer of a vehicle, such as an Electronic Control Module ("ECM") and accomplish electronically the actuation of the throttle 2010 for precise and accurate metering of second fluid to the injector body 200.

Furthermore, a mass airflow unit 1000 may be desirable to measure the mass of air, or first fluid, travelling through the housing 100 of the mixer assembly 10. To this end, a mass airflow unit 100 may be disposed on the housing 100 with a mass airflow sensor (not depicted) disposed through the housing 100 and into fluid communication with at least the first fluid travelling therethrough. Additionally, the mass airflow unit 1000 may be disposed in electrical communication with an ECM, or at least the integrated throttle unit 2000, as part of a system for operating a bi-fuel vehicle, such as a diesel/natural gas engine. Accordingly, data collected by the mass airflow unit 1000 that is indicative of the quantity of air (first fluid) travelling through the housing 100 may be utilized by such a system to calculate and meter an optimal quantity of natural gas (second fluid) so as to create an optimal mixture of air and natural gas which may be then delivered to a combustion chamber of the engine of the vehicle .

Figures 7 and 8 depict one embodiment of a mixing assembly

10' that is substantially similar to the embodiment of the mixing assembly 10 discussed heretofore, except that the vorticing element 300 is now comprised of angular flow controllers 310' comprising a helical or "twisted" configuration. This configuration of the angular flow controllers 310' may be described as rotating one end of a flat plane 180 degrees while restricting the other end from any movement. The configuration may also be described as a portion of a Mobius strip, or additionally, an Archimedes screw. Because of the extent of the helix, being that one end is 180 degrees rotated from the other end, all angles of attack are present between the angular flow controller 310' and the first fluid. Thus, varying amounts of drag and/or lift are induced by the travel of the first fluid past an angular flow controller 310'. As such varying amounts of local turbulence are created in the first fluid which contributes to the chaotic mixing characteristics of the present invention .

Figures 9 and 10 depict one embodiment of a mixing assembly 10" that is substantially similar to the mixing assembly 10' depicted in Figures 7 and 8, except that the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10 include turbulating elements 500 disposed within the housing 100 downstream of the angular flow controllers 310'. Turbulating elements 500 of the depicted configuration may serve to disrupt flow and cause eddies to form downstream, thereby creating turbulence and enhancing the chaotic mixing characteristics of the present invention. As can also be seen, the turbulating elements 500 are disposed out of phase with the angular flow controllers 310'. Specifically, the three angular flow controllers 310' may be defined as being disposed at 0, 120, and 240 degrees about the center axis of the housing, then the three turbulating elements 500 may be defined as being disposed at 60, 180, and 300 degrees about the center axis of the housing.

The relative arrangement of angular flow controllers 310' and turbulating elements 500, if appropriately and correspondingly dimensioned and configured, can create an oscillating flow generally driven by two counter-rotating vortices of first and second fluid mixes . Such a configuration may also be termed to be a fluidic oscillator, and generally enhances the chaotic mixing characteristics of the present invention .

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents .

Now that the invention has been described,