Flexible Structure

Abstract

A structure includes elements. The elements are interconnected. The elements are also arranged movably relative to one another. The structure is arranged in a fluid in order to change the flow resistance.

Claims

1.-9. (canceled)

10. A structure comprising: elements which are interconnected and are arranged movably relative to one another, wherein the structure is arranged in a fluid in order to change the flow resistance.

11. The structure as claimed in claim 10, wherein the structure is connected to a rotary drive.

12. The structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein the structure has a sealing effect when subject to rotation.

13. The structure as claimed in claim 12, wherein the structure has a rubber lip.

14. The structure as claimed in claim 13, wherein the structure is of funnel-shaped design.

15. The structure as claimed in claim 13, wherein the structure is of spiral-shaped design.

16. The structure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the structure has cavities.

17. The structure as claimed in claim 16, wherein the structure is manufactured additively.

18. A method comprising: using a structure with elements which are interconnected and are arranged movably relative to one another, in a fluid in order to change the flow resistance.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a structure with elements in a pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] FIG. 1 shows, by way of example, a pipe 1, into which a structure 2 with elements 3 is inserted. In this embodiment variant, the structure 2 with elements 3 is embodied as a variable flow resistance, which is connected via a shaft 5 to a rotary drive. A fluid coming from the shaft side preferably flows across the variable flow resistance and/or through the cavities 6 in the variable flow resistance. The variable flow resistance is fanned out by the movement of the rotary drive, as a result of which the interconnected elements 3 drift apart in accordance with their connection on account of their mobility and on account of the effective centrifugal forces.

[0037] At the outer periphery of its structure 2, on the side away from the shaft, the variable flow resistance has a rubber lip 4, which, depending on the speed of rotation, can extend as far as the pipe 1 and have a sealing effect in the process. Thus, the variable flow resistance can also act as a seal at the maximum speed of rotation.

[0038] The variable flow resistance illustrated in FIG. 1 develops its resistance effect as the speed of rotation increases. The generatively manufactured elements 3 are connected movably to one another to form a funnel shape. The elements 3 can preferably be designed as rings, the material thickness of which is implemented as a function of the flow resistance to be formed.

[0039] The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the disclosure may occur to persons skilled in the art, the disclosure should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.