Mixed butterfly-shaped spherical flow control valve

Abstract

A flow control valve comprising a gate element (100) formed as a spherical section having a hemispherical peripheral edge (1); a substantially flat face (114) delimited by a substantially elliptical edge at a hemispherical peripheral edge (117); and a channel (120) defined in the substantially planar face and having a first end (122) proximate a midpoint of the substantially planar face, and extending from the first end to a second end (124) defining a notch in the hemispherical peripheral edge.

Description

[0001] Priority requirements This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 365,001, filed August 3, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This manual relates to flow control valves, and more specifically to butterfly flow control valves and ball flow control valves. Background Technology

[0003] Fuel mass flow control valves for engines may require a wide flow range (control ratio) from minimum to maximum flow and precise fuel metering accuracy. Previous flow control valve solutions attempting to achieve large control ratios and high accuracy typically implemented complex valve design methodologies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In general, this document describes a flow control valve that implements a hybrid design of butterfly valve and ball valve.

[0005] In a general example, the flow control valve includes: a gate element formed as a spherical segment having a hemispherical peripheral edge, a substantially flat surface defined at the hemispherical peripheral edge by a substantially elliptical edge, and a channel defined in the substantially flat surface and having a first end near the midpoint of the substantially flat surface, and the channel extending from the first end to a second end defining a notch in the hemispherical peripheral edge.

[0006] Various embodiments may include some, all, or none of the following features. The flow control valve may include a housing having an inner wall having a first diameter substantially equal to the second diameter of a hemispherical peripheral edge. A gate element may be configured to rotate within the housing to a partial blocking configuration in which the circumference of the hemispherical peripheral edge is close to the inner wall. The gate element may be configured to rotate within the housing to a blocking configuration in which the circumference of the hemispherical peripheral edge is close to the inner wall and intersects a portion of a notch. The gate element may be configured to rotate within the housing to a flow configuration in which a substantially flat surface is arranged substantially parallel to a fluid flow path defined by the housing. The housing may be cylindrical and define a main shaft, and the gate element is configured to rotate within the housing to a flow configuration in which a substantially flat surface is arranged substantially parallel to the main shaft. The channel may have a substantially zero depth at a first end, away from the substantially flat surface, into the spherical segment, and have a depth that gradually increases as the channel extends from the first end to a second end. The channel can be substantially triangular and substantially V-shaped or U-shaped. The flow control valve may include a column disposed between the gate element and the housing and configured to guide pivoting movement of the gate within the housing. The column may be configured to induce pivoting movement of the gate element.

[0007] In another general example, a method of flow control includes: actuating a gate element of a flow control valve to a first configuration in which fluid flow is substantially blocked by the gate element, wherein the flow control valve further includes a cylindrical housing having an inner wall having a first diameter, and the gate element being formed as a spherical segment having a hemispherical peripheral edge having a second diameter substantially equal to the first diameter; a substantially flat surface defined at the hemispherical peripheral edge by a substantially elliptical edge; and a channel defined in the substantially flat surface and having a first end near the substantially flat surface away from the substantially elliptical edge, and extending away from the substantially flat surface and partially into the spherical segment to a second end defining a notch in the hemispherical peripheral edge; actuating the gate element to a second configuration in which an orifice is partially defined by the inner wall and the notch; and actuating the gate element to a third configuration in which the substantially flat surface is substantially parallel to the main axis of the cylindrical housing.

[0008] Various embodiments may include some, all, or none of the following features. In a second configuration, the door element is rotatable within the housing such that the circumference of the hemispherical peripheral edge is close to the inner wall and intersects a portion of the notch. In a second configuration, the door element is rotatable within the housing such that a substantially flat surface is arranged substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow path defined by the housing. In a first configuration, the door element is rotatable within the housing such that the circumference of the hemispherical peripheral edge is close to the inner wall. The channel at the first end may have a substantially zero depth away from the substantially flat surface to the spherical segment, and may have a depth that gradually increases as the channel extends from the first end to the second end. The channel may be substantially triangular and substantially V-shaped or U-shaped. The door element may include a post disposed between the door element and the housing and configured to guide pivotable movement of the door within the housing. The post may be configured to facilitate the pivotable movement of the door element.

[0009] In another general example, the valve device includes a gate element formed as a spherical segment configured to rotate within a housing, and a channel defined in a substantially flat surface of the gate element.

[0010] The system and technology described herein can provide one or more of the following advantages: First, the system can provide fluid control with a wide flow range. Second, the system can provide precise fluid metering accuracy. Third, the system can provide fluid control with a high turnaround ratio. Fourth, the system can provide these advantages in a mechanical form that is relatively inexpensive compared to previous solutions with similar characteristics. Fifth, the system can provide a solution with very low leakage.

[0011] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the specification, the drawings, and the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a front corner perspective view of an example gate element of a valve device.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The example door element is shown in the rear corner perspective view.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of an example gate element.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The front view of an example door element.

[0016] Figures 5A-5D This is a top-view cross-section of the valve, showing the gate element in various open configurations.

[0017] Figures 6A-6D This is a perspective view of the valve, showing the gate elements in various open configurations.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process used to control flow.

[0019] Figures 8A-8C This is another example of various views of a gate element.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of another example valve device. Detailed Implementation

[0021] This document describes a flow control valve that implements a hybrid design of a butterfly valve and a ball valve. Generally, the valve described herein can resemble a ball valve, wherein the valve gate has its leading and trailing edges cut into flat surfaces, or it can resemble a butterfly valve with an exceptionally thick central disc. The passage is cut into an upstream face, which in some embodiments can improve flow control in a near-close configuration.

[0022] Figures 1-4 Various views of an example gate element 100 of a valve device are shown. Figure 1 This is a front corner perspective view of example door element 100. Figure 2 This is a rear corner perspective view of example gate element 100. Figure 3 This is a side view of example gate element 100. Figure 4 This is the front view of example gate element 100.

[0023] The gate element 100 is generally configured as a spherical element 110. As used herein, the term "spherical segment" describes a solid body defined by cutting a sphere or ball with a pair of parallel planes. For example, the body may resemble a spherical cap with a truncated top and correspond to a spherical truncated cone. The spherical element 110 has a hemispherical or semi-oval peripheral edge 112, which has a substantially flat front side 114 and a substantially flat back side 116. The front side 114 is defined at the hemispherical peripheral edge 112 by a substantially elliptical edge 117, and the back side 116 is defined at the hemispherical peripheral edge 112 by a substantially elliptical edge 118.

[0024] In the illustrated example, the front face 114 and the back face 116 are substantially parallel to each other, but in some embodiments, the faces may be non-planar and / or non-parallel. In the illustrated example, the front face 114 and the back face 116 are equidistant from the spherical center of the spherical element 110, but in some embodiments, these faces may be arranged at any other suitable distance from the center and / or from each other.

[0025] The door element 100 also includes a channel 120 (e.g., a recess, groove) defined in the front surface 114. The channel 120 has an end 122 arranged near the midpoint of the front surface 114 and away from the edge 117. The channel 120 has a substantially zero depth and a substantially zero width at the end 122. The channel 120 has a depth that gradually increases as it extends away from the end 122 to an end 124 at the edge 117. At the end 124, the channel 120 defines a notch 126 in the peripheral edge 112.

[0026] In the illustrated example, channel 120 is defined as a generally V-shaped triangular recess that begins near the center of front face 114 and becomes deeper and more pronounced as it cuts into spherical element 110 below front face 114. In some embodiments, channel 120 can have any suitable shape (e.g., cylindrical, conical, U-shaped, rectangular). In some embodiments, channel 120 can have any suitable profile or depth along its length, such as a linear sloping profile defined from front face 114 into spherical element 110 and opening at peripheral edge 112, a circular profile defined from front face 114 into spherical element 110, a rectangular profile defined as a shoulder defined from front face 114 into spherical element 110, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, channel 120 can be defined by any suitable shape spanning front face 114, such as the illustrated V-shape, U-shape, or any other suitable curved shape, polygonal shape, or combination of shapes. Figures 8A-8C Examples of gate elements with U-shaped channels are discussed in more detail in the description.

[0027] The door element 100 also includes a shaft 130. As will be discussed in more detail below, the door element 100 is configured to facilitate and / or guide pivotal movement about or based on a column serving as a shaft. A channel 120 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the shaft 130 and substantially across the front face 114.

[0028] Figures 5A-5D This is a cross-sectional top view of an example valve device 200, in which example gate element 100 is in various open configurations. Figures 6A-6D This is a perspective view of valve device 200, in which gate element 100 is in various open configurations.

[0029] Example valve device 200 includes a housing 210 (shown in dashed lines for the purposes of this specification to make internal components easier to observe). The housing 210 has a generally cylindrical tubular shape defining a fluid flow path 510. The housing 210 has an outer wall 212 and an inner wall 214. The inner wall 214 has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of its peripheral edge 112.

[0030] Figure 5A and Figure 6A An example valve device 200 in a substantially closed (e.g., fluid flow blocked) configuration is shown. The gate element 100 is configured to rotate within a housing 210 about an axis 130 on a column 240 to at least a partially blocked configuration, in which the circumference of the hemispherical peripheral edge 112 is substantially close to or in substantially fluid-sealed contact with the inner wall 214. In the illustrated example, the proximity region between the peripheral edge 112 and the inner wall 214 is indicated by line 250a.

[0031] In the illustrated configuration, the door element 100 is rotated such that the notch 126 does not intersect with the proximity region 250a, and the proximity region 250a forms a substantially continuous circumferential proximity ring (e.g., approximately -15 degrees) between the door element 100 and the housing 210. Therefore, in Figure 5A and Figure 6A In the configuration shown, fluid flow through valve device 200 is substantially blocked by gate element 100.

[0032] In some embodiments, the inner wall 214 may include a rounded shoulder configured to complement the hemispherical peripheral edge 112, such that the proximal region 250a can make fluid-tight contact with the inner wall 214. In some embodiments, an elastomeric seal (e.g., an O-ring) may be arranged to make fluid-tight contact between the peripheral edge 112 and the inner wall 214 to provide a partial or complete fluid seal.

[0033] Figure 5B and Figure 6B An example valve device 200 in a near-closed (e.g., very low flow) configuration is shown. The gate element 100 rotates within a housing 210 about an axis 130 to a configuration in which the circumference of the hemispherical peripheral edge 112 is close to or substantially fluid-tightly in contact with the inner wall 214, a small section of which intersects with the tip region 501 of the notch 126, resulting in a proximity region 250b slightly smaller than proximity region 250a (e.g., approximately zero degrees of rotation, where surfaces 114 and 116 are substantially perpendicular to the main axis defined by the housing 210 and the flow direction defined by the housing 210). Therefore, in Figure 5B and Figure 6B In the configuration shown, a small amount of fluid flow is permitted through the tip region 501.

[0034] Figure 5C and Figure 6CAn example valve device 200 in a partially open (e.g., medium flow) configuration is shown. The amount of area of ​​the notch 126 intersecting the adjacent region 250c can be controllably increased and decreased as the gate element 100 rotates. In the illustrated example, the gate element 100 rotates within the housing 210 about axis 130 to a configuration in which the adjacent region 250c of the hemispherical peripheral edge 112 is in substantially fluid-sealed contact with or near the inner wall 214, except for the portion of the inner wall 214 that intersects with the tip region 502 of the notch 126 (e.g., approximately +15 degrees). The tip region 502 is relatively larger than the example tip region 501 and has a relatively larger flowable area than the tip region 501. Therefore, in Figure 5C and Figure 6D In the configuration shown, a moderate amount of fluid flow is permitted through the tip region 502.

[0035] In some embodiments, when the gate element 100 rotates such that the elliptical edge 117 intersects with the adjacent region 250c, the variable fluid metering provided by the notch 126 can be controlled to... Figure 5A and Figure 6A The example configuration ranges from essentially zero flow to high metered flow. Within this range of rotation of the gate element 100, the valve device 200 operates similarly to a ball valve. However, the gate element 100 can be rotated further, as will be described below, such that the valve device 200 operates similarly to a butterfly valve.

[0036] Figure 5D and Figure 6D An example valve device 200 is shown in a substantially fully open (e.g., fully flow) configuration. The gate element 100 is rotated such that the front side 114 and the back side 116 are substantially parallel to the main axis of the housing 210 and the direction of fluid flow defined by the housing 210. In the illustrated configuration, flowable regions 503a and 503b are open, and the total flowable area of ​​the housing 210 is reduced substantially only by the thickness between the front side 114 and the back side 116 of the gate element 100 near region 250d (e.g., approximately +90 degrees).

[0037] Example valve device 200 is configured to provide very low leakage, a high control ratio, and a very smooth flow opening profile. This smooth opening profile can also be described by a flow "gain" profile. Gain can be described as the percentage increase in area for each percentage change in the rotational position of the gate element 100 within housing 210. Generally, the lower the gain, the better the valve accuracy, because valve positioning error can be proportional to flow error, and the higher the gain, the greater the flow error can be for each percentage of positioning error.

[0038] Example valve device 200 produces a very smooth flow opening profile by replacing the plate found in typical butterfly valves with a thicker body, adding notches to its sides, and extending the butterfly element further closed by a position perpendicular to the orifice when in the closed position. By doing so, the notches in the sides are not obstructive, and throttle closing flow leakage is reduced to a typical orifice-to-position clearance. In some embodiments, the spherical outer side of the valve element 100 may have a tight clearance, such as a radial clearance of approximately .001", and does not collide with the inner wall 214 when the valve element 100 rotates within the housing 210. Compared to existing designs, the geometry of valve device 200 utilizes a relatively much larger portion of the orifice when open, and therefore the dimensions of the orifice and ball can be significantly reduced relative to existing designs to achieve a fully open flow rate.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process 700 for controlling flow. In some embodiments, process 700 may be... Figures 5A-5D and Figures 6A-6D Example valve 200 is used to perform this.

[0040] At 710, the gate element of the flow control valve is actuated to a first configuration in which fluid flow is substantially blocked by the gate element. For example, valve 200 can be actuated to Figure 5A and Figure 6A The example configuration is shown below.

[0041] The flow control valve also includes a cylindrical housing with an inner wall having a first diameter, and a gate element formed as a spherical segment. The spherical segment includes: a hemispherical peripheral edge having a second diameter substantially equal to the first diameter; a substantially flat surface defined at the hemispherical peripheral edge by a substantially elliptical edge; and a channel defined in the substantially flat surface and having a first end adjacent to the substantially flat surface and away from the substantially elliptical edge, extending away from the substantially flat surface and partially into the spherical segment to a second end defining a recess in the hemispherical peripheral edge. For example, valve 200 includes a housing 210 and a gate element 100 having a recess 126 in a front face 114.

[0042] In some embodiments, the channel may have a substantially zero depth at its first end, extending from a substantially flat surface into a spherical segment. For example, channel 120 gradually becomes shallower as it extends away from its peripheral edge 112 to an end 122 where channel 120 has zero depth.

[0043] In some embodiments, the channel can be substantially triangular and substantially V-shaped. For example, channel 120 is shown as having a V-shaped cross-sectional profile and a triangular shape spanning front 114. In some embodiments, the channel can have any suitable cross-sectional and / or overall shape (e.g., U-shaped, conical, rectangular, cylindrical, spherical concave). Figures 8A-8C Examples of gate elements with U-shaped channels are discussed in more detail in the description.

[0044] In some embodiments, the valve may include a post disposed between the door element and the housing and configured to guide pivotable movement of the door within the housing. For example, the door element 100 may pivot about post 240. In some embodiments, the post may be configured to cause pivotable movement of the door element. For example, post 240 may be attached to an actuator (e.g., a motor) or lever that can move to rotate the door element 100 within the housing 210.

[0045] At 720, the gate element is actuated to a second configuration in which the orifice is partially defined by an inner wall and a recess. For example, valve 200 can be actuated to... Figure 5B and Figure 6B The example configuration shown or Figure 5C and Figure 6C The example configuration is shown below.

[0046] In some embodiments, in the first configuration, the door element can rotate within the housing such that the circumference of the hemispherical peripheral edge approaches or fluid-sealedly contacts the inner wall. For example, in Figure 5A and Figure 6A In the example configuration, the door element 100 essentially blocks the flow between the inner wall 214 and the adjacent area 250a.

[0047] In some embodiments, in the second configuration, the door element can rotate within the housing such that the circumference of the hemispherical peripheral edge approaches the inner wall and intersects a portion of the notch. For example, in Figure 5A , Figure 6A , Figure 5B and Figure 6B In the example configuration, the peripheral edge 112 of the inner wall 214 near the adjacent regions 250b and 250c intersects with the tip regions 502 and 503, through which limited fluid flow can pass.

[0048] In some embodiments, in the second configuration, the gate element can rotate within the housing such that a substantially flat surface is arranged substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow path defined by the housing. For example, in Figure 5B and Figure 6B In the example configuration, the front 114 is substantially perpendicular to the main axis of the housing 210 and the fluid flow path 510.

[0049] At 730, the gate element is actuated to a third configuration in which the substantially flat surface is substantially parallel to the main axis of the cylindrical housing. For example, valve 200 can be actuated to... Figure 5D and Figure 6D The example configuration is shown below.

[0050] Figures 8A-8C These are various views of another example door element 800. Generally, door element 800 is substantially similar to example door element 100, but instead of including channel 120, door element 800 includes a channel 920 (e.g., a recess, groove) defined in front 814. Channel 820 is defined as a substantially U-shaped recess. Channel 820 has a substantially zero depth and a substantially zero width at end 822. Channel 820 has a depth that gradually increases as the channel extends away from end 822 to end 824 at edge 817.

[0051] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of another example valve device 900. Generally, valve device 900 is substantially similar to example valve device 200, including gate element 100. The difference between example valve device 900 and example valve device 200 is that housing 910 (shown in dashed lines for the purposes of this specification to make internal components easier to observe) has an outer wall 912 and an inner wall 914 defining a substantially cylindrical tubular shape.

[0052] The inner wall 914 has a first portion 950 having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the peripheral edge 112; and a second portion 960 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first portion 960. A third portion 970 defines a concave surface 972 extending from the diameter of the first portion 950 to the diameter of the second portion 960.

[0053] The concave surface 972 is configured with a concavity complementary to the curvature of the peripheral edge 112. In the illustrated example, the peripheral edge 112 is configured to contact the concave surface 972. The contact between the peripheral edge 112 and the concave surface 972 is configured to provide a partial or complete fluid seal. In some embodiments, an elastomeric seal (e.g., an O-ring) may be arranged to make a fluid-sealing contact between the peripheral edge 112 and the concave surface 972 to provide a partial or complete fluid seal.

[0054] In a first embodiment, the flow control valve includes a gate element formed as a spherical segment, the spherical segment including a hemispherical peripheral edge, a substantially flat surface defined at the hemispherical peripheral edge by a substantially elliptical edge, and a channel defined in the substantially flat surface and having a first end near the midpoint of the substantially flat surface, and the channel extending from the first end to a second end defining a notch in the hemispherical peripheral edge.

[0055] In a second embodiment according to the first embodiment, the flow control valve further includes a housing having an inner wall having a first diameter that is substantially equal to a second diameter of the hemispherical peripheral edge.

[0056] In a third embodiment according to the second embodiment, the door element is configured to rotate within the housing to a partially blocking configuration in which the circumference of the hemispherical peripheral edge is close to the inner wall.

[0057] In a fourth embodiment according to the second or third embodiment, the door element is configured to rotate within the housing to a blocking configuration in which the circumference of the hemispherical peripheral edge is close to the inner wall and intersects with a portion of the notch.

[0058] In a fifth embodiment according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, the gate element is configured to rotate within the housing to a flow configuration in which a substantially flat surface is arranged substantially parallel to the fluid flow path defined by the housing.

[0059] In a sixth embodiment according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the gate element is configured to rotate within the housing to a flow configuration in which a substantially flat surface is arranged substantially parallel to the main axis of the housing, and the housing is cylindrical and defines the main axis.

[0060] In a seventh embodiment according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, the channel has a substantially zero depth at the first end, extending from a substantially flat surface into a spherical segment, and has a depth that gradually increases as the channel extends from the first end to the second end.

[0061] In the eighth embodiment according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, the channel is substantially triangular and substantially V-shaped or U-shaped.

[0062] In a ninth embodiment according to any one of the first to eighth embodiments, the flow control valve further includes a column disposed between the gate element and the housing and configured to guide pivotal movement of the gate element within the housing.

[0063] In a tenth embodiment according to a ninth embodiment, the column is configured to cause pivotable movement of the door element.

[0064] In an eleventh embodiment, a method of flow control includes: actuating a gate element of a flow control valve to a first configuration in which fluid flow is substantially blocked by the gate element, wherein the flow control valve further includes a cylindrical housing having an inner wall having a first diameter, and the gate element is formed as a spherical segment comprising: a hemispherical peripheral edge having a second diameter substantially equal to the first diameter; a substantially flat surface defined at the hemispherical peripheral edge by a substantially elliptical edge; and a channel defined in the substantially flat surface and having a first end adjacent to the substantially flat surface and away from the substantially elliptical edge, and extending away from the substantially flat surface and partially into the spherical segment to a second end defining a recess in the hemispherical peripheral edge. The method further includes: actuating the gate element to a second configuration in which an orifice is partially defined by the inner wall and the recess; and actuating the gate element to a third configuration in which the substantially flat surface is substantially parallel to the main axis of the cylindrical housing.

[0065] In the twelfth embodiment according to the eleventh embodiment, in the second configuration, the door element rotates within the cylindrical housing such that the circumference of the hemispherical peripheral edge approaches the inner wall and intersects with a portion of the notch.

[0066] In a thirteenth embodiment according to the eleventh or twelfth embodiment, in a second configuration, the gate element rotates within a cylindrical housing such that a substantially flat surface is arranged substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow path defined by the cylindrical housing.

[0067] In the fourteenth embodiment according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth embodiments, in the first configuration, the gate element rotates within the cylindrical housing such that the circumference of the hemispherical peripheral edge approaches the inner wall.

[0068] In the fifteenth embodiment according to any one of the eleventh to fourteenth embodiments, the channel has a substantially zero depth at the first end, away from the substantially flat surface, into the spherical segment, and has a depth that gradually increases as the channel extends from the first end to the second end.

[0069] In the sixteenth embodiment according to any one of the eleventh to fifteenth embodiments, the channel is substantially triangular and substantially V-shaped or U-shaped.

[0070] In the seventeenth embodiment according to any one of the eleventh to sixteenth embodiments, the door element further includes a post disposed between the door element and the cylindrical housing and configured to guide pivotal movement of the door element within the cylindrical housing.

[0071] In the eighteenth embodiment according to the seventeenth embodiment, the column is configured to cause pivotable movement of the door element.

[0072] In a nineteenth embodiment, a valve device includes a gate element formed as a spherical segment configured to rotate within a housing, and a channel defined in a substantially flat surface of the gate element.

[0073] While some implementations have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. For example, the logical flow depicted in the figures does not require the specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result. Additionally, other steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated from the described flow, and other components may be added to or removed from the described system. Therefore, other implementations are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flow control valve, comprising: Gate element, the gate element being formed as a spherical segment, the spherical segment comprising: The perimeter edge of the hemispherical shape; A substantially flat surface, wherein the substantially flat surface is defined by a substantially elliptical edge at the peripheral edge of the hemispherical shape; and A channel defined in the substantially flat surface and having a first end near the midpoint of the substantially flat surface, and the channel extending from the first end to a second end defining a notch in the peripheral edge of the hemispherical shape.

2. The flow control valve of claim 1 further includes a housing having an inner wall having a first diameter, the first diameter being substantially equal to a second diameter of the peripheral edge of the hemispherical shape.

3. The flow control valve according to claim 2, wherein, The door element is configured to rotate within the housing to a partially blocking configuration, in which the circumference of the hemispherical peripheral edge is close to the inner wall.

4. The flow control valve according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The door element is configured to rotate within the housing to a blocking configuration in which the circumference of the hemispherical peripheral edge is close to the inner wall and intersects a portion of the notch.

5. The flow control valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The gate element is configured to rotate within the housing to a flow configuration in which the substantially flat surface is arranged substantially parallel to the fluid flow path defined by the housing.

6. The flow control valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The gate element is configured to rotate within the housing to a flow configuration in which the substantially flat surface is arranged substantially parallel to the main axis of the housing, and the housing is cylindrical and defines the main axis.

7. The flow control valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The channel has a substantially zero depth at the first end, away from the substantially flat surface, into the spherical segment, and has a depth that gradually increases as the channel extends from the first end to the second end.

8. The flow control valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The channel is substantially triangular and substantially V-shaped or U-shaped.

9. The flow control valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a column disposed between the gate element and the housing and configured to guide pivotal movement of the gate element within the housing.

10. The flow control valve according to claim 9, wherein, The column is configured to cause pivotable movement of the door element.

11. A method for flow control, comprising: The gate element of the flow control valve is actuated to a first configuration in which fluid flow is substantially blocked by the gate element. The flow control valve also includes a cylindrical housing having an inner wall with a first diameter, and the gate element is formed as a spherical segment comprising: A hemispherical peripheral edge, the hemispherical peripheral edge having a second diameter substantially equal to the first diameter; A substantially flat surface, wherein the substantially flat surface is defined by a substantially elliptical edge at the peripheral edge of the hemispherical shape; and A channel defined in the substantially flat surface and having a first end near the substantially flat surface away from the substantially elliptical edge, and extending away from the substantially flat surface and partially into the spherical segment, reaching a second end that defines a notch in the peripheral edge of the hemispherical segment; The gate element is actuated to a second configuration in which the opening is partially defined by the inner wall and the recess; The door element is actuated to a third configuration in which the substantially flat surface is substantially parallel to the main axis of the cylindrical housing.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, In the second configuration, the door element rotates within the cylindrical housing such that the circumference of the hemispherical peripheral edge approaches the inner wall and intersects with a portion of the notch.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, In the second configuration, the gate element rotates within the cylindrical housing such that the substantially flat surface is arranged substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow path defined by the cylindrical housing.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, In the first configuration, the door element rotates within the cylindrical housing such that the circumference of the hemispherical peripheral edge approaches the inner wall.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, The channel has a substantially zero depth at the first end, away from the substantially flat surface, into the spherical segment, and has a depth that gradually increases as the channel extends from the first end to the second end.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein, The channel is substantially triangular and substantially V-shaped or U-shaped.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein, The door element also includes a post disposed between the door element and the cylindrical housing and configured to guide pivotal movement of the door element within the cylindrical housing.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The column is configured to cause pivotable movement of the door element.

19. A valve device, comprising: A door element, the door element being formed as a spherical segment configured to rotate within a housing; as well as A channel defined in a substantially flat surface of the gate element.

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