Selectable variable notched orifice

Abstract

The present invention relates to a selectable variable orifice valve having a notched configuration that allows different predefined flow rates to be selected through the valve. The notched configuration described herein comprises one or more ramped teeth designed to fit into one or more ramped slots, and the slots are positioned to correspond to a predetermined flow rate setting of the valve. Each flow rate setting of the valve corresponds to a quantity of a flow path of a valve element that aligns with an open flow path of a valve body. The valve configuration described herein can be adjusted with or without the application of axial pressure. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Selectable notched variable orifice

[0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS

[0002] FEDERAL RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT DECLARATION

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In certain systems, it is necessary to have a repeatable valve with a selectable flow orifice that allows the amount of flow from the valve to be modified (i.e., restricted or increased) according to changing system requirements. Such valves may be subjected to harsh, adverse environmental conditions, such as high pressures, G-forces, shocks, and / or vibrations, which necessitates a valve capable of withstanding such conditions while maintaining the selected flow position. In cases where the flow is selected manually, if adjusting or setting the valve is difficult or unintuitive, the user may unintentionally damage or misuse the valve or a tool used to adjust the valve.Existing designs may use a locking ball arrangement, which tends to drift out of its set position over time, especially when subjected to harsh environmental conditions such as vibration. Summary of the invention.

[0005] The present invention relates to a valve having a notched configuration that allows different predefined flow rates to be selected through the valve. The notched configuration described herein comprises one or more ramped teeth designed to fit into one or more ramped slots, and the slots are positioned to correspond to a predetermined flow rate setting of the valve. Each flow rate setting of the valve corresponds to a quantity of a flow path of a valve element that aligns with an open flow path of a valve body. The valve configuration described herein can be adjusted with or without the application of axial pressure, thereby reducing unintentional damage caused by users manually adjusting the valve.The described valve configuration also includes a stressing element which, together with the tooth and slot configuration, helps to ensure that the selected flow orifice position will be maintained once set, even if the valve is subjected to harsh environmental conditions such as high pressures, G-forces, shocks, and / or vibrations.

[0006] The purpose of this summary is to present, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts which are described in more detail below in the detailed description. The purpose of this summary is not to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Brief description of the drawings

[0007] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

[0008] [Fig-1] represents a top perspective view of a set of valves featuring multiple valves, as an example.

[0009] [Fig.2] represents a perspective view from below of the valve assembly of [Fig.1].

[0010] [Fig.3] represents a vertical cross-sectional view of a valve from the valve assembly of [Fig.1].

[0011] [Fig.4] represents a horizontal cross-sectional view of a valve from the valve assembly of [Fig.1].

[0012] [Fig.5] represents an exploded front perspective view of a valve from the valve assembly of [Fig.1].

[0013] [Fig.6] represents an exploded rear perspective view of a valve from the valve assembly of [Fig.1].

[0014] [Fig.7] represents a top view of a valve element of the valve assembly of [Fig.1].

[0015] [Fig.8] represents a side view of a valve element of the valve assembly of [Fig.1].

[0016] [Fig.9] represents a front view of a valve element of the valve assembly of [Fig.1].

[0017] [Fig. 10] represents a rear view of a valve element of the valve assembly of [Fig.1].

[0018] [Fig. 11] represents a front view of a plate of the valve assembly of [Fig.1].

[0019] [Fig. 12] represents a rear view of a plate of the valve assembly of [Fig.1].

[0020] [Fig. 13] represents a cross-sectional view of a plate of the valve assembly of [Fig.1].

[0021] [Fig. 14] represents a side view and a partial cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of [Fig.1], illustrating a notched mechanism in contact.

[0022] [Fig. 15] represents a side view of the valve assembly of [Fig.1], illustrating an open flow path.

[0023] [Fig. 16] represents a side view of the valve assembly of [Fig.1], illustrating a partially open flow path.

[0024] [Fig.17] represents a side view of the valve assembly of [Fig.1], illustrating a closed flow path.

[0025] [Fig. 18] represents a method for selecting a flow path in a selectable variable orifice valve, according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In the detailed description that follows, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof and show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments or examples. These aspects may be combined, other aspects may be used, and structural modifications may be made without departing from this disclosure. The examples may be in the form of methods, systems, or devices. The detailed description that follows should therefore not be taken in a restrictive sense, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents.

[0027] In certain systems, it is necessary to have a repeatable valve with a selectable flow orifice that allows the amount of flow from the valve to be modified (i.e., restricted or increased) according to changing system requirements; a greater or lesser flow may be desired. Such valves may be subjected to harsh, adverse environmental conditions, such as high pressures, G-forces, shocks, and / or vibrations, which necessitates a valve capable of withstanding such conditions while maintaining the selected flow position. The present invention relates to a valve having a notched configuration that allows different predefined flow rates to be selected through the valve. Each flow rate setting of the valve corresponds to a quantity of a flow path of a valve element that aligns with an open flow path of a valve body.The valve configuration described also includes a stressing element which, together with the tooth and slot configuration as described herein, helps to ensure that the selected flow orifice position will be maintained once set, even if the valve is subjected to harsh environmental conditions such as high pressures, G-forces, shocks, temperature fluctuations, and / or vibrations.

[0028] In cases where the flow rate is selected manually, if adjusting or setting the valve is difficult or unintuitive, the user may unintentionally damage or misuse the valve or a tool used to adjust the valve. For example, if a valve is designed so that a familiar rotary hand tool can If a tool is used to adjust the valve from one flow rate to another (e.g., a screwdriver, wrench, adjustable pliers, or clamps), a user might assume that adjusting the valve simply requires rotating the tool as in normal use. However, if the valve in question, unbeknownst to the user, also needs to be pushed or pulled with the tool (i.e., requires the application of axial force by the user), the user may become frustrated when rotation alone fails to adjust the valve and may (perhaps thinking the valve is stuck or that more force is needed) apply excessive rotational force, resulting in damage to the valve and / or the tool.The valve described below has one or more ramped teeth designed to fit into one or more ramped slots. The slots are positioned to correspond to a predetermined flow setting of the valve, and this configuration allows the valve disclosed herein to be adjusted without requiring the application of axial force. The configuration also allows the valve to be adjusted when axial force is applied without damaging the valve.

[0029] These examples and others will be explained in more detail below with regard to [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 18]. While specific reference will be made to certain figures below for ease of reference, in general, [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 17] are described simultaneously here and not all of the components described may be visible in each of [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 17].

[0030] Figure 1 shows a top perspective view of a valve assembly 10 comprising multiple valves 12, and Figure 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the valve assembly 10. In some examples, a valve assembly 10 is connected to a part of a larger system or device that requires a valve capable of providing repeatable adjustment of variable flow. In some examples, the valve assembly 10 comprises one, two, or more than two valves 12, and the number of valves 12 is not limited to the particular example illustrated by Figure 1. Each valve 12 comprises a housing 13 and a valve element 18. The housing 13 may include a valve body 14 and a notched plate 76 connected to the body 14. The body 14 may be specific to each valve 12 in some examples. In some examples, the body 14 may be shared as a manifold between two or more valves 12.The body 14 has at least one flow passage 20 (for example, a hole, bore, tube, pipe, channel, or other type of flow passage) through which a fluid (for example, a liquid or a gas) can pass.

[0031] The valve element 18 (for example, a stem, a pin, a cylinder, or another suitable type of element) may be partially located in a cavity 28 of the body 14, and an actuated end 38 of the valve element 18 may be partially to extend / project from the body 14. The notched plate 76 has a stem opening 82 that allows the actuated end 38 of the valve element 18 to project through the plate 76 when the plate 76 is connected to the body 14. In some examples, the plate 76 may be removably connected to the body 14 (for example, by screws, bolts, or other fasteners; or by removable fittings such as a threaded fitting or a press fitting). In some examples, the plate 76 may be connected to the body by welding, bonding, brazing, or other means. In the particular example shown (see also [Fig.5] and [Fig.6]), the plate 76 has one or more fixing openings 84 to allow the passage of the fixings (for example, screws) 86. In such an example, the body 14 has characteristics enabling it to be connected to the fixings 86.

[0032] Figure 3 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a valve 12, and Figure 4 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of a valve 12. Figure 5 shows an exploded front perspective view of the valve 12 without the body 14, and Figure 6 shows an exploded rear perspective view of the valve 12 without the body 14. The body 14 defines a cavity (transverse bore) 28, which is oriented perpendicularly to the flow passage 20. At least a portion of the valve element 18 is located within the cavity 28, such that the valve element 18 can rotate about a central axis X and an external surface 32 of the valve element 18 faces an internal surface 30 of the cavity 28. The cavity 28 may have one or more recessed portions 34 to allow longitudinal / axial movement of the valve element. 18 along the X axis.The actuated end 38 of the valve element 18 protrudes from the body 14, and the actuated end 38 may, in some examples, be of a smaller diameter than the part of the valve element 14 that lies in the cavity 28. The valve element 18 has a shoulder 36 which has a surface 60 facing the plate, which is on a plane perpendicular to the X-axis. The shoulder 36 faces a surface 80 facing the valve of the plate 76.

[0033] The actuated end 38 of the valve element 18 has one or more actuation features 58 (for example, a torque transfer interface) by which the valve can be adjusted or set to a particular flow rate. In the particular examples shown, the actuation feature has a single channel adapted for the insertion and rotation of a tool such as a flathead screwdriver. In other examples, other shapes and features adapted for use with other tools may be considered (for example, shapes adapted for a wrench, adjustable pliers, clamps, or other hand tools, power tools, or automated actuation means). In some examples, a hand tool may be used to adjust the valve element 18. In other examples, an automated actuator may be used to adjust the valve element 18.

[0034] The valve element 18 has a flow path (bore) 22 which is defined at opposite ends by flow control openings / orifices 26. In some examples, the diameter / width of the flow path 22 is the same as the diameter / width of the flow passage 20. The flow passage 20 is defined about a flow axis Y which is perpendicular to and intersects the central axis X. The flow path 22 is oriented perpendicular to the central axis X. In some examples, the flow path 22 and the flow passage 20 may be cylindrical, although other shapes are possible. The flow path 22 and the flow passage 20 are located and oriented such that in at least one flow position, their paths align and are both defined about the flow axis Y.

[0035] The valve element 18 has a pocket 42 at one spring end 40 of the valve element 18, the spring end 40 being opposite the actuated end 38. The pocket 42 is designed to enclose at least part of a stress element (for example, a spring or some other suitable type of stress element) 44. A first end 46 of the stress element 44 is in contact with (and exerts a spring force FS on) an end surface 52 of the pocket 42. A second end 48 of the stress element 44 extends beyond an opening 50 of the pocket 42 and comes into contact with an end surface 54 of the cavity 28. A stress force, or spring force FS, is exerted along the X-axis. In some examples, the end surface cavity 54 has a spring contact feature 56 (for example, a bore or a cup).

[0036] The valve element 18 may include one or more grooves and one or more sealing elements. In the example shown, the valve element 18 has a first groove 98 (see [Fig. 7] and [Fig. 8]) which surrounds the valve element 18 towards the actuated end 38. The first groove 98 has a first sealing element 104 (for example, an O-ring) which provides a movable seal on a portion of the plate 76. The first sealing element 104 can be designed to prevent environmental contaminants (for example, air, water, steam, oil, sand or other particulate matter) from entering the valve 12 between the plate 7 and the valve element 18. In the example shown, the valve element 18 has a second groove 100 (see [Fig. 7] and [Fig. 8]) which surrounds the valve element 18 between the shoulder 36 and the flow path 22.The second groove 100 has a second sealing element 106 (for example, an O-ring) which provides a movable seal on the inner surface 30 of the cavity 28. The second sealing element 106 can be designed to prevent fluids passing through the flow path 22 from escaping the valve 12 between the body 14 and the valve element 18. In some examples, the second . The groove 100 also includes an additional sealing element 107 adjacent to the second sealing element 106. The additional sealing element 107 may be of the same type or a different type than the second sealing element 106. In some examples, the element 107 may be a support material or a relief ring. In the example shown, the valve element 18 has a third groove 102 (see [Fig. 7] and [Fig. 8]) that surrounds the valve element 18 between the flow path 22 and the spring end 40. The third groove 102 has a third sealing element 108 (for example, an O-ring) that provides a movable seal on the inner surface 30 of the cavity 28.The third sealing element 108 can be designed to prevent fluids passing through the flow path 22 from entering the space between the spring end 40 of the valve element 18 and the end surface 54 of the cavity 28 (and thus also the pocket 42), in order to prevent fluid pressure from acting on the valve element 18 (essentially by increasing the force in the direction of the spring force FS). Such pressure can lead to the valve becoming impossible to adjust (the force of the notch teeth 64 against the notch slots 66, described below, then being too great), and can lead to damage to the valve. In some examples, the valve 12 is installed in services where the valve fluid pressure can reach or exceed 5,000 pounds per square inch (psi).

[0037] In some examples, the valve element 12 has a second flow path 23 which enters through an additional opening in the body 14 behind the stressing element 44, passes through the pocket 42, and crosses the flow path 22. In such an example, the predefined flow rates can represent not only a quantity of flow, but also a flow ratio between each outlet orifice.

[0038] Fig. 7 shows a top view of a valve element 18 of the valve 12, Fig. 8 shows a side view of the valve element 18, Fig. 9 shows a front view of the valve element 18, and Fig. 10 shows a side view of the valve element 18. In addition to the features described above, the valve element 18 also has at least one notch tooth 64 which projects (along the X axis) from the surface of the shoulder 36 facing the plate. Each tooth 64 has a pair of ramps 70, one on each side of the tooth 64. The tooth 64 may have a pointed / upper surface 72 adjacent to the ramps 70 (the ramps 70 converge towards the pointed / upper surface 72) which is flat as shown, or which may be curved or pointed. Each tooth 64 is oriented radially around the X-axis and perpendicular to it.In the particular example shown, the valve element 18 has a pair of teeth 64a, 64b, opposed and aligned. one in relation to the other. Other numbers and orientations of the 64 teeth may exist.

[0039] Fig. 11 shows a front view of the valve plate 76 of the valve 12, and Fig. 12 shows a rear view of the plate 76. Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the plate 76. In addition to the features described above, the plate 76 has a cover portion 94 of the plate, which extends substantially perpendicularly to the shoulder 36 of the valve element 18 and which has arbitrary mounting openings 84 for connection to the body 14. The plate 76 also has a neck portion 96 which extends from an outwardly facing surface 78 and surrounds a portion of the valve element 18 between the actuated end 38 and the body 14. An inner surface of the neck portion 96 can come into contact with the first sealing element 104.

[0040] The plate 76 has a plurality of notch slots 66 that are embedded in the surface 80 facing the valve and are arranged radially around the stem opening 82 and around the X-axis. The radially extending notch slots 66 may be arranged in a dial configuration, such that the dial face on the surface 80 is perpendicular to the X-axis and the slots 66 extend radially to the outer circumference of the dial configuration. In some examples, the slots 66 are arranged in pairs of slots 66a, 66b that are aligned and opposite each other (for example, located on opposite sides of the face of the dial configuration). Other numbers and orientations of the slots 66 may exist. Each slot 66 has a pair of ramps 68, one on each side of the slot 66.Each slot 66 may have a pointed / top surface 74 adjacent to the ramps 68, which is pointed as shown (the ramps 68 converge at the pointed / top surface 74), or it may be curved or flat. Each slot 66 is defined by a depth D between the surface 80 facing the valve and its point 74. In some examples, the depth D may be approximately 0.045 inches. In some examples, the depth D may be between approximately 0.030 inches and approximately 0.060 inches. In some examples, the depth D may be between approximately 0.020 inches and approximately 0.080 inches. In some examples, the depth D may be between approximately 0.040 inches and approximately 0.100 inches. In some examples, the depth D may be less than approximately 0.045 inches. In some examples, the depth D may be greater than approximately 0.045 inches.Each slot 66 or pair of associated notch slots 66a, 66b has a defined angle Al of its slot ramps 68. In some examples, Al may be approximately 30°. In some examples, Al may be between approximately 15° and 45°. In some examples, Al may be between approximately 20° and 40°. In some examples, Al may be between approximately 25° and 35°. In some examples, Al may be . less than 30°. In some examples, Al may be greater than 30°. In some examples, the slot ramps 68 on either side of the slot 66 are symmetrical (have the same angle). In some examples, the spaces in the surface 80 located between the adjacent slot ramps 68 and 66 define ridges 110 which are part of the surface 80 and are planar with it.

[0041] Fig. 14 represents a side view and a partial sectional view (a partial section of the plate 76 is shown to illustrate the fit of a tooth 64 in a slot 66) of the valve assembly 10, illustrating a notched mechanism 62. The notched mechanism 62 includes notched slots 66 and notched teeth 64. Each slot 66 or pair of associated slots 66a, 66b is designed to receive the tooth 64 or pair of teeth 64a, 64b. Each slot 66 or pair of slots 66a, 66b corresponds to a predefined flow rate through the valve 12. When the valve element 18 is rotated about the X axis by means of the actuation feature 58, the tooth 64 or pair of teeth 64a, 64b can engage with a selected slot 66 or pair of slots 66a, 66b to select the associated flow rate through the valve 12.Examples featuring pairs of slots 66a, 66b and teeth 64a, 64b can provide a more robust and solid engagement between the slots 66 and the teeth 64, which are less likely to be struck, vibrate, or otherwise unintentionally disengage.

[0042] Each tooth 64 is defined by a height H between the surface 60 of the shoulder 36 facing the plate and its tip 72. Each tooth 64 or pair of associated teeth 64a, 64b has a defined angle A2 of its tooth ramps 70. In some examples, the tooth ramps 70 on either side of the tooth 70 are symmetrical (have the same angle). In some examples, the tooth height H is less than or equal to the depth of the slot D, depending on the geometry of the tooth 64 and the slot 66. In some examples, the height H may be approximately 0.045 inches. In some examples, the height H may be between approximately 0.030 inches and approximately 0.060 inches. In some examples, the height H may be between approximately 0.020 inches and approximately 0.080 inches. In some examples, the height H can be between approximately 0.040 inch and approximately 0.100 inch. In some examples, the height H can be less than approximately 0.045 inch.In some examples, the height H may be greater than approximately 0.045 inches. In some examples, the slot ramp angle A1 is equal to the tooth ramp angle A2, to allow a secure fit of tooth 64 in slot 66. In some examples, A2 may be between approximately 15° and 45°. In some examples, A2 may be between approximately 20° and 40°. In some examples, A2 may be between approximately 25° and 35°. In some examples, A2 may be less than 30°. In some examples, A2 may be greater than 30°. In some examples, tooth 64 extends from a flat plane of the surface. 60. In other examples as shown, the surface 60 has a curved recess adjacent to each ramp 70 of the tooth 64.

[0043] In some examples, the slots 66 are embedded in the shoulder 36 of the valve element 18, and the teeth 64 are present on the surface 80 of the plate 76 facing the valve.

[0044] Figure 15 shows a side view of the valve assembly 10, illustrating an open flow path. In this configuration, the notched mechanism 62 is engaged such that the teeth 64 are in contact with the corresponding slots 66, which correspond to a fully open flow position, in which the flow path 22 of the valve element 18 is fully aligned with the flow passage 20 of the body 14 along the Y-axis. In this position, the cross-sectional area CAI through which the fluid can flow is equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​26.

[0045] In one example, a rotational force FR is applied to the actuation end 38 of the valve element 18. When the rotational force FR is applied, the geometry of the ramps 68, 70 allows the external tooth surface 92 to slide against the internal slot surface 90, thus enabling the notched mechanism 62 to be disengaged. When the rotational force FR, and therefore an associated torque, is applied to the valve element 18, the interface of the ramps 68 / 70 converts at least part of the rotational torque into an axial force that acts in the opposite direction to the spring force FS parallel to the X-axis and is sufficient to overcome the spring force FS.Thus, when the outer surface 92 slides against the inner slot surface 90 and the tooth 64 slides out of the slot 66, the valve element 18 is displaced axially against the spring force FS (in some examples, so that the spring end 40 of the valve element 18 comes into contact with the end cavity surface 54). When the rotational force FR continues to be applied and the tooth 64 slides towards an adjacent slot 66, the pressure spring force FS pushes the outer tooth surface 92 against the inner slot surface 90 of the adjacent slot 66, thereby re-engaging the notched mechanism 62 in a different, partially open flow position.

[0046] The excitation force of the excitation element 44 can be designed such that the geometry of the ramps 68, 70 allows disengagement without requiring the application of an axial force FA (see [Fig. 3]) while being strong enough for the spring force FS to maintain the engagement of the notched mechanism 62 even when the valve 12 is subjected to harsh environmental conditions. Although the application of the axial force FA is not necessary, if the axial force FA is applied, the valve element 18 will be pushed against the spring force FA, and can be rotated about the X-axis by the additional application of a force of FR rotation. This may result in a decrease in friction between the external surface 92 and the internal surface 90 of the slot during valve adjustment.

[0047] In some examples, the stressing element 44 and the geometry of the ramps 68, 70 are designed such that a minimum torque is required to rotate the valve element 18 from a first flow position to a second flow position. The minimum torque required can ensure that the valve element 18 can be rotated by the designated means (for example, by a user with a hand tool or mechanical actuation), while ensuring a robust and solid engagement between the slots 66 and the teeth 64 to prevent them from being struck, vibrated, or otherwise unintentionally disengaged. In some examples, the minimum torque required to rotate the valve element 18 is approximately 5 inch-pounds. In some examples, the minimum torque required to rotate the valve element 18 is approximately 6 inch-pounds.In some examples, the minimum torque required to rotate valve element 18 is between approximately 5 and 6 inch-pounds. In some examples, the minimum torque required to rotate valve element 18 is between approximately 4 and 7 inch-pounds. In some examples, the minimum torque required to rotate valve element 18 is between approximately 3 and 8 inch-pounds. In some examples, the minimum torque required to rotate valve element 18 is between approximately 5 and 10 inch-pounds. In some examples, the minimum torque required to rotate valve element 18 is between approximately 6 and 12 inch-pounds.In some examples, the minimum torque required to rotate valve element 18 is greater than approximately 5 inch-pounds. In some examples, the minimum torque required to rotate valve element 18 is greater than approximately 6 inch-pounds. In some examples, the minimum torque required to rotate valve element 18 is less than approximately 5 inch-pounds. In some examples, the minimum torque required to rotate valve element 18 is less than approximately 6 inch-pounds.

[0048] Figure 16 shows a side view of the valve assembly 10, illustrating a partially open flow path. Rotating the valve element 18 to the different, partially open flow position causes the flow path 22 from the valve element 18 to be only partially open towards the flow passage 20 of the body 14. In this position, the cross-sectional area CA2 through which the fluid can flow is smaller than the cross-sectional area 26. Valve 12 may have one or more selectable flow positions that correspond to varying flow cross-sections.

[0049] In one example, a rotational force FR can again be applied to the actuating end 38 of the valve element 18 to disengage the notched mechanism 62 from this position and to re-engage the notched mechanism 62 in a new flow position, as described above. For example, the valve 12 may have at least one flow position that corresponds to a closed flow path. Figure 17 shows a side view of the valve assembly 10, illustrating a closed flow path. In the closed flow path position, no open part of the flow path 22 of the valve element 18 is open to any part of the flow passage 20 of the body 14. In this position, the cross-section CA3 of the flow opening 24 (of the flow passage 20) is completely blocked and no fluid can flow through the flow path 22.

[0050] In some examples, the only non-fluid forces applied within the valve system 12 are the rotational force FR, the axial force FA, and the spring force FS. In these examples, there are no non-fluid forces acting in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis (e.g., a lateral force). This can lead to a more robust and stable valve design that can better withstand harsh operating environments, since unbalanced lateral forces can cause misalignment, seal failure, stress, and wear of the valve system 12.

[0051] Figure 18 illustrates an example of a method for selecting a flow path in a selectable variable orifice valve. During operation 1802, a rotational force is applied to a valve element to rotate the valve element about an axis. The valve element has a tooth that is initially engaged with a first slot of the selectable variable orifice valve, corresponding to a first selected position of the flow path.

[0052] During operation 1804, the application of the rotational force causes a ramp of the tooth to slide against a corresponding ramp of the first slot.

[0053] During operation 1806, the application of the rotational force also causes the valve element to move in a first direction against a stress force along the axis.

[0054] During operation 1808, the tooth is detached from the first cleft.

[0055] During operation 1810, the rotational force continues to be applied to the element of valve.

[0056] During operation 1812, the application of the rotational force involves the continued rotation of the valve element around the axis so that at least a part of the tooth comes into contact with at least a part of a second slot.

[0057] During operation 1814, the valve element is displaced axially in a second direction opposite to the first direction, by the application of the actuating force. For example, the actuating force may be applied by a spring or another actuating element.

[0058] During operation 1816, the ramp of the tooth is made to slide against a corresponding ramp of the second slot.

[0059] During operation 1818, the tooth engages with the second slot. This places the selectable variable orifice valve in a second selected flow path position.

[0060] For the purposes of this application, directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "upward," and "downward" are intended to be descriptive in relation to the above disclosure and, where appropriate, in relation to the orientation shown in the figures for clarity. The examples as practiced and included within the scope of the claims may include examples where the systems and devices are oriented differently.

[0061] Unless otherwise indicated, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is generally understood by the ordinary person skilled in the art to whom the present invention relates.

[0062] As used herein and in the claims, the singular forms "a", "an", "the" and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0063] Although specific uses of the technology have been illustrated and discussed above, the disclosed technology can be used in various environments in accordance with numerous examples of the technology. The above analysis is not intended to suggest that the disclosed technology is only suitable for implementation in the environments shown and described above. It should be noted that the various aspects described in the figures are not intended to limit the technology to the specific aspects described. Accordingly, other configurations may be used to implement the technology described here and / or certain aspects described may be excluded without departing from the processes and systems disclosed here.

[0064] This disclosure describes certain aspects of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of the possible aspects have been shown. However, other aspects can be realized in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the aspects presented here. On the contrary, these aspects have been provided in such a way that this disclosure is complete and exhaustive and that it fully conveys the scope of the possible aspects to the person skilled in the art.

[0065] Similarly, when the operations of a process are disclosed, these operations are described for the purpose of illustrating the present technology and are not intended to limit disclosure to a particular sequence of operations. For example, the operations may be performed in a different order, two or more operations may be performed simultaneously, additional operations may be performed, and disclosed operations may be excluded without departing from this disclosure. Furthermore, each operation may be performed through one or more sub-operations. The processes described may be repeated.

[0066] Illustrative examples of the systems and processes described herein are presented below. An embodiment of the system or process described herein may include any one or more of the aspects described below, as well as any combination thereof:

[0067] Aspect 1. A valve arrangement comprising: a valve housing defining a flow passage and a transverse bore extending through the flow passage, the transverse bore defining a central axis, the transverse bore having first and second opposite ends positioned on opposite sides of the flow passage;a valve element which is mounted in the transverse bore and which can rotate in the transverse bore about the central axis of the transverse bore, the valve element defining a flow regulating opening to regulate the flow through the flow passage through the transverse bore, the valve element being able to rotate about the central axis to vary a cross-section of the flow regulating opening which is available to permit flow through the flow passage, the valve element being able to rotate about the central axis between a plurality of notch positions corresponding to different flow levels;a stressing element positioned next to the first end of the transverse bore for applying a stressing force to the valve element in an axial direction along the central axis such that the valve element is stressed towards the second end of the transverse bore; and a notched arrangement that defines the notch positions, the notched arrangement having a ramp interface designed such that, when a predetermined level of torque is applied to the valve element around the central axis, the ramp interface converts the torque into an axial force sufficient to overcome the stressing force applied by the stressing element, resulting in the displacement of the valve element along the central axis in a direction towards the first end of the bore; transverse in order to allow the valve element to move from a first notch position to a second notch position.

[0068] Aspect 2. The valve arrangement according to aspect 1, in which the notched arrangement comprises first and second parts positioned on opposite sides of the central axis.

[0069] Aspect 3. The valve arrangement according to any one of aspects 1 and 2, wherein the notched arrangement comprises at least one tooth and at least one slot, each tooth comprising a first ramp arrangement of the ramp interface and each slot comprising a second ramp arrangement of the ramp interface.

[0070] Aspect 4. The valve arrangement according to aspect 3, in which the first ramp arrangement is defined by a first ramp angle, in which the second ramp arrangement is defined by a second ramp angle, and in which the first ramp angle is equal to the second ramp angle.

[0071] Aspect 5. The valve arrangement according to any one of aspects 3 and 4, in which at least one tooth is defined by a maximum height, in which at least one slot is defined by a maximum depth, and in which the maximum depth of at least one slot is greater than or equal to the maximum height of the tooth.

[0072] Aspect 6. The valve arrangement according to any one of aspects 3 to 5, wherein: at least one slot comprises a plurality of slots, the plurality of slots is arranged in a dial configuration, the face of the dial configuration is perpendicular to the central axis, each of the plurality of slots extends radially to an external circumference of the dial, and each of the plurality of slots comprises first and second radial parts positioned on opposite sides of the dial face.

[0073] Aspect 7. The valve arrangement according to any one of aspects 3 to 6, in in which at least one slot is defined by a first ramp surface of the second ramp arrangement and a second ramp surface of the second ramp arrangement which converge towards a tip of at least one slot.

[0074] Aspect 8. The valve arrangement according to aspect 7, further comprising a plurality of slots, in which each of the plurality of slots is separated from the adjacent slots by ridges defined between the ramp surfaces of the adjacent slots.

[0075] Aspect 9. The valve arrangement according to any one of aspects 3 to 8, in which at least one tooth is defined by a first ramp surface of the first ramp arrangement and a second ramp surface of the first ramp arrangement which converge towards a tip of at least one tooth.

[0076] Aspect 10. The valve arrangement according to aspect 9, in which at least one tooth comprises a pair of teeth, each of the pair of teeth extending radially moving away from the central axis, and the pair of teeth comprises first and second radial parts positioned on opposite sides of the central axis.

[0077] Aspect 11. The valve arrangement according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, in which the valve housing comprises a main housing body and a notched plate which is attached to the main housing body.

[0078] Aspect 12. The valve arrangement according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, further comprising at least one sealing element, the at least one sealing element surrounding the valve element between the flow control opening and the stressing element.

[0079] Aspect 13. The valve arrangement according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, in which the flow passage defines a flow passage axis, and in which the flow passage axis is perpendicular to the central axis.

[0080] Aspect 14. The valve arrangement according to aspect 13, wherein: the flow control opening defines a flow control axis, and at least one of the plurality of notch positions corresponds to a maximum flow level, at which the flow control axis is aligned with the flow passage axis and the cross-section of the flow control opening that is available to permit flow through the flow passage is maximized.

[0081] Aspect 15. The valve arrangement according to aspect 13, wherein: the flow control opening defines a flow control axis, and at least one of the plurality of notch positions corresponds to a non-flow level, at which the flow control axis is perpendicular to the flow passage axis and no part of the cross-section of the flow control opening is available to permit flow through the flow passage.

[0082] Although specific aspects have been described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to these specific aspects. A person skilled in the art will recognize other aspects or improvements that fall within the scope of this technology. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or operations are disclosed only by way of illustration. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and all their equivalents.

Claims

1. Claims Valve arrangement (10) comprising: a valve housing (13) defining a flow passage (20) and a transverse bore (28) extending through the flow passage (20), the transverse bore (28) defining a central axis (X), the transverse bore (28) having first and second opposite ends positioned on opposite sides of the flow passage (20); a valve member (18) which mounts in the transverse bore (28) and which is rotatable in the transverse bore (28) about the central axis (X) of the transverse bore (28), the valve member (18) defining a flow control opening for controlling flow through the flow passage (20) through the transverse bore, the valve member (18) being rotatable about the central axis (X) to vary a cross-sectional area of the flow control opening (26) which is available to allow flow through the flow passage (20), the valve member (18) being rotatable about the central axis (X) between a plurality of detent positions corresponding to different flow levels; a biasing member (44) positioned adjacent the first end of the transverse bore (28) for applying a biasing force (FS) to the valve member (18) in an axial direction along the central axis (X) such that the valve member (18) is biased toward the second end of the transverse bore (28); and a detent arrangement (62) that defines the detent positions, the detent arrangement (62) having a ramp interface (68, 70) configured such that when a predetermined level of torque is applied to the valve member (18) about the central axis (X), the ramp interface converts the torque into an axial force sufficient to overcome the biasing force (FS) applied by the biasing member (44), thereby causing the valve member (18) to move along the central axis (X) in a direction toward the first end of the transverse bore (28) to enable movement of the valve member (18) from a first detent position to a second detent position.

2. A valve arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the notched arrangement (62) has first and second portions positioned on opposite sides of the central axis (X).

3. A valve arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the notched arrangement (62) comprises at least one tooth (64) and at least one slot (66), each tooth (64) comprising a first ramp arrangement of the ramp interface and each slot (66) comprising a second ramp arrangement of the ramp interface.

4. A valve arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the first ramp arrangement is defined by a first ramp angle (A1), wherein the second ramp arrangement is defined by a second ramp angle (A2), and wherein the first ramp angle (A1) is equal to the second ramp angle (A2).

5. A valve arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the at least one tooth (64) is defined by a maximum height (H), wherein the at least one slot (66) is defined by a maximum depth (D), and wherein the maximum depth (D) of the at least one slot (66) is greater than or equal to the maximum height (H) of the tooth (64).

6. The valve arrangement of claim 3, wherein: the at least one slot (66) comprises a plurality of slots (66a, 66b), the plurality of slots are arranged in a dial configuration, the face of the dial configuration is perpendicular to the central axis (X), each of the plurality of slots (66a, 66b) extends radially to an outer circumference of the dial, and each of the plurality of slots (66a, 66b) comprises first and second radial portions positioned on opposite sides of the dial face.

7. A valve arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the at least one slot (66) is defined by a first ramp surface of the second ramp arrangement and a second ramp surface of the second ramp arrangement which converge towards a tip (74) of the at least one slot.

8. The valve arrangement of claim 7, further comprising a plurality of slots (66a, 66b), wherein each of the plurality of slots is separated from adjacent slots by ridges (110) defined between the ramp surfaces of the adjacent slots.

9. A valve arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the at least one tooth (64) is defined by a first ramp surface of the first ramp arrangement and a second ramp surface of the first ramp arrangement which converge towards a tip (72) of the at least one tooth.

10. A valve arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the at least one tooth comprises a pair of teeth (64a, 64b), each of the pair of teeth extends radially away from the central axis (X), and the pair of teeth (64a, 64b) comprises first and second radial portions positioned on opposite sides of the central axis (X).

11. A valve arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the valve housing (13) comprises a main housing body (14) and a detent plate (76) which attaches to the main housing body (14).

12. The valve arrangement of claim 1, further comprising at least one sealing element (104), the at least one sealing element surrounding the valve element (18) between the flow control opening (26) and the biasing element (44).

13. A valve arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the flow passage (20) defines a flow passage axis, and wherein the flow passage axis (Y) is perpendicular to the central axis (X).

14. A valve arrangement according to claim 13, wherein: the flow control opening (26) defines a flow control axis, and at least one of the plurality of detent positions corresponds to a maximum flow level, at which the flow control axis is aligned with the flow passage axis (Y) and the cross-sectional area of the flow control opening (26) that is available to allow flow through the flow passage is maximized.

15. A valve arrangement according to claim 13, wherein: the flow control opening (26) defines a flow control axis, and at least one of the plurality of detent positions corresponds to a no-flow level, at which the flow control axis is perpendicular to the flow passage axis (Y) and no part of the cross-section of the flow control opening (26) is available to allow flow through the flow passage.

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