3D Tortuous Flow Element for Rotary Valve Noise Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear fluid control valves with noise attenuation assemblies are inadequate for applications requiring rotary closure elements, necessitating a flow control element that can achieve desired flow characteristics in a rotary valve.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control valve with a valve body and a flow control element featuring a peripheral and inward body with multiple flow control passageways, including a concave surface and spherical surface configuration, allowing incremental fluid flow control and pressure drop management through tortuous path stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a linear valve with annular impedance assembly is used, then noise reduction capability is improved, but adaptability to rotary closure elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the flow control element by providing multiple flow control passageways with different path lengths, cross-sectional areas, and tortuosity levels. This allows the rotary valve to achieve variable flow characteristics and noise attenuation at different rotation positions, adapting the linear valve's noise reduction capability to rotary closure elements.
2Ease of operation
If a rotary valve with simple opening is used, then ease of operation is improved, but noise performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow control element into multiple flow control passageways with distinct geometric characteristics. Each passageway provides a different flow path length and resistance, allowing the rotary valve to control noise performance by selectively exposing different numbers and types of passageways as it rotates, while maintaining ease of operation through simple rotational movement.
3Productivity
If flow control passageways with varying path lengths are provided, then flow characteristic control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple flow control functions into a single integrated flow control element. The element combines multiple passageways with different geometries, tortuous paths, and resistance characteristics into one component that rotates with the valve body, providing sophisticated flow control without requiring multiple separate control mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides improved turndown and noise performance in rotary valves by incrementally controlling fluid flow and pressure, enhancing energy attenuation and flow characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing energy attenuation and flow characteristics
Implementation Method 2
tortuous path stages
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid control valve includes a valve housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A valve body is disposed within the valve housing and is transitional relative to the valve housing between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the valve body prevents fluid flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The valve body is incrementally transitional from the closed position to the open position to incrementally increase the amount of fluid flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. A flow control element is positioned within the valve housing downstream of the valve body. The flow control element includes a peripheral body and an inward body having a plurality of flow control passageways extending therethrough. The flow control element additionally includes an opening defined collectively by the peripheral body and the inward body.