Externally Adjustable Check Valve Stop for Viscosity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spray systems require disassembly to adjust inlet openings for different fluid viscosities, leading to inefficiency and wear due to inadequate adjustment mechanisms for check valves.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable stop mechanism for check valves, featuring a variable stop with offset pins or cams, allows external adjustment of the valve member's travel distance, enabling precise control of inlet openings without disassembly, using markings for intuitive viscosity settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional inlet ball valve with shims is used to change inlet opening size, then the inlet opening can be adjusted for different fluid viscosities, but the pump must be disassembled to add or remove shims which is inconvenient and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the static inlet opening size into a dynamic, adjustable parameter. The ball stop mechanism allows the inlet opening size to be changed during operation by rotating the adjustment mechanism, which moves the ball stop to different positions along the adjustment rod, thereby changing the inlet opening size without disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-contained and accessible from the exterior of the pump housing. The operator can independently adjust the inlet opening size by rotating the adjustment rod or knob without requiring disassembly of the pump, making the system self-serviceable for different fluid viscosity requirements.
2Productivity
If inlet opening is made small for thin fluids, then pump efficiency is improved, but thick fluids cannot enter the inlet fast enough causing undesirable suction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameter of inlet opening size dynamically. By adjusting the ball stop position along the adjustment rod, the inlet opening size can be varied to match the viscosity requirements of different fluids, allowing the pump to maintain optimal efficiency across a range of fluid properties.
3Quantity of substance
If ball travel distance is increased for thick fluids, then sufficient fluid volume can enter the inlet, but excessive ball travel causes wear of the ball and ball seat due to excess inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the ball travel distance to be optimized for each operating condition. The ball stop can be positioned at different locations along the adjustment rod to limit the ball's travel distance, preventing excessive inertia and wear while still allowing sufficient fluid intake for thick fluids when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve comprises a housing, a fluid passage, a seat, a valve member and a stop. The fluid passage extends through the housing. The seat is disposed in the fluid passage. The valve member is positioned in the passage to engage the seat. The stop extends through the housing to engage the valve member. The stop is accessible from outside the housing to adjust a distance the valve member can travel from the seat. In one embodiment, the stop includes a variable stop feature, such as an offset pin or a cam. In another embodiment, the stop includes a pump control valve. In yet another embodiment, the housing includes markings to indicate a position of the stop. The valve member comprises a ball or a poppet in different embodiments.