Adjustable Sleeve-Cone Valve for Precise Homogenizing Gap Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-gap homogenizing valves face challenges such as high production and maintenance costs, susceptibility to failure, limited cleaning ability, and difficulties in adjusting gap height to match varying volume flows, leading to inconsistent product quality and potential process malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a sleeve and cone configuration with axially adjustable components, allowing for precise gap control and reduced component count, which enhances manufacturing efficiency and operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple valve discs are stacked to form multiple gaps for larger volume flows, then the valve can handle higher flow rates, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve disc functions into a single valve body with integrated flow channels. Instead of stacking multiple separate discs, the invention creates a monolithic structure with internal passages that achieve the same flow division and homogenization effect, thereby reducing part count while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is segmented into multiple functional zones with internal flow channels that create multiple gaps within a single component. This allows the valve to handle larger volume flows through distributed flow paths without requiring multiple separate valve discs
2Reliability
If spring elements are added to centre the valve discs, then the valve discs are properly positioned, but the radial installation space increases and overall valve size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring elements entirely from the design. Instead of using mechanical springs for centering and positioning, the invention relies on the precise geometry of the single valve body structure and fluid pressure to maintain proper valve disc positioning, eliminating the need for additional centering components
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body's own geometry and the fluid flow itself provide the centering and positioning function. The internal channels and gap structures are designed to self-align under fluid pressure, eliminating the need for external spring-based centering mechanisms
3Manufacturing precision
If the gap height is fixed by grinding between contact surfaces, then the gap height is precisely controlled, but adaptation to varying volume flows is difficult and requires deformation of upper discs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjustable mechanism that allows the gap height to be dynamically changed during operation. The valve body includes adjustment features that enable modification of the internal channel geometry, allowing the gap height to be adapted to different volume flow requirements while maintaining precise control through mechanical adjustment rather than deformation
4Reliability
If hard wear-resistant rust-free materials are used for valve discs, then the valve durability is improved, but material costs and processing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve disc functionality with the valve body into a single component made from standard materials. By eliminating separate valve discs and using a monolithic construction with internal channels, the invention reduces material requirements and allows the use of more cost-effective materials while maintaining durability through the integrated design
Data Source
AI summary
A valve including a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the valve body comprising a first valve element and a second valve element arranged in a housing. A gap is formed between the valve elements, the first valve element being conformed as a sleeve with an inner surface that tapers at least in sections towards the fluid outlet, the second valve element being conformed as a cone mounted in the sleeve, with the same inclination as the inner surface of the sleeve so as to form the gap. Additionally, an annular space open to the fluid outlet is formed between the sleeve and the inner surface of the housing. The sleeve has through holes towards the annular space and the cone has through openings towards the fluid inlet, the sleeve and the cone being axially adjustable relative to one another.