Automatic Valve With Separate Filling Pipe For Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic valves for waterway closure and water level regulation in dams and rivers face stability issues due to the interference of the water intake with the moments applied to the valve body, affecting hydraulic efficiency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The design features a separate first pipe connected to the filling orifice with a water intake positioned higher than the orifice, independent of the valve's open or closed position, allowing for decoupling of hydraulic supply constraints from stability constraints, and includes a second pipe for continuous filling and precise control, with adjustable water intake levels and a deformable connection to prevent leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the water intake is mounted on the crest of the valve body, then the filling structure is integrated with the body, but the water intake interferes with the moments applied to the body, reducing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The filling structure is segmented from the valve body through a separate first pipe. The pipe connects the water intake (mounted on the crest) to the filling orifice, allowing the water supply function to be separated from the valve body structure. This segmentation eliminates the interference between the water intake and the moments applied to the body, resolving the stability issue while maintaining functional integration.
2Productivity
If the water intake is positioned higher than the filling orifice, then hydraulic efficiency is improved, but the filling structure interferes with valve stability
Solution Approach 1:
The first pipe acts as an intermediary element between the water intake (positioned higher on the crest) and the filling orifice. This intermediary structure allows the water intake to be positioned at the optimal height for hydraulic efficiency while transmitting water to the filling orifice without the intake structure directly interfering with the valve body's moment balance and stability.
3Device complexity
If the pipe is fixed to the valve body, then the structure is simplified, but the pipe cannot be disconnected for maintenance operations
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the first pipe and the valve body is made dynamic rather than fixed. The pipe is positioned and configured to be disconnectable from the filling orifice through pivoting of the valve body, enabling maintenance operations. This dynamic arrangement allows the pipe to remain connected during normal operation while permitting disconnection when needed, balancing structural simplicity with maintainability.
4Device complexity
If a single pipe is used for filling, then the structure is simpler, but continuous filling cannot be ensured in both open and closed positions
Solution Approach 1:
The filling system is segmented into two separate pipes: the first pipe for filling when the valve is closed, and the second pipe for continuous filling when the valve is open. This segmentation ensures that filling can continue uninterrupted regardless of the valve position, as one pipe remains functional while the other is active, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity.
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
This configuration enhances hydraulic efficiency, stability, and flexibility, enabling optimized opening and closing levels, and ensures continuous filling and controlled water level management, minimizing water loss and maintaining valve functionality during maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
this first pipe can define, downstream of the water intake of the first pipe, a siphon fill port water supply)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a valve that changes between open and closed states and comprises a pivoting body (1) having a reservoir (14), at least one water inlet for filling the reservoir and at least one orifice (16) for emptying the reservoir, and a counterweight (13). The valve also comprises a first duct (31), separate from the body (1), connected to the filling orifice (17), and having a water intake (62) situated higher up than the filling orifice, whether the valve is open or closed.