Aviation Shut-Off Valve with Slow Opening and Clear Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shut-off valves for compressed gases face issues such as rapid gas flow leading to particle impact ignition, adiabatic compression causing temperature increases and potential ignition, and time-consuming closure with unclear status indication, particularly with highly oxidized gases.
Innovation Solution
A shut-off valve design featuring a pin element with guiding and restriction means for controlled slow opening and quick closing, utilizing high-pitched threading for minimal rotation and a status indicator, reducing adiabatic compression and pressure variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the valve opens rapidly to allow quick gas flow, then the productivity is improved, but the gas speed becomes too high causing particle impact ignition and adiabatic compression leading to temperature increase and potential ignition
Solution Approach 1:
The pin element implements dynamic control of the opening process through two distinct phases: initially guiding gas flow radially to prevent particle impact ignition, then using restriction means to enable quick closing when needed. The system transitions from a static valve design to a dynamic one that adapts its flow characteristics during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin element acts as an intermediary component between the sealing element and the gas flow. It mediates the opening process by first guiding flow radially and then providing restriction means to control the rate of opening, thereby preventing both particle impact ignition and excessive adiabatic compression while still enabling quick closing when required.
2Reliability
If the valve closing requires several turns of hand wheel to ensure controlled closure, then the reliability is improved, but the loss of time increases and the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design implements dynamic control where the opening and closing processes are differentiated. The pin element's restriction means enables quick closing action when needed, while the threaded connection provides controlled movement during opening. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt its closure speed based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the pin element with guiding means for controlled opening, the restriction means for quick closing capability, and the threaded connection for precise positioning. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently, achieving both controlled closure and rapid response when needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the pin element with restriction means is used to enable slow opening, then the ignition risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin element serves multiple functions within a single component: it provides guiding means to direct gas flow radially during initial opening, incorporates restriction means to control the opening rate and prevent ignition, and features threaded connection for integration with the hand wheel mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while achieving the desired safety and control objectives.
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 design ensures safer operation by minimizing ignition risks and reducing pressure variations, allowing for quicker valve operation with clear status indication and extended component life.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element (8) for biasing a first end (9) of the sealing element (6) such that a second end (10) of the sealing element (6) is in contact with the pin element (7)
Implementation Method 2
Another problem which may arise is that adiabatic compression caused by the opening of the shut-off valve and gas entering non-pressurised areas may lead to increase in temperature of the gas for a moment
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a shut-off valve (1) for controlling flow of a pressurised gas. The shut-off valve (1) comprises a body (2) defining a passage (3) extending between a gas inlet channel (4) and a gas outlet channel (5), and a sealing element (6) arranged to, in a first position, close the passage (3), and in a second position, open the passage (3) to allow gas to flow between the gas inlet channel (4) and the gas outlet channel (5) through the passage (3). The invention also relates to a method for controlling flow of a pressurised gas by means of a shut-off valve (1).