Segmented Axial Flow Valve for Partial Fluid Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional axial flow valves can only switch fluid flow as a whole, making it difficult to manage different quantities of fluid, which is disadvantageous for applications requiring varying fluid stream control.
Innovation Solution
A compact valve design with separately actuable valve units that can assume multiple switching positions, including intermediate positions, allowing for partial fluid flow control by arranging valve units radially and using pilot valves and servo valves for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a compact axial flow valve design is used, then the valve can be easily integrated into a straight section of a fluid line, but the valve can only switch the entire fluid flow as a whole and cannot control different quantities of fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into multiple independently actuable valve units (first valve unit, second valve unit, etc.) arranged radially around the main flow direction. Each valve unit can be controlled separately to open or close individual flow paths, enabling precise control of different fluid quantities while maintaining the compact axial flow design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve units are arranged radially to enable intermediate positions, then different fluid quantities can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve units with identical or similar structures are arranged radially around the main flow direction. Each valve unit functions as a complete flow control element with its own valve seat, closing element, and actuating device. This modular approach allows the system to achieve multiple intermediate positions through simple combinations of open/closed states of individual units without requiring complex unique mechanisms for each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve units are designed to be automatically actuated by pilot valves that respond to fluid pressure signals. The pilot valves control the main valve units based on the desired flow quantity, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms and allowing the system to self-regulate flow distribution.
3Volume of moving object
If valve units are arranged radially with transverse flow directions, then the valve remains compact and structurally advantageous, but the flow direction of individual units differs from the main flow direction
Solution Approach 1:
The valve units are arranged radially around the main flow direction, with their individual flow paths oriented transverse to the main axial flow. This radial arrangement in a different spatial dimension allows the valve to maintain a compact axial footprint while providing multiple independent flow control paths. The closing elements move radially to block or open each unit's flow path perpendicular to the main flow direction.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a valve for switching a fluid flow (F) with a valve inlet (2) and a valve outlet (3) which are arranged to allow axial flow through the fluid flow along a main flow direction (H), wherein at least two separately actuable valve units (4, 5) for switching partial quantities (F1, F2) of the fluid flow (F) are arranged between the valve inlet and the valve outlet.