Ball-Actuated Flow Control Valve for Precise Anti-Clogging Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control valves lack precision in adjusting the flow rate of liquids, with designs like ball valves having limited adjustability and needle valves prone to clogging, making it difficult to achieve fine control in industrial and medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A flow control valve design featuring a central shaft with a seating ring and a plurality of balls that can be moved radially to adjust the cross-sectional area of the fluid path, allowing for precise control of the flow rate, with a downstream tip that resists deformation and a bell housing that moves longitudinally to vary the ball position, enabling fine control of fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ball valve is used for flow control, then the valve structure is simple and easy to operate, but the flow rate adjustment precision is poor due to limited 1/4 turn adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The valve interior cross-section is segmented into multiple adjustable flow passages by dividing the ball into multiple segments that can rotate independently. This allows continuous adjustment of flow rate by varying the angular positions of different ball segments, transforming a simple on/off valve into a precision flow control device while maintaining the ease of rotational operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve transitions from a static full-open/full-closed state to a dynamic state where multiple ball segments can be positioned at different angular orientations. This dynamic positioning capability enables continuous flow rate adjustment throughout the rotation cycle, significantly improving flow control precision while preserving the simplicity of rotational actuation.
2Measurement precision
If a needle valve is used for flow control, then the flow rate adjustment precision is improved, but the valve is susceptible to clogging with material
Solution Approach 1:
The valve employs spherical ball segments with smooth curved surfaces instead of needle-like protrusions. This spherical geometry eliminates sharp edges and narrow gaps where material could accumulate, ensuring smooth material flow through the valve while maintaining precise flow control capabilities through angular adjustment of the ball segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ball segments have optimized surface properties - the flow control surfaces maintain smooth curved geometry to prevent clogging, while specific localized areas provide sealing surfaces for precise flow regulation. This local differentiation allows the valve to achieve both anti-clogging performance and flow control precision simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If the resilient tubular member is compressed radially inwardly by moving balls, then the flow rate control precision is improved, but the downstream tip may deform compromising the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The downstream tip of the resilient tubular member is pre-formed with enhanced structural characteristics (such as increased thickness or reinforced geometry) before assembly. This preliminary strengthening prevents deformation when radial compression forces are applied during flow control operation, ensuring the tip maintains its sealing geometry against the seating ring throughout the valve's operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The downstream tip region of the resilient tubular member utilizes composite construction or material reinforcement (such as layered structures or embedded rigid elements) that combines the flexibility needed for flow control with the structural strength required to maintain seal integrity under compression, preventing deformation while enabling precise flow regulation.
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 provides a high degree of precision in controlling the flow rate, preventing clogging and ensuring a reliable seal, allowing for effective use in applications requiring precise fluid management, such as cutting or grinding hard materials and medical contexts.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient tubular member (32) defining a fluid path (33) therethrough... when the plurality of balls (42) are moved radially inwardly, the cross-sectional area of the fluid path (33) is decreased
Implementation Method 2
a bell housing (40) in longitudinal movement with respect to the central shaft (26) to vary the position of the plurality of balls (42)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A flow control valve has a central shaft, with a resilient tubular member extending therethrough and defining a fluid flow path. A plurality of balls are positioned in apertures in the central shaft. A bell housing is engaged with the central shaft for longitudinal movement relative thereto, and has an angled internal camming surface in contact with an outside edge of each one of the balls. Longitudinal movement of the bell housing relative to the central shaft in a first direction causes radially inward movement of the plurality of balls to decrease a cross-sectional area of the fluid flow path.