Ball Valve Drain-Proof Mechanism with Interchangeable Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art ball or half-ball valves are prone to annular seat or stem damage, leading to improper sealing and potential drainage issues due to overuse.
Innovation Solution
A drain-proof mechanism with three interchangeable structures, including an annular seat with a trench and O-ring, a connecting ring with stepped structures, and a metal annular seat with recesses, providing enhanced sealing and ease of maintenance through replaceable elements and a wavelike waterproof washer for counterforce clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the valve unit is used repeatedly, then the valve can control flow effectively, but the annular seat or stem becomes destroyed or inclined leading to drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into modular components: a replaceable drain-proof unit with annular seat, drain-proof rings, and waterproof washer that can be independently maintained. This segmentation allows replacement of worn sealing elements without replacing the entire valve, resolving the contradiction by enabling continuous operation while maintaining sealing reliability through periodic maintenance of specific components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs elastic drain-proof rings that change their physical state (compression/extension) during valve operation. These rings are designed to deform elastically to accommodate stem movement while maintaining constant sealing pressure, thus preserving sealing performance over multiple operation cycles despite wear and thermal expansion variations.
2Reliability
If the cover is tightly locked to prevent drainage, then sealing is improved, but repairing or maintaining internal elements becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into a permanently locked cover-bonded-to-annular-seat structure and a separate replaceable drain-proof unit. This segmentation enables tight sealing between the cover and body while allowing easy removal and replacement of the internal drain-proof elements through the valve opening, resolving the contradiction between secure locking and maintenance accessibility.
3Strength
If the annular seat is made robust to prevent destruction, then strength is improved, but twisting forces during operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid annular seats with flexible elastic drain-proof rings that can deform under twisting forces. These elastic rings provide sufficient sealing strength while accommodating operational twisting movements, thus resolving the contradiction between requiring strong sealing and minimizing operational resistance.
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 solution effectively prevents drainage and reduces twisting forces during valve operation, ensuring reliable sealing and ease of maintenance, making the valve suitable for various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a drain-proof ring being an O ring The drain-proof ring being received in the trench of the annular seat; the drain-proof ring being elastic
Implementation Method 2
a waterproof washer being an annular ring and an axial ring surface of the waterproof washer having a wavelike shape so as to provide a counterforce in clamping
Implementation Method 3
a front end of the second drain-proof ring being formed as a convex V shape protrusion corresponding to the V shape concave recess of the first drain-proof ring; the second drain-proof ring being elastic
Data Source
AI summary
A ball or half-ball valve with drain-proof mechanism comprises a body; inner side of the body being formed as a chamber and a through hole communicated to the chamber; an annular seat received in an annular trench of a wall of the through hole; a drain-proof unit; a valve unit installed to the inner side of the annular seat; the valve unit having an axial hole for receiving the stem; and a cover having a size corresponding to that of the through hole of the body; the cover being locked to an outer side of the through hole. The drain-proof unit has three different structures. The elements of the structures are replaceable with each other for being installed to the valve. Each mode is suitable for different environments. In the present invention, the cover can be detached easily for repairing or maintaining the elements therein. It is easy and convenient.