Ball Valve Element With Insertion Bore and Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for creating a ball valve element with an impedance element are time-consuming and require precise machining of the exterior surface to match the internal dimensions of the rotary ball valve assembly, which is challenging and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A ball valve element design that includes an insertion bore with a fluid-flow passage and an impedance element fixed within, where the impedance element can be dimensioned for a close or interference fit, and features a plurality of apertures and conduits, allowing for the formation of new fluid openings that eliminate the need for precise machining of the exterior surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the impedance element is provided in the bore or conduit of the ball valve element, then pressure control and energy dissipation are achieved, but the exterior surface must be accurately machined to match the internal dimensions of the housing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forming the exterior surface of the ball valve element to match the housing internal dimensions, the invention inverts the approach by forming the housing internal surface to match the standard ball valve element exterior. This is achieved by providing a liner or sleeve within the housing that has the precise spherical surface geometry, eliminating the need for complex exterior machining of the ball valve element while maintaining the required precision fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a liner or sleeve as an intermediary component between the housing and the ball valve element. This liner/sleeve has the precisely formed internal spherical surface that interfaces with the ball valve element's exterior, acting as a mediator that provides the required precision fit without requiring complex machining of either the housing or the ball valve element. The liner can be easily manufactured and installed, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
2Manufacturing precision
If the impedance element is accurately formed to fit the internal dimensions of the ball valve housing, then the fit is precise, but the process is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-forming the liner or sleeve with the precise spherical internal surface geometry before assembly. This allows the ball valve element to be manufactured with standard, simpler exterior surfaces, and the precision fit is achieved through the pre-prepared liner that is installed in the housing before the ball valve element is assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing time while maintaining fit precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner or sleeve can be manufactured as a relatively simple, inexpensive component that provides the precise fit requirement. Rather than investing significant time and resources into complex machining of the ball valve element exterior or housing interior, the invention uses a simpler liner component that achieves the same precision fit goal more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4d
AI summary
A ball valve element (10) comprises a valve body (12) with an at least partly spherical exterior surface (14); and an insertion bore formed in the valve body (12) from a first opening (22) in the valve body (12) to a fluid-flow passage (16) through the valve body (12). The fluid-flow passage (16) extends from a second opening to a third fluid opening (26) spaced from the first opening (22), wherein the third opening (26) comprises a plurality of apertures (30) through a wall (28) of the valve body (12). An impedance element (18) is fixed in the insertion bore and extends at least partially into the fluid-flow passage (16).