Ball Valve Assembly for In-Line Coolant Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water cooling systems with multiple pipeline devices require numerous valves and joints, making them bulky, prone to leaks, and difficult to maintain, especially when space is limited, as they need to be drained before maintenance can be performed.
Innovation Solution
A ball valve design with an outer valve body, valve core, rotational assembly, and functional assembly that includes maintenance openings, allowing the valve core to switch between positions to isolate the flow channel, enabling rapid maintenance and replacement of components without shutting down the pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If bypass lines and multiple valves are arranged for maintenance, then pipeline devices can be maintained, but the pipeline becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the maintenance function directly into the ball valve by incorporating a maintenance opening and a movable plug that can isolate the flow channel. This eliminates the need for separate bypass lines and multiple valves, combining the valve and maintenance access into a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball valve is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a flow control device and a maintenance access point. The maintenance opening with the movable plug allows the valve to isolate the flow channel for sensor or internal component maintenance while maintaining the primary flow control function.
2Ease of repair
If bypass lines are arranged for maintenance, then pipeline devices can be maintained, but the pipeline is prone to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the maintenance function into the valve body itself rather than adding separate bypass lines with multiple joints, the patent reduces the number of potential leak points. The maintenance opening is a direct integration into the valve structure, eliminating external connections.
3Ease of repair
If the pipeline is turned off to drain coolant for maintenance, then pipeline devices can be maintained, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve interior is segmented into an isolated region and a working region by the movable plug. This allows maintenance work to be performed on sensors or internal components in the isolated region while the working region continues to operate with coolant flow, enabling hot-swappable maintenance without shutting down the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous operation of the coolant circulation system during maintenance by allowing the working region to remain active while the isolated region is serviced. The coolant continues to flow through the operational portion of the system, maintaining productivity throughout the maintenance process.
4Ease of repair
If sufficient space is unavailable for bypass lines, then pipeline can be maintained by turning off and draining, but maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance function is integrated directly into the valve body with a maintenance opening provided on the valve exterior. This eliminates the need for external bypass lines and allows maintenance personnel to access and service components directly at the valve location, significantly reducing maintenance time and eliminating the need for space-consuming bypass infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to a ball valve having an outer valve body, a valve core, a rotational assembly, and a functional assembly. The valve core is accommodated in the outer valve body, and the valve core has a flow channel defined therein. The rotational assembly is connected to the valve core for turning the valve core. A portion of the functional assembly is disposed in the flow channel.