Ball Valve Single Access Port Center Blockage Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ball valves with two access ports for clearing drain lines are complex, time-consuming to install, expensive, and ineffective in clearing blockages from the center of the ball, particularly in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A ball valve with a single access port that allows connection of a pressurized cleaning agent through a secondary passage, enabling blockage clearance from both sides of the valve, including the center, by modifying the standard ball valve with an access port and a secondary passage for efficient flow of cleaning agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two access ports are provided for clearing drain lines, then both sides of the valve can be cleared, but the device becomes more complex, larger, and more expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is divided into two functional zones: an open inside portion that receives pressurized cleaning agent through the secondary passage, and an outer surface that contacts the drain line. This segmentation allows the cleaning agent to be directed precisely where needed through the single access port, eliminating the need for multiple ports while maintaining comprehensive cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary passage acts as an intermediary channel that redirects the pressurized cleaning agent from the single access port into the open inside portion of the ball. This intermediary structure enables the cleaning agent to reach both sides of the drain line interface indirectly, achieving the same effect as two access ports but through a single connection point.
2Reliability
If two access ports are provided for clearing drain lines, then both sides can be cleared, but it takes more time to attach the cleaning agent to each port
Solution Approach 1:
The function of two separate access ports is merged into a single access port. The secondary passage internally distributes the cleaning agent to reach both sides of the drain line interface, eliminating the need to attach and detach cleaning agent sources multiple times. This merging reduces the time required for the clearing operation while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The single access port with secondary passage enables continuous flow of pressurized cleaning agent through the ball's open inside portion, maintaining uninterrupted cleaning action on both sides of the drain line. This continuous action eliminates the downtime associated with switching between multiple ports, improving operational efficiency.
3Reliability
If two access ports are provided, then both sides can be cleared, but the valve becomes larger and difficult to install in limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning agent delivery path is moved from an external dimension (multiple ports on the valve exterior) to an internal dimension (secondary passage leading to the open inside portion of the ball). This dimensional reorganization allows the valve to maintain a compact external footprint while providing comprehensive cleaning access through internal geometry.
4Ease of manufacture
If standard ball valve design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but it cannot clear blockages from the center of the ball
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is pre-configured with an open inside portion that is specifically designed to receive and direct pressurized cleaning agent. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when the cleaning agent is introduced through the secondary passage, it immediately contacts and clears blockages at the center of the ball and along the drain line interface, enhancing cleaning effectiveness without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
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
Facilitates efficient and cost-effective clearing of drain line blockages with a single connection, reducing installation complexity and size, while effectively addressing center blockages, suitable for various drain line applications.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary passage configured to allow the flow of the pressurized cleaning agent into the open inside portion of the ball
Data Source
AI summary
A ball valve with single access port includes a ball valve body; a ball disposed inside the ball valve body, the ball having an open inside portion creating a primary passage, an operating position of the ball determining the flow of fluid and pressurized cleaning agent through the valve; a secondary passage configured to allow the flow of the pressurized cleaning agent into the open inside portion of the ball and an access port allowing an external source of the pressurized cleaning agent to be coupled to the ball valve.