Biasing Valve Assembly for Low-Pressure Pipe Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inserting valves into existing pipes require large excavations, damage the pipe integrity, and often result in difficulties in attaching or removing valve bonnets and gates, leading to potential fluid escape issues, especially on low-pressure pipes.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly system with a sealing housing comprising lower and upper housing portions that encircle the pipe, using sealing members and a biasing system to secure the valve in place, allowing for minimal excavation and easy installation/removal, while preventing fluid escape through the use of a valve assembly with a gate that can be temporarily or permanently sealed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a large excavation is performed to access the existing pipe, then the valve can be installed, but the pipe integrity is adversely affected and the excavation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into separate components: a sealing housing that interfaces with the pipe, a valve body, and a bonnet. This segmentation allows the sealing housing to be installed minimally invasively on the existing pipe while the valve mechanism can be assembled and attached separately, reducing the need for large excavations and protecting pipe integrity.
2Ease of operation
If a cutting machine is used to create a slit in the pipe, then the gate can be inserted, but the pipe integrity is compromised and the cut section is large
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from the valve body and placed in a separate sealing housing that interfaces with the pipe. This allows the gate mechanism to be inserted through a minimal opening while the sealing housing provides the necessary seal without requiring a large cut in the pipe, thus preserving pipe integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the valve bonnet and gate are attached after pipe cutting, then the valve function is achieved, but removal becomes difficult and fluid escape may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The bonnet is designed with dynamic fastening features including threaded fasteners and biasing members that allow for easy assembly and disassembly. The biasing members maintain sealing pressure during operation but can be easily released for removal, enabling both secure attachment during use and simple removal when needed, preventing fluid escape in either state.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the valve is installed on low-pressure pipes, then the valve can function, but fluid escape becomes difficult to prevent when bonnet is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing members are pre-loaded during assembly to exert continuous sealing force on the sealing surfaces before any operational pressure is applied. This preliminary sealing action ensures that even when the bonnet is removed or in low-pressure conditions, the sealing members maintain contact with the sealing surfaces, preventing fluid escape proactively rather than reactively.
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 system minimizes pipe damage, facilitates easy attachment and removal of valve components, and effectively prevents fluid escape, even on low-pressure pipes, by using a sealing housing and biasing members to ensure a secure and airtight seal.
Implementation Method 1
at least one biasing member positioned within the upper housing portion and configured to exert a biasing force against the valve, creating a biasing system that urges the valve toward the closed position
Implementation Method 2
sealing members positioned within the lower and upper housing portions that contact the existing pipe about at least two outer circumferences of the existing pipe
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A valve assembly may include a valve having an upper valve surface and a lower valve surface. The valve may be movable in a slot in a housing between an open position and a closed position, and the slot may have an upper slot surface and a lower slot surface. The valve assembly may include a biasing member movably positioned within the housing that may be configured to urge the valve toward one of the upper slot surface and the lower slot surface.