Butterfly Valve Flange Alignment Groove for Multi-Standard Plumbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe alignment mechanisms for butterfly valves lack versatility and ease of use, particularly in accommodating various flange connection standards, leading to difficulties in accurate centering and increased component complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pipe alignment mechanism with a groove or hole at the top flange of the valve box that accepts different positioning tool shapes, including a freely-expandable/contractable bayonet mechanism, allowing for various flange connection standards and facilitating easy assembly and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sleeve-shaped positioning tool is attached to the valve box and allocated on the pipe flange outer surface, then alignment positioning is achieved, but multiple sleeves are needed for different flange diameters, increasing component variety and storage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning tool is designed with a universal groove structure that can accommodate different flange connection standards through multiple insertion groove positions. A single positioning tool body serves multiple functions by providing different insertion groove configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sleeves for different flange diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning tool is divided into functional segments: a main body portion and multiple insertion grooves positioned at different locations. Each insertion groove can be selectively used depending on the flange connection standard, allowing the same tool to adapt to various positioning requirements without changing the overall tool structure.
2Ease of operation
If traditional alignment methods using set collars or semi-circular hooks are used, then attachment to bolts is achieved, but the bolt becomes unstable during insertion and centering is difficult to perform
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning tool acts as an intermediary device between the bolt and the alignment process. The groove structure provides a stable receiving space for the bolt, preventing instability during insertion. The positioning tool mediates the interaction between the bolt and valve box, ensuring proper centering and stable attachment.
3Manufacturing precision
If a positioning tool is designed for specific flange standards, then accurate alignment for that standard is achieved, but the tool cannot be reused for other standards, reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning tool incorporates dynamic adaptability through multiple insertion groove positions that can be selectively activated. The tool transitions from a static, single-purpose design to a dynamic, multi-configurable system where different groove positions are engaged depending on the required flange connection standard, maintaining alignment precision across various standards.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a butterfly valve pipe alignment mechanism configured so that favorable usability can be provided and an alignment process in plumbing can be easily performed. In the present invention, a groove (10) into which a positioning tool (11) is to be inserted is provided at a portion below a top flange (6). An end surface position of the groove (10) is on a plane on which a pipe flange (7) and a valve box (1) are joined to each other. The groove (10) is drilled in an elongated oval shape, and groove step portions (10a, 10b, 10c) projecting in both directions of a lateral direction are formed at multiple positions of the groove (10) so that the groove (10) can accept various flange connection standards.