Butterfly Valve Elastic Gasket with Dynamic Sealing and Low Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing butterfly valves with inflatable gaskets require compressed air for operation, leading to potential environmental contamination risks and wear issues due to repeated contact between the gasket and shutter, especially in dynamic applications, and are prone to product contamination, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector.
Innovation Solution
A butterfly valve with an elastic gasket that changes configuration between retracted and expanded states using mobile pressers, eliminating the need for compressed air and minimizing wear by allowing the gasket to surround the shutter perimeter only when closed, with a 'C'-shaped cross-section and radial passages for presser engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastic gasket protrudes towards the inside of the passage section to improve sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but wear of the gasket increases due to repeated contact with the shutter
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is designed to change its configuration dynamically between retracted and expanded states. Mobile pressers move the gasket between these states based on valve position, allowing the gasket to adapt its shape rather than maintaining a fixed protruding form, thereby reducing wear during operation while maintaining sealing when closed
2Duration of action of stationary object
If an inflatable toroidal gasket is used to reduce wear during operation, then gasket wear is reduced, but the valve requires compressed air supply system which increases device complexity and contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile pressers are actuated by the valve's own operation mechanism rather than requiring an external compressed air system. The pressers utilize the valve's positional changes to automatically move the gasket between retracted and expanded configurations, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional pneumatic infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile pressers serve as intermediary elements between the valve mechanism and the gasket. These pressers translate the valve's operational movements into corresponding gasket position changes, mediating the interaction between the shutter and gasket without requiring direct pneumatic actuation of the gasket itself
3Reliability
If the gasket remains expanded during operation to maintain sealing, then sealing is maintained, but abrasion increases due to sliding contact between gasket and shutter
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket undergoes periodic configuration changes synchronized with valve operation. It is retracted during opening/closing movements to minimize contact and abrasion, then expanded during the closed position to maintain sealing integrity. This periodic expansion and retraction reduces cumulative wear while preserving sealing performance
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 valve provides hermetic sealing without compressed air, reduces wear, and prevents product contamination by ensuring easy cleaning and avoiding residue accumulation, suitable for chemical-pharmaceutical applications.
Implementation Method 1
its perimeter interferes with the gasket and the latter elastically deforms in order to perfectly adhere to the perimeter edge of the shutter and seal the passage section
Data Source
AI summary
A butterfly valve having a disc shutter that engages a gasket whose configuration varies according to the action exerted on its external perimeter by a plurality of pressers sliding in the thickness of the valve body.