Explosion-Proof Flap Valve with Cam-Guided Rotary-Linear Motion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing explosion protection valves in pipelines have complex constructions, unreliable locking mechanisms, and high maintenance requirements, leading to inefficiencies in sealing and reliability, especially in pneumatic conveying systems.

Innovation Solution

A compact explosion protection valve with a flap plate that moves via a combination of rotary and linear movements, utilizing a bearing system with a cam disk and guides to ensure automatic locking and sealing, reducing flow resistance and maintenance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-bearing valve flap design is used, then the valve structure is simple, but the valve housing requires sufficient space for fully pivoting the flap resulting in a large valve housing volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve structureVSAvoidvalve housing
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a single rotational degree of freedom to a two-dimensional movement path combining rotary and linear components. The closing element follows a cam-guided trajectory that integrates both rotational and translational motion, enabling compact packaging while achieving full sealing coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a high operating pressure is used to lift the flap into operating position, then the valve can open reliably, but the flow resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve openingVSAvoidflow resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs a dynamic cam mechanism that transforms the opening motion into an optimized trajectory. The cam profile is designed to provide progressive leverage, reducing the peak pressure required to initiate opening while maintaining reliable sealing contact during closed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a locking device is located in the fluid flow to secure the disc in closed position, then the valve provides reliable locking, but the locking mechanism is susceptible to contamination or abrasion leading to increased maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking mechanismVSAvoidmaintenance requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the locking function from the high-velocity fluid flow zone and relocates it to the periphery where the closing element's motion path naturally provides locking action through the cam mechanism's geometric constraints, reducing exposure to contaminating particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If a curved disc design is used, then the valve can lift in opening direction towards the pipe wall, but the disc has a comparatively complex design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve opening motionVSAvoiddisc design
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the closing element into a flat disc portion and a separate cam-guided motion mechanism. This separation allows the disc itself to remain simple and flat while the complex motion control is handled by the external cam profile, simplifying manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2986876B1Explosion-proof valve
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 RICO SICHERHEITSTECHNIK AG
  • EP2986876B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2986876B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4a
  • EP2986876B1 patent drawingFigure 4b

AI summary

The invention relates to an explosion-proof valve (1), particularly a flap valve (1), for interrupting a flow of fluid (F), particularly in a pipeline, and comprising a valve housing (3) that has a passage opening (4) for the passage of the flow of fluid (F), and a valve seat (5) arranged at said passage opening (4), as well as a closing element (6), particularly a flap plate (6), which comprises a sealing surface (9) and lies with said sealing surface (9) against a valve seat (5) when in a closing position. The closing element (6) is moveably mounted on a bearing (17, 17') in the valve housing (3). The bearing (17, 17') of the closing element (6) is designed such that the closing element (6) can be moved, in a closing direction, out of the operating position and into the closing position by means of a rotational and a linear movement.