Low-Flow Check Valve With Annular Hinge for Dripless Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing systems face issues with valve geometries that fail to provide effective check pressure against forward flow, lead to fluid congealation, and allow air ingress during reverse flow, causing contamination and oxidation, especially with low viscosity fluids.
Innovation Solution
A check valve design featuring a resilient material valve body with an annular groove and radially extending lips, allowing for high check pressure and low flow pressure at high-flow rates, symmetric opening and closing, and a distinct reverse check pressure to prevent air entrainment during closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a Duckbill valve is used, then the valve structure is simple, but it does not provide check pressure against forward flow pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into multiple functional zones: a hinge section with an annular groove that provides a pivot point, a central portion with radially extending valve lips, and a planar outlet surface. This segmentation allows each zone to contribute to both structural simplicity and effective check pressure generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is constructed from resilient material that forms flexible valve lips, allowing the structure to deform under pressure differential and provide check pressure while maintaining simplicity. The resilient material enables the lips to flex open under forward flow pressure and return to closed position when pressure equalizes.
2Stress or pressure
If an Umbrella or Mushroom valve is used, then the valve provides check pressure, but the output flow is radial requiring redirection components
Solution Approach 1:
The planar outlet surface creates an equipotential flow condition where fluid exits uniformly across the entire outlet face rather than radially. This eliminates the need for additional redirection components by providing a flat, consistent exit plane that directs flow straight ahead.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve lips are positioned asymmetrically relative to the hinge section, with the hinge offset from the centerline. This asymmetric configuration causes the lips to open in a manner that directs flow forward rather than radially, eliminating the need for redirection components.
3Device complexity
If a Cruciform valve is used, then the valve structure is simple, but it cannot achieve both low high-flow pressure and high opening check pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge section is positioned in a different dimensional location than the valve lips, creating a lever arm effect. The annular groove in the hinge section offsets the pivot point from the centerline, adding a spatial dimension that provides mechanical advantage for achieving both low flow pressure and high check pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient material allows the valve to dynamically adjust its stiffness characteristics based on operating conditions. At low pressures, the lips remain closed; at moderate pressures, they open smoothly; and at high pressures, they provide effective check pressure, enabling the valve to operate across multiple pressure regimes.
4Device complexity
If a Dome valve is used, then the valve structure is simple, but air can be sucked past the valve during reverse flow closure
Solution Approach 1:
The offset hinge section creates a preliminary sealing action as the valve lips begin to close during reverse flow. The geometric configuration causes the lips to make contact with each other before air can be drawn past them, preventing air ingress during the closure process.
Solution Approach 2:
The simple resilient material construction provides sufficient sealing capability without requiring complex multi-component sealing systems. The disposable-like simplicity of the single-piece resilient valve body effectively prevents air ingress through its inherent geometric sealing action.
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 achieves high check pressure and low flow pressure for efficient dispensing, prevents fluid buildup and contamination, and ensures dripless closure without air introduction, suitable for a wide range of fluid properties.
Implementation Method 1
a valve body formed from a resilient material, the valve body having an inlet side and an outlet side
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems include a check valve including a valve body formed from a resilient material, the valve body having an inlet side and an outlet side. The valve body includes a rim forming an outer periphery of the valve body, and a hinge section comprising an annular groove formed on the inlet side of the valve body radially inward of and adjacent to the rim. The valve body also includes a plurality of lips formed at a center of the valve body by one or more slits extending radially outward from the center of the valve body towards the hinge. The hinge section is co-planar with the plurality of lips when in a closed position.